HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Sidney Strause, a doctoral student in the biomedical research Ph.D. program at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, has been selected to receive the highly competitive Porter Physiology Development Fellowship from the American Physiological Society (APS) for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

The Porter Fellowship is awarded annually to outstanding underrepresented graduate students pursuing full-time study toward a Ph.D. in the physiological sciences. The fellowship aims to encourage diversity in the physiological sciences and to support the academic and professional development of future researchers. 

“This is a well-deserved recognition of Sidney’s talent and potential, and a testament to her hard work and dedication at the bench,” said Sandrine Pierre, Ph.D., professor at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Strause’s mentor. “The Porter Physiology Development Fellowship is one of the most prestigious trainee awards presented by the APS. Throughout its 50-year history, it has recognized 169 underrepresented doctoral students throughout the country, many of whom have achieved the highest levels of success and leadership in professional settings ranging from academia to industry.” 

Strause’s research at Marshall University explores how the cardiac Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase—a vital membrane protein—regulates heart cell metabolism and signaling under stress. Her work aims to uncover new pathways that could inform therapies for heart disease and related conditions. 

The one-year APS fellowship provides a stipend, research support, and professional development opportunities, including attendance at the APS annual meeting and access to mentoring networks within the society.  

Strause, a Parkersburg, West Virginia, native, said she is beyond grateful for the opportunity to be part of the APS Porter Fellowship community. 

“This fellowship not only supports my research at a critical stage but also opens the door to lasting collaborations with scientists and mentors who are shaping the future of physiology,” Strause said. “It’s a profound honor to represent Marshall, to give back to the scientific community, and to carry forward a shared commitment to improving human health.” 

The American Physiological Society, established in 1887, is one of the oldest and most respected organizations in the biomedical sciences. It supports research and education in physiology and related disciplines. 

Date Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2025