Anna Stanhewicz, PhD is an Associate Professor of Health and Human Physiology and is the director of the Microvascular Physiology Lab at the University of Iowa. She earned her bachelors degree from the University of Rhode Island and completed her doctoral and post-doctoral training at Penn State University. Dr. Stanhewicz's research program utilizes in vivo measures of cutaneous microvascular function to study how microvessel function is altered in disease and how intervention strategies can target these alterations to slow, halt, or reverse cardiovascular disease progression.
https://clas.uiowa.edu/hhp/people/anna-stanhewicz
Willis Barr is a Research Assistant in the Microvascular Physiology Lab. He assists with human subjects research, IRB management, participant coordination, blood collection and processing, and laboratory operations. His scientific interests include microbiology and immunology, particularly the interplay between the immune system and vascular function. Outside the lab, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, science communication, discussing Star Wars, and motorcycle riding.
Email: willis-barr@uiowa.edu
Post Doctoral Fellows
Kelsey Schwartz, PhD Fellow received her BS in Kinesiology and Health from Iowa State University and her PhD from the University of Iowa. Her primary research interests include elucidating mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction in pre-clinical populations to treat or prevent vascular dysfunction and future cardiovascular disease. She has been awarded the American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship for her studies in mineralocorticoid receptor of vascular dysfunction and inflammation after preeclampsia. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 dogs, and cat.
Email: kelsey-schwartz@uiowa.edu
Adam Corkery, PhD received a BS in Human Physiology from the University of Iowa and a PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research interests include how modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors (such as age, biological sex, physical activity level, and pregnancy history) influence cardiovascular and brain health. He has been awarded the American Diabetes Association Postdoctoral Fellowship for his interest in cerebral vascular function in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Outside of the lab, he enjoys running, cycling, and spending time with his dog.
Email: adam-corkery@uiowa.edu
Ruda Lee, PhD, received her BS and MS in Exercise Physiology from Incheon National University in South Korea and her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Iowa. Her research focuses on maternal cardiovascular health, with particular emphasis on understanding how pregnancy-related complications and maternal characteristics influence vascular function and long-term cardiovascular risk. She is also interested in identifying clinical and lifestyle factors that may improve cardiovascular health in women during and after pregnancy. Outside of the lab, she enjoys playing tennis and badminton, swimming, reading, and spending time with her cats, Nari and Bori.
Email: ruda-lee@uiowa.edu
Graduate Students
Grace Maurer, M.S. is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Microvascular Physiology Lab, where she studies vascular dysfunction in women with a history of gestational diabetes. She earned her B.S. in Kinesiology from The Pennsylvania State University and her M.S. in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Grace is supported by an NIH F31 Predoctoral Fellowship Award to investigate vascular dysfunction and physical activity in women who had gestational diabetes. Outside the lab, Grace enjoys running, horseback riding, and exploring national parks.
Email: grace-maurer@uiowa.edu
Kiana Staton, B.S. is a first-year master's student in the Microvascular Physiology Lab where she studies kidney function in women with a history of preeclampsia and the link to microvascular dysfunction. She earned her B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Outside of lab, she enjoys reading, playing tennis, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals.
Email: kiana-staton@uiowa.edu
Eddie Markowski is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Microvascular Physiology Lab. He earned his B.S. in Exercise Science from Elon University and his M.Ed. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Virginia, where he completed a master's thesis investigating the effects of inorganic nitrate on muscle function in postmenopausal females. Outside of the lab, Eddie likes exercising and watching football, basketball, and baseball.
Email: eddie-markowski@uiowa.edu
Research Assistant
Kate Holzman is a third year undergrad student working towards earning her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Human Physiology on the Pre-Medicine track. Her current research goal is to understand the effect of sodium on immune cytokines and how these potential risks could affect both men and women. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spin class, watching baseball, baking, and spending time with friends and family.
Isabel Klimowicz is a fourth-year undergraduate student working towards her B.S in Human Physiology and a minor in Spanish on the pre-dental track. Her current research goal is looking kidney function in healthy adults post an oral protein load. In her free time, she likes to go on walks with her friends, try different workout classes, and listen to music.
Alumni
MS Thesis Students Current Position
Kristen Halstead, MS (2023) Clinical Trials Research Associate, University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Thesis topic: "Sex differences in oxidative stress-mediated reductions in microvascular endothelial function in young e-cigarette users"
Paola Hernandez, MS (2023)
Thesis topic: "Role of oxidative stress in attenuated insulin-mediated microvascular responses in women with a history of gestational diabetes"
Undergraduate Honors Research Students
Rowan Schlarmann, BS, DPT (2025) Doctor of Physical Therapy , Advocate Aurora Health
Michael Pyevich, BS, DDS (2025) Dental Resident, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
Undergraduate Volunteer Students
Madelyn Mayeski, BS, MS (2024) Organ Recovery Coordinator, Iowa Donor Network
Brianna Becker, BS (2022) Cardiovascular Perfusionist, Abbott Northwestern