Wright State professor Karen Wonders honored for pioneering work in exercise oncology

In a bright television studio, Wright State University faculty member Karen Wonders, Ph.D., thought she was participating in another interview about her nonprofit on “Living Dayton.”

Instead, she was taken aback during the taping when WDTN-TV announced she was the 2025 Remarkable Woman of Dayton for her groundbreaking work in exercise oncology.

The recognition celebrates a journey that began in 2011 when Wonders, a professor in Wright State’s School of Health and Exercise Science, founded Maple Tree Cancer Alliance to improve the quality of life for individuals battling cancer through personalized exercise training.

Under Wonders’ guidance, Maple Tree has become a “beacon of hope for cancer survivors, providing essential exercise programs that promote healing, strength and resilience,” said “Living Dayton” in its announcement.

Wonder described the Remarkable Woman honor as surprising and deeply moving.

“The Channel 2 team created such a warm atmosphere during the studio presentation, making what could have been an overwhelming moment feel like a genuine celebration of the work that drives my passion,” Wonders said. “This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but the incredible support from the Wright State community and the dedication of everyone at Maple Tree Cancer Alliance who works tirelessly to improve the lives of cancer patients through exercise.”

Wonders and 125 other winners will be honored at the Nexstar Media Group’s Remarkable Women presentation in Los Angeles in April.

What started in Dayton has blossomed into an international movement. Today, Maple Tree Cancer Alliance serves more than 20,000 cancer patients across 86 locations in the United States and 25 countries worldwide.

Locally, the organization collaborates with Premier Health, Kettering Health and Mercy Health, and nationally with prestigious institutions like Mayo Cancer Center, Stanford, Johns Hopkins and Cleveland Clinic. The alliance also works with LiveStrong and the American Cancer Society.

Karen Wonders, a professor in Wright State’s School of Health and Exercise Science and founder of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, was honored by WDTN-TV for her groundbreaking work in exercise oncology. (Photo courtesy of WDTN-TV)

Maple Tree’s research has demonstrated positive impacts on treatment outcomes, giving Wonders a platform to advocate for exercise as a standard component of cancer care.

“Our research demonstrating the positive impact of exercise on cancer treatment outcomes is robust and has given us a platform to advocate for exercise to serve as part of the standard of care, as well as in discussions regarding insurance reimbursement for these services,” Wonder said.

Wonders also continues to transform cancer care at Wright State, where she serves as director of the Exercise Sciences program.

In fall 2024, Wright State launched an Exercise Oncology Certificate program for undergraduate and graduate students.

In addition, Wright State partnered with Premier Health to launch the Cancer Wellness Resource Center, an interdepartmental initiative involving Wright State faculty members and students providing comprehensive services to cancer patients.

“As exercise moves closer to becoming the standard of care in cancer treatment, there will be a great need for qualified providers,” said Wonders. “Wright State is leading the way in building this much-needed workforce.”

Watch the “Remarkable Women” specials

Watch the one-hour “Remarkable Women” special on Dayton’s CW on April 20 at 9 p.m. and a half-hour local “Remarkable Women” special on WDTN on April 27 at 11:30 a.m.