Empowering Women in STEM: Seattle Cosmetic Surgeon Awards $3,500 Scholarship to a Local Washington Graduate
Bellevue cosmetic surgeon Alexander Sobel, DO, FAACS, is thrilled to announce Ysabel Yu, a graduate student at the University of Washington, as the recipient of the sixth annual WISE (Women in STEM Excel) Scholarship. Since establishing the WISE Scholarship in 2017, the awarded funds have helped continue Dr. Sobel’s mission to support and empower Washington State women pursuing degrees in STEM-related fields.
About Ysabel“I am deeply honored to play a small role in fostering Washingtonian women in STEM; their remarkable contributions improve quality of life for all. Ysabel’s outstanding academic achievement and passion for civil engineering is a perfect example of the qualities we want to celebrate and support through the WISE Scholarship.”
—Dr. Sobel
Ysabel is a graduate student from the University of Washington and plans to use the scholarship funds to further her education with a PhD in Civil Engineering. Early on in her undergraduate career, Ysabel discovered how civil engineering can positively impact her community, fueling her desire to learn as much as she can and eventually contribute to the field as a future educator.
“My love for civil engineering and urban design is largely credited to my admiration of my professors and their dedication to the field,” says Ysabel. “Their interests and careers in engineering made my classes exciting and worthwhile, and I aspire to inspire future students in the same way.”
Ysabel’s scholarship application stood out among an impressive pool of applicants for both her academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. She has actively participated in various organizations and leadership roles, including serving as President and Treasurer of the Society of Women Engineers, President of the Cross Country Club, and an Engineering Teaching Assistant. Ysabel has volunteered for Kids Against Hunger and has tutored high school and college students, showcasing her heart for learning, advocacy, and community service.
Women in STEM fields are underrepresented, something Ysabel is keenly aware of and committed to helping change. She aims to make a significant impact in our society by challenging stereotypes in her field and building a foundation for an inclusive engineering community. Ysabel also wants to cultivate a safe environment where every voice, regardless of gender, is valued and respected, not ignored simply because of biases. She hopes her advocacy for women in civil engineering helps ensure and celebrate diversity and new perspectives, improving and advancing the boundaries of what can be achieved.
“I know that every woman in engineering can serve as an inspiration to others. I strive for excellence for myself and as a testament to what women can achieve when provided with opportunities,” says Ysabel. “Overall, my dream as a woman in STEM is to not just pave the way for myself, but to pave the way for others as well; to ensure that it is inclusive and equitable for the women who will come after me.”
About the WISE Scholarship
Dr. Sobel established the WISE Scholarship to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. This scholarship provides a $3,500 award to assist with educational expenses, including textbooks, supplies, technology, and on-campus costs. The Scholarship Selection Committee thoroughly reviews each application and letters of recommendation and selects the winner based on merit and successful completion of all application requirements.
“Our past recipients have gone on to achieve remarkable things in engineering, geophysics, chemistry, and biology, and I have no doubt that Ysabel will continue this tradition of excellence!“
—Dr. Sobel
“Supporting these bright, driven women as they pave the way for future generations in STEM is a huge highlight for me and my team every year,” says Dr. Sobel. “Our past recipients have gone on to achieve remarkable things in engineering, geophysics, chemistry, and biology, and I have no doubt that Ysabel will continue this tradition of excellence!”
About Dr. Sobel
Dr. Alex Sobel is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon based in Bellevue, Washington, and is just minutes from Downtown, Wilburton, Medina, Northwest Bellevue, Bridle Trails, Somerset, Beaux-Arts, Meydenbauer, Interlake, Woodridge, Crossroads, Newport Hills, Lakemont, and Tam O’Shanter. Dr. Sobel and his staff of aesthetic specialists proudly serve Northern Washington communities, including Bellevue, Seattle, Redmond, and Kirkland.