The appointment highlights the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology’s commitment to mentorship, leadership, and advancing women in science.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026

By Ava Ahrens

Kanokwan (Mandy) Bunsawat, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology (HSHP) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was appointed to serve on the Women in Physiology Committee (WIPC) of the American Physiological Society (APS). Her three-year term will run from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2029. 

This is an image of Mandy Bunsawat.

The WIPC works to increase participation, leadership, and professional success of women in physiology. Bunsawat’s appointment reflects both her national recognition and her ongoing efforts at Iowa to mentor students and early-career scientists, particularly women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.

“Equitable representation of women is an integral step toward closing the gender gap in education, employment, and professional opportunities,” Bunsawat said.  This is particularly important as women remain underrepresented across several areas of exercise science and physiology. 

At HSHP, Bunsawat’s mentoring approach focuses on creating a supportive environment that promotes curiosity, confidence, and professional development. She provides hands-on research opportunities, regular mentoring meetings, and an open-door policy to help students build both scientific knowledge and transferable skills. 

“At the University of Iowa, I do so by providing equitable opportunities to help my students develop scientific and transferable professional skills that may aid in their future personal and professional endeavors,” Bunsawat said. 

Bunsawat’s interest in advocacy is shaped by her own academic journey navigating a highly competitive, male-dominated research environment. Seeking guidance from mentors with similar experiences influenced her commitment to supporting other women in the field.

“This personal intersectionality has informed my desire to advocate for other women in physiology,” Bunsawat said, with the goal of increasing representation, visibility, and participation across career stages.

During her term on the WIPC, she hopes to prioritize mentoring programs and networking opportunities for junior women scientists, including students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty. She is also interested in addressing gaps in participation and leadership within the discipline. 

“I plan to leverage the knowledge, resources, and new professional connections through the WIPC to serve as a strong advocate for women in physiology across career stages,” Bunsawat said.  

Advice to women interested in physiology: actively seek guidance throughout your academic careers. “If you have a question, ask away,” Bunsawat said. “We are here to mentor you.”