“Climbing to New Heights": Isis Devisch-Lal's Path from Gymnastics to Nationally Ranked Speed Rock Climber

1. When you were 6 years old you participated in boys gymnastics because you loved the rings. At this young age you were told you couldn’t compete on the rings because you were a girl.  How has that affected you and your ambitions?  If you could go back in time, what is something you would tell yourself at that age?  

I think that that experience affected my view of what women were “supposed” to be doing. I felt self-conscious about wanting to do a more upper-body central sport, but that feeling went away after I found rock climbing. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself at that age that there are many sports in the world for people who have different loves.

2.You have ranked #36 in the US for speed indoor rock climbing. What does your training entail and how do you keep yourself motivated?  Tell us about the strategies that you use to balance your high school academics, interest in astrophysics, intense rock climbing, kung fu etc.

I train climbing fourteen hours per week, warming up with stretching bands, light weights, jump squats, push-ups, etc., as well as bouldering (climbing low to the ground). I cross-train with Kung Fu and weight training two hours per week. I try to get most of my homework done during work periods during the school day. On training weekdays, I do homework directly after I return. Otherwise, I have Thursday and weekend evenings off to do work. The majority of my engineering and astrophysics projects happen during the summer when I have more time.

3. You have built an electric guitar and lamps from scratch and hope to use your electrical knowledge to help increase the usage of green energy. You have also completed the Pulsar Search Collaboratory training course which helped you qualify to rate and discover new pulsars.  What made you realize or peaked your interest in wanting to learn more about how our universe works and why is helping increase the use of green energy and making it more popular to our society at large more important to you?

As a kid, I watched a show with my parents called How the Universe Works. It had incredible scientists explaining, with stunning visuals, phenomena like black holes, supernovae, and pulsars! It was my favorite show for years. I memorized it, and it was what started my love for space.

I think green energy is important in order to allow life on earth to continue to thrive. Reducing greenhouse gasses will prevent catastrophic climate change by reducing natural disasters and occurrences like melting ice, preserving our incredible planet.

4. How have your interests in astro physics and experiences in rock, speed and lead climbing shaped your aspirations for the future?

If I had been asked as a kid if I could ever qualify for the world cup for rock climbing, I would have gone, “What?” 

I think now, after having put lots of effort into my sport, it’s not out of reach. I feel more confident that I will be successful both sports-wise and academically. I always loved engineering and astrophysics, but when I was younger I was more unsure of whether I could succeed in any demanding environment. My experience in rock climbing has made me stronger physically and mentally. I feel more comfortable with having big goals, because I have learned that it is true: through hard work, you can achieve your dreams.

5. As a platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream?

My next big dream is placing top 3 in the U.S. for speed climbing making it to the Youth Climbing World Cup. Past that, I want to pursue a career in engineering to help make green energy more efficient, effective, and popular.

Thank you Isis for sharing your inspiring story with us! We are excited to have you in our global network!

Bio: Isis Devisch-Lal is a fifteen-year-old, nationally-ranked rock climber with the goal of world championships. She is ranked #36 in the U.S. for speed climbing, competes in lead and bouldering, and enjoys fostering the love of climbing in other young newcomers. She has to balance her extreme sports schedule with demanding schoolwork for the scientific career she wants to pursue in the future. She is studying to become an electrical engineer and astrophysicist. She builds electronic devices and frequently works with the Green Bank Observatory to grade pulsars and learn more about radio astronomy. In addition to her rock climbing and academics, she does Kung Fu and has studied Kathak for 9 years.