These grants are one-year awards in the amount of $5,000 that are intended to help trainees (e.g., masters/doctoral students, orthotics and prosthetics residents) or orthotics and prosthetics clinicians to complete a research project with the guidance of an experienced research mentor.
The Mentored Pilot Grants are awarded bi-annually, in the Spring and Fall.
These awards are based on the scientific merit of the proposed research project.
Investigating Biases Among O&P Educators Toward People with Disabilities
Kiley Armstrong MS, MPO, CPO
Principal Investigator
Armstrong is a Research Prosthetist-Orthotist at the Prosthetics-Orthotics Center at Northwestern University. Her long-term research goals are centered around improving equity in the Orthotics and Prosthetics field, ensuring all individuals have equitable access to high-quality care, regardless of their circumstances, demographics, or socioeconomic status.
“I am deeply honored to receive the O&P Foundation Mentored Research Grant. Our research project presents a unique opportunity for me to collaborate with and learn from esteemed researchers in the field, with the goal of identifying and understanding the biases that persist in O&P. The Foundation’s support will enable us to work towards creating an inclusive environment in O&P, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.”
Investigating Biases Among O&P Educators Toward People with Disabilities
Emily Dinelli MPO, LCPO
Principal Investigator
Dinelli is pursuing a PhD in health services and outcomes research at Northwestern University, while also working as a part time certified Orthotist Prosthetist for Hanger Clinic and Graduate Research Assistant at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab.
She plans to continue devoting her research efforts to the prosthetic and orthotic field by identifying new ways to improve health access, equity, and overall outcomes for prosthetic and orthotic users.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Mentored Pilot Research Grant from the O&P Foundation! This generous award will support my dissertation research on the health experiences of Black individuals living with dysvascular amputation.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the mentors, colleagues, and friends who have uplifted and encouraged me throughout this journey. Your support has been invaluable, and I truly appreciate everyone who has believed in me.
I’m excited to dive into this important research and to continue to work alongside others to advance the O&P field!”
