Splash Biography



ISABEL RANCU, Yale junior studying MB&B and S&DS




Major: MB&B

College/Employer: Yale

Year of Graduation: 2026

Picture of Isabel Rancu

Brief Biographical Sketch:

Not Available.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

A4982: An Introduction to Modular Origami in Splash Fall 2024 (Nov. 09, 2024)
Ever wondered how a single piece of paper can transform into intricate structures? Explore the art of modular origami! Our class unveils the secrets behind creating stunning sculptures from multiple folded units, offering a hands-on journey into creativity and precision. Join us and unfold the magic!


S4983: Evolution by Numbers: An Introduction to Phylogenetic Trees in Splash Fall 2024 (Nov. 09, 2024)
We have all heard of the tree of life: the idea that all species are somehow connected to one another through similar genes and evolutionary events. But how exactly do we come to these conclusions? In this course, we will talk about the basis of the phylogenetic tree. We will dive into the characteristic of these evolutionary trees, taking a peak at the math and data used to construct them. We will also discuss how these trees not only describe current species but also help predict important evolutionary relationships in the future. Join us as we branch out into this new topic!


E4952: Monsters and Miniatures: Deep-Sea Lifeforms in Sprout Fall 2024 (Oct. 05 - 12, 2024)
Explore the fascinating depths of the deep sea, where giant squids and tiny microbes thrive in extreme conditions. Uncover the incredible adaptations that allow these creatures to survive the crushing pressure and complete darkness of the ocean's depths. Students will discover how both large and small organisms play crucial roles in maintaining ocean ecosystems. We'll also investigate how scientists use cutting-edge technologies like submarines, robots, and deep-sea cameras to explore this hidden world. Join us as we dive into one of Earth’s last frontiers, where new species are waiting to be discovered!


M4849: What are the odds you get sick? in Splash Spring 2024 (Apr. 06, 2024)
Here’s a thought experiment: you’re in a room with 20 people, and 5 of them are contagiously ill. What are the odds you get sick? In this lesson, we will explore how math, statistics, and computer science intersect to help epidemiologists understand the spread of infectious disease. We will cover concepts in probability, simulation, Bayesian inference, and statistical modeling that predict outbreaks before they happen. Join us to solve a few problems and learn how leading public health officials identify emerging infections before they hit the news.


S4863: Medical Mysteries: Monsters Inside Me in Splash Spring 2024 (Apr. 06, 2024)
A 12-year-old female presents with an unexplained form of spontaneous epilepsy. A 38-year-old man began speaking gibberish after falling off his bed. A 78-year-old women woke up with symptoms of meningitis with no sign of bacterial or viral infection. So, what was responsible? Join us in this hour-long journey of looking at medical mysteries caused by parasitic infections. We will walk through the diagnostic process for some of the most fascinating cases in modern medicine, including the parasites that caused them. Students will have the opportunity to take votes on what they think might have caused these symptoms, so bring your medical curiosity, and best guess, to class.


X4884: An Introduction to Christopher Nolan in Splash Spring 2024 (Apr. 06, 2024)
Do you love movies that bend your mind, thrill your senses, and make you question everything? Then you need to join this course and dive into the world of Christopher Nolan, the visionary director behind some of the most groundbreaking and acclaimed films of our time. From his indie debut Following to his latest epic Oppenheimer, you will discover how Nolan crafts his stories, experiments with techniques, and explores themes that resonate with millions of viewers. Whether you are a fan of his sci-fi masterpieces like Inception and Interstellar, his gritty Batman trilogy, or his historical dramas like Dunkirk and The Dark Knight Rises, you will find something new and exciting to learn in this course. WARNING: there will be spoilers!


A4892: An Introduction to Modular Origami in Splash Spring 2024 (Apr. 06, 2024)
Ever wondered how a single piece of paper can transform into intricate structures? Explore the art of modular origami! Our class unveils the secrets behind creating stunning sculptures from multiple folded units, offering a hands-on journey into creativity and precision. Join us and unfold the magic!


S4788: The Odds of Getting Sick in Splash Fall 2023 (Nov. 11, 2023)
Here’s a thought experiment: you’re in a room with 20 people, and 5 of them are contagiously ill. What are the odds you will get sick? In this lesson, we will explore how math, statistics, and computer science intersect to help epidemiologists understand the spread of infectious disease. We will cover concepts in basic probability, simulation, and principles of infectious disease modeling that predict outbreaks before they happen. Join us and learn how leading public health officials identify emerging infections before they hit the news.