The 2025 American Physiology Summit took place at the Baltimore Convention Center April 24–27. Eager scientists, educators and trainees from a variety of fields within physiology travel from all over the world to connect and share ongoing science with others.

 I’m excited to share a few of the highlights from my exciting time at the four-day event.

The American Physiological Society (APS) hosted a Women’s Health Research Initiative pre-conference session on Thursday afternoon. The panelists included Irene Aninye, PhD, Melissa Laitner PhD, MPH, and Kathryn Sandberg, PhD, FAPS. They all encouraged researchers to continue pushing forward in these daunting times, to be creative in the ways we approach writing our grants, and, most importantly, to remember that the work we are doing to advance women’s health is important and must be done.

The Summit officially kicked off with an engaging and inspiring address by APS CEO Scott Steen, CAE, FASAE. He spoke strongly about the future of science, and we were reminded that this is about the future we want to build for the next generation of scientists. The support that APS provides scientists is unwavering and Steen emphasized that we are a part of something larger than ourselves, and this is the legacy we are building together. The awe-inspiring words of Scott Steen were followed up by an incredible keynote lecture by Nobel Laureate James Rothman, PhD.

The keynote address was followed by an outdoor welcome reception at Camden Yards, the home field of the Baltimore Orioles. The evening was full of delicious food, highlighting the signature flavors and dishes that Baltimore and Maryland are known for: Old Bay seasoning, pit barbecue and fresh crabs. (If you were at the party, I hope you tried the crab nachos!) I was able to reconnect with old colleagues and meet new scientists who I look forward to seeing at next year’s Summit!

I was fortunate to attend the President’s Reception, where I reconnected with former lab mates and had the opportunity to network with an inspiring community of scientists across disciplines.

Bright and early Friday morning, I attended the Career and Professional Development Networking Breakfast, where I connected with professionals and peers across disciplines. The event featured themed tables, each hosted by two experienced mentors covering topics such as professional development (e.g., CVs, time management, networking), grant writing, becoming involved in APS, science communication and policy, teaching, military research and more. Trainees were encouraged to “table-hop,” ask questions and most importantly, build new connections. Every session I attended was incredibly valuable—I believe this is a must-attend event for all trainees next year.

In addition to poster sessions and large lecture-based talks, the PhysioHub hosted a series of engaging microtalks. I attended “A Conversation with Women in Physiology,” where several remarkable physiologists candidly shared the challenges they’ve faced as women in STEM. I have deep admiration for their courage in telling their stories—it’s a powerful reminder to all women in physiology that you are not alone.

When my brain needed a break from all the science and conversations, the PhysioHub offered the perfect remedy—kittens from a local animal shelter to play with (or even adopt)!

One of the best parts of attending a national conference like the Summit is the chance to unexpectedly see old friends. I ran into Marcus Wagner, PhD (right), a fellow Ursinus College alum, and we even connected with another Ursinus graduate, Rebecca Petre Sullivan, PhD (center), at the ADInstruments Pulse and Pints event. Go Bears!

Sex as a biological variable was a common theme across many sessions, and the Sex and Gender Research Showcase—hosted by the Sex & Gender Research Interest Group—was a standout. The event featured a series of engaging short talks by trainees and established professionals.

One of the final sessions I attended was titled “Pushing Limits, Preserving Health? The Impact of Endurance Exercise on Multiple Organ Systems: Insights from the Marathon and Beyond.” This fascinating session explored how extreme physical exertion—such as ultramarathons and high-level competition—can affect multiple organ systems. While exercise is undeniably beneficial, the data presented highlighted that excessive endurance training can have negative consequences without proper preparation and recovery. If anything, I came away with a deeper appreciation for both the intensity of field research and the importance of supporting athletes through evidence-based training and recovery strategies.

I wrapped up my Summit experience by presenting my own research: “The Acute Effects of Exercise Intensity and Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation on Subendocardial Viability Ratio in Postmenopausal Females.” I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my work and connect with so many passionate scientists—can’t wait for the Summit in Minneapolis next year!