Isabel Ruiz-Flint

Isabel Ruiz-Flint is a second-year Doctor of Audiology student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and a 2026–2027 LEND Trainee. Her passion for neurodevelopmental disabilities and pediatric audiology has been shaped by experiences supporting children and families, working as a newborn hearing screener, and advocating for accessible hearing healthcare and communication. Isabel is the founder and director of Hands for Hearing, a youth-based outreach program dedicated to educating about hearing, and she also serves as a Commissioner on the Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations. Her current professional interests include pediatric audiology, educational audiology, and research exploring how hormonal changes may influence auditory function and communication.

Through LEND, Isabel hopes to further develop her skills as an interdisciplinary advocate. She is particularly interested in improving access to early identification, hearing healthcare, and inclusive educational environments. Following her AuD, Isabel hopes to pursue a career that combines pediatric clinical practice, research, and advocacy, with a long-term goal of contributing to more equitable and individualized care for children with disabilities and their families.