By Kaylee Alivo
The University of Iowa Department of Health and Human Physiology proudly hosted the 2024 Iowa Physiological Society (IPS) meeting, welcoming nearly 100 attendees from nine institutions across the midwest. The event showcased advancements in physiological research, fostered collaboration among professionals, and provided students with opportunities to share their work in a supportive environment.
This year’s meeting featured 51 abstracts, 11 short talks, and 45 poster presentations. Participants from institutions such as the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the Mayo Clinic, and the University of Minnesota gathered to exchange ideas and strengthen connections within the regional physiological community.
Erin Talbert, an assistant professor in the department, spoke about the IPS meeting’s unique benefits for fostering collaboration and introducing students to the professional scientific community.
“All scientific meetings are great for feedback, but what’s special about IPS is how it lets us get to know our neighbors,” Talbert said. “It’s often much easier to collaborate when the distances between us are manageable.”
She also highlighted the meeting’s focus on supporting students and early-career researchers.
“IPS often serves as a place for students to experience their first poster or oral presentation,” Talbert added. “These opportunities are key for building confidence and helping them see how far they’ve come. The supportive atmosphere really helps students recognize their growth and plot their paths forward.”
Gary Pierce, professor and chair of the Department of Health and Human Physiology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, also emphasized the meeting’s role in providing valuable experiences for students.
“The IPS meeting is an outstanding opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students to not only present their research in a professional but relaxed scientific conference,” Pierce said. “The small, interactive format allows students to network with faculty from other institutions in the Midwest with similar research interests that increase chances for future graduate school or employment opportunities.”
Participants also shared innovative teaching methods and explored strategies for improving classroom experiences.
“One of the focuses of IPS is on physiology education and how we implement new teaching strategies in the classroom,” Talbert explained. “It was rewarding to see the interactions between students and faculty sharing ideas and best practices.”
Looking ahead, the IPS Meeting is set to return to the University of Iowa in 2026. Anna Stanhewicz, assistant professor in the department, who will chair the event, shared her vision for the future of IPS.
“My hope is that the Iowa Physiological Society meeting will continue to provide a venue for trainees to present their work, gain professional experience, and receive feedback from the strong community of physiologists in Iowa,” Stanhewicz said. “My goal for future meetings is to build on the work already done to increase participation from the undergraduate-serving institutions all around Iowa.”
For more information about the Iowa Physiology Society, visit the official website or follow them on Facebook.