UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa – Penn State Department of Kinesiology faculty member Lacy Alexander, professor of kinesiology and research professor in charge, has been named the 2025-26 president-elect of the American Physiological Society (APS).
APS is one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to the field of physiology, supporting scientists, educators and trainees through its scientific journals, conferences, and professional development opportunities to advance research and education focused on understanding biological function, health and disease.
Alexander has previously held several leadership roles with APS prior to this appointment. She has served as chair of the Environmental & Exercise Physiology Section, supporting engagement and collaboration among APS members. She also serves as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Applied Physiology, helping to ensure the rigor and advancement of new research in the field, and as a member of the APS Council, supporting the society’s mission and strategic priorities.
“APS has been my home since I was a doctoral student, and I am honored to give back and serve a community that has shaped my career,” Alexander said. “I look forward to working with colleagues to expand opportunities for our members and to advance the visibility and impact of physiology at a time when it has never been more important.”
In addition to her leadership and service to the society, Alexander is widely recognized for her contributions to the field of physiology, particularly in vascular physiology.
Her research examines the vascular mechanisms that impact cardiovascular health in women. Her work focuses on understanding how conditions such as endometriosis and menopause affect cardiovascular health and vascular function.
At Penn State, Alexander holds a courtesy appointment in the Penn State College of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is an affiliate of the Center for Healthy Aging and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. She is also the research professor in charge in the Department of Kinesiology.
Alexander’s appointment as APS president-elect reflects her longstanding contributions to the field and her commitment to advancing the discipline of physiology through both research and service.
“Lacy’s research has advanced our understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying vascular health and translated that knowledge into meaningful approaches to improve human health,” said John Bartholomew, department head and professor of kinesiology. “Her leadership and scholarship make her exceptionally well-suited to serve as president-elect of the society.”
Alexander will begin her term on April 26 following the conclusion of the APS annual meeting, the American Physiology Summit.