Dr. Stanescu reflects on her time as an Olympian
Dr. Stanescu brings her athletic experience to her teaching career in physiology.
Dr. Claudia Stanescu's head shot from her time as an Olympic swimmer
Meet Claudia Stanescu, PhD, associate professor and director of undergraduate programs in physiology, who at the age of 16 represented Romania in the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics, competing in the 100-Meter and 200-Meter Backstroke events. Now, she brings her athletic experience to her teaching career in physiology.
“The interest in the human body can come from so many different directions. Mine came from being an athlete,” said Dr. Stanescu, reflecting on how her passion was sparked by her coach’s background in physiology. “We talked oftentimes about lactic acid and how to improve recovery,” Dr. Stanescu explained. “It made me understand my physiology better, and I think it did make me a better swimmer.”
Dr. Stanescu eventually pursued her academic journey at the University of Arizona, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a major in physiology followed by a master’s and a doctorate in physiological sciences.
“I never thought I would end up teaching or directing the physiology program,” said Dr. Stanescu. “I discovered my passion for teaching during my graduate degrees. As director of the program that I graduated from, it’s an honor to be able to teach and mentor students and to have the opportunity to guide the next generation of physiology alumni."