Renowned for her pioneering work in women’s cardiovascular health, Anna Stanhewicz, an associate professor at the University of Iowa, has been recognized with the esteemed 2026 Henry Pickering Bowditch Award. This prestigious accolade, conferred by the American Physiological Society, celebrates early career scholars who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in the field of physiology.
Targeted at society members aged 42 or younger, the award acknowledges those who have excelled within eight years of commencing their first faculty or research scientist role, post-postdoctoral training. As a recipient, Stanhewicz is slated to present a lecture at the American Physiology Summit in April 2026.
“I am incredibly honored to be receiving this award,” Stanhewicz expressed. “The work that I do means a lot to me personally, but it also reflects the mentoring I have received and the dedication and hard work of my lab staff and trainees who help me turn my scientific ideas into meaningful data. I am honored that the American Physiological Society has given me the opportunity to highlight this work.”
Stanhewicz’s research plays a crucial role in elucidating the relationship between small blood vessel complications and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, with a particular emphasis on women at heightened risk. Her findings have shed light on the link between pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, and long-term vascular issues, thereby informing potential new avenues for prevention and treatment.
“My research agenda is really focused on understanding subtle changes in physiology that precede chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes, with the long-term goal of identifying opportunities to prevent disease progression,” shared Stanhewicz. She highlighted the increased likelihood of chronic disease development in women who have faced adverse pregnancy outcomes, a phenomenon that remains largely unexplained and understudied. Stanhewicz is determined to bridge this knowledge gap, aspiring to contribute to healthier, more enduring lives for affected women.
Stanhewicz’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island, followed by a Master of Science in Physiology and a PhD in Kinesiology from Pennsylvania State University. She has been a valued member of the University of Iowa faculty since 2019.
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