Ohio Physiological Society 2025 Meeting

UCCOM hosted 39th annual Ohio Physiological Society Meeting, showcasing trainee excellence across Ohio

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine proudly hosted the 39th Annual Meeting of the Ohio Physiological Society (OPS 2025) on October 10-11, 2025, bringing together a vibrant community of scientists, educators, and trainees committed to advancing physiological and biomedical research.

Organized under the leadership of Karthickeyan Chella Krishnan, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neurobiology (PPN) and President of OPS, the meeting drew nearly 180 pre-registered participants, with additional on-site attendees joining from across Ohio and neighboring regions. Participants represented a diverse group of institutions, including the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Miami University, Xavier University, Wright State University, Ohio University, The University of Toledo, The Ohio State University, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Ohio Northern University, Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Kentucky.

The two-day event featured 39 oral and blitz presentations and more than 100 poster presentations, many led by undergraduate and graduate trainees showcasing their cutting-edge work in physiology, metabolism, neuroscience, and cardiovascular science. The keynote lecture was delivered by Katsu Funai, PhD, Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Research at the University of Utah, whose talk on mitochondrial membrane lipids and bioenergetics inspired attendees across career stages. OPS 2025 recognized 16 award winners and nine oral presentation finalists, celebrating excellence in scientific communication, innovation, and trainee-led research.

The meeting was coordinated by the OPS 2025 Planning Committee, Bryan Mackenzie, PhD, Nancy Kleene, PhD, Brook Hemmelgarn, BS and Karthickeyan Chella Krishnan, PhD, all from the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neurobiology, whose collective efforts ensured a highly successful and engaging scientific exchange.

Hosting OPS 2025 at UCCOM provided a unique opportunity to highlight the College of Medicine’s research leadership, mentorship culture, and commitment to training excellence, while strengthening collaborations across Ohio’s physiology community. Next year’s 40th Annual Meeting of the Ohio Physiological Society will be hosted by Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, under the presidency of Dr. Clintoria Williams.

OPS2025 Awards

Peter K. Lauf Travel Award of the Ohio Physiological Society

The Society’s most prestigious award, the Peter K. Lauf Travel Award provides a $750 travel stipend to offset the costs participating in the American Physiological Summit, Minneapolis, MN, April 23–26, 2026.

Hans G. Folkesson Travel Award of the Ohio Physiological Society

The Hans G. Folkesson Travel Award provides a $750 travel stipend to offset the costs participating in the American Physiological Summit, Minneapolis, MN, April 23–26, 2026.

Research Recognition Award of the Ohio Physiological Society

The OPS Research Recognition Award includes a cash prize of $100.

OPS2025 Program

OPS2025 Schedule and Abstract Book