Saba Munawar

Dr. Saba Munawar is the elected President of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Postdoctoral Association (UWPA) for 2026–2027 and an American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellow in Prof. Lee L. Eckhardt’s laboratory within the Cellular and Molecular Arrhythmia Research Program, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison. Since joining UW–Madison in 2021, she has focused on uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying inherited cardiac arrhythmias. Her research integrates molecular biology, electrophysiology, computational modeling, and stem cell technologies to investigate ion channel dysfunction and advance precision cardiovascular medicine through mechanism-based therapeutic strategies.

Originally from Pakistan, Saba earned her PhD in Computational Sciences and Engineering before beginning her postdoctoral training at UW–Madison. She has received numerous awards and fellowships recognizing her contributions to research and public service, including a Certificate of Recognition from the President of Pakistan. She served as President of the Pakistan Red Crescent Blood Donor Society.

As President of UWPA, Saba is dedicated to strengthening advocacy for postdoctoral scholars, expanding professional development and leadership opportunities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship, and enhancing communication between postdocs and university leadership. She hopes to build a vibrant and connected postdoctoral community where scholars can exchange ideas, develop professionally, and contribute to the University’s world-class research enterprise. Through collaborative leadership, she aims to ensure that UWPA remains a strong voice for postdoctoral scholars while creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth, engagement, and community building.

Outside of research, Saba enjoys cooking, hosting gatherings with family and friends, traveling the world, and creating lasting memories with her children. She believes that the same curiosity, collaboration, and appreciation for diverse perspectives that inspire scientific discovery also strengthen communities, and she hopes to cultivate those values throughout the UW–Madison postdoctoral community.