Sisterhood has been the golden thread woven through the Fisher sisters’ journeys at Ohio Northern University.
Identical twins Isabelle and Madeline, along with their older sister, Jacqueline, will celebrate a special milestone this May as they graduate together.
Though their academic paths diverged—Isabelle in environmental and field biology, Madeline in civil engineering, and Jacqueline in pharmacy—the trio, who affectionately refer to themselves as “the triplets,” shared more than just DNA. All three minored in dance and joined the Delta Zeta sorority.
What truly empowered each of them to thrive, however, was discovering a sense of sisterhood at ONU that extended far beyond their own family. It came from friends, professors, classmates, and mentors—women who led by example, lifted them up, and helped them grow.
“ONU is a special place,” said Jacqueline. “Everyone here is extremely kind, hardworking and supportive of others. The culture at ONU emphasizes that there is room for everyone to be successful and pursue their passions, and that’s something we’re extremely grateful for.”
From Columbus to ONU
Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Isabelle, Madeline, and Jacqueline, are the youngest of five daughters. While attending ONU together brought them closer, it never limited their individuality.
Isabelle and Madeline are “mirror twins,” which is a rare type of identical twins where one twin’s characteristics are mirrored on the opposite side of the other twin’s body.
“I’m left-handed and she’s right-handed,” explained Madeline. “Our faces, vision, and hearing are mirrored.”
Their similarities often led professors and classmates to get them confused.
“Our professors didn’t stand a chance,” laughed Madeline, “especially when they would have one of us in class one semester, and the other the next semester.”
The twins share a close bond that those without a twin—whom they refer to as “singletons”— can’t understand, they explained.
They roomed together their four years at ONU and will continue their academic journeys at the University of Dayton; Isabelle for law school and Madeline for a master’s in environmental engineering.
Their connection with Jacqueline, who is just two years older, is equally tight-knit. Together, they call themselves “the triplets.”
Shared Stages, Shared Passions
All three sisters were drawn to ONU for the opportunity to pursue STEM pathways while growing their passion for dance.
They each began dance lessons at age 3 and danced competitively throughout high school. At ONU, they performed together in numerous Freed Center productions, thriving under the tutelage of Elizabeth Cozad-Howard, assistant professor and director of dance. Her kindness and mentorship inspired them on and off stage.
“As STEM majors, it was amazing to have this artistic outlet,” said Isabelle. “Dance changed me.”
Madeline noted the interconnectedness between the arts and STEM.
“Being an engineer, you have to be creative and empathetic and feel things deeply in order to design effectively and make good decisions,” she explained.
Through Delta Zeta, the sisters found another form of sisterhood. The sorority helped them grow as leaders and serve their community. Jacqueline even served as chapter president.
Individual Paths
While the Fishers shared some college pursuits, each sister carved out her own academic identity and found distinct mentors.
Jacqueline- Pharmacy
Motivated by a desire to bridge the gap between patients and providers, Jacqueline pursued a pharmacy career.
Her Honors Program capstone explored women’s healthcare access in rural areas known as “healthcare deserts.” Working alongside Dr. Natalie DiPietro Mager, she created educational materials on women health concerns and distributed them in public libraries across Hardin County.
“Dr. DiPietro Mager was a wonderful professor and mentor,” she said.
After graduation, Jacqueline will begin a dual master’s program and two-year residency in Health Systems Pharmacy Administration and Leadership at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Isabelle—Environmental and Field Biology
A childhood spent hiking near woods and creeks inspired Isabelle to pursue an environmental career.
She majored in environmental and field biology and minored in dance and pre-law. She plans to become an environmental attorney after attending law school at the University of Dayton.
“Our generation grew up learning about the climate crisis, and environmental issues are something both Madeline and I are passionate about.”
Her time at ONU included being a lab assistant in the Aquatics Lab, working with her mentor Dr. Leslie Riley.
“I am really going to miss Dr. Riley, especially her positivity and support,” she said.
She also participated in two outstanding summer research experiences: helping to draft an environmental impact study at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and monitoring painted turtles along the Mississippi River with Michigan State University.
These experiences took her outside her comfort zone—and away from her twin—for the first time in her life.
“It was scary and challenging, but I am so proud of myself for doing both.”
And, Isabelle also spent four years as ONU’s beloved mascot, Klondike—something she managed to keep a secret from her sisters until her big “Klondike Reveal.”
Madeline—Civil Engineering
Madeline majored in civil engineering with a concentration in environmental engineering and a minor in dance.
“I’ve always loved building things,” she said, adding that she’s interested in sustainable system design.
Looking toward the future, Madeline hopes to be “an engineering innovator in the field of water or energy, and a mentor for other women in STEM.”
She thrived as a teaching assistant for ONU’s Foundations for Design course, mentoring first-year engineering students.
“Making sure freshmen engineering students could overcome any uncertainty or conflicts, and helping them engage with the material, was incredibly rewarding,” she said.
In a male-dominated field, she found encouragement and community thanks to mentors like Dr. Lauren Logan.
“I could go to her office with questions and she was so down-to-earth and gave great advice,” she said. “I will be forever grateful for her.”
Bittersweet goodbye
As the Fisher sisters prepare to turn their tassel and embark on the next chapter, they feel excited and melancholy.
Their parents are planning a celebration worthy of the occasion. “With five daughters, they know how to throw a party,” laughed Madeline.
Still, parting ways with the ONU friends and mentors won’t be easy.
“We found our people here,” said Isabelle. “And while we three sisters will always be together, we are sure going to miss having our people next door.”
