The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research is proud to recognize the recipients of this year’s Doctoral Training Awards. This program supports the next generation of clinician–scientists whose research will advance evidence-based care in orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics.
Certified orthotists, prosthetists, and pedorthists who pursue doctoral training often step away from direct clinical practice and face unique challenges in maintaining professional engagement and credentials. These awards provide up to $1,000 to support up to ten ABC-certified CPOs, CPs, COs, or CPeds currently enrolled in a PhD program, helping them remain connected to the profession while building the future of OP&P research and care.
Please join us in celebrating these emerging leaders in OP&P rehabilitation research.
Emily Dinelli is a PhD candidate in Health Services and Outcomes Research within the Health Sciences Integrated Program (HSIP) at Northwestern University. She conducts research with the Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research (CROR) at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Her work focuses on improving employment outcomes for people with physical disabilities and examining social determinants of health among individuals living with lower limb amputations.
“I am incredibly grateful to The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research for their unwavering support throughout my PhD program. As a certified prosthetist orthotist pursuing an advanced degree, it has always been of utmost importance to me to maintain my professional certification and licensure. The O&P Foundation’s support ensures that I am able to sustain these credentials, allowing me to preserve my clinical competency while advancing my academic and research career.”
Myrriah Laine Dyreson completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Minnesota and her Master’s degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics at Concordia University, St. Paul. She is a PhD candidate in the Rehabilitation Science program at the University of Minnesota and a Research Prosthetist Orthotist at the Minneapolis VA within the Rehabilitation & Engineering Center for Optimizing Veteran Engagement & Reintegration (RECOVER). Her dissertation work focuses on improving our understanding of social participation and modifiable barriers to reintegration following the provision of a lower limb prosthesis.
“I am honored to receive the O&P Doctoral Training Award. This award has eased the financial burden associated with maintaining clinical certification and membership in professional organizations along with providing support to engage in meaningful professional development opportunities by contributing towards conference expenses. Thank you for the investment in my professional and academic endeavors as I become a clinician-scientist.”
Brittany Moores is a Board Certified Prosthetist Orthotist and PhD candidate in the Department of Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences at Northeastern University. Her research integrates clinical biomechanics, preference, prescription, and communication to better understand the relationship between prosthetists and their patients to improve prosthetist satisfaction, patient outcomes, and clinic efficiency.
“I’m very grateful to receive the Doctoral Training Award for the second year in a row. This support has been invaluable in covering my ABC CPO annual fee, AAOP conference registration, and travel costs, allowing me to maintain my clinical credentials while pursuing doctoral research. The O&P Foundation’s investment in clinician-researchers like myself enables us to stay connected to the clinical community and conduct research that will ultimately advance evidence-based practice and improve patient outcomes in our field.“
Kristin Perrin completed her Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering at the University of Arkansas and her Masters in Prosthetics and Orthotics at Northwestern University. She is currently a PhD candidate in Movement Science at the University of Michigan and works as a part-time Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist. Her dissertation research examines factors influencing the successful daily use of lower-limb prostheses, specifically the combined effects of neuromuscular factors and socket type on functional mobility. She is deeply committed to bridging the gap between engineering innovation and patient care to advance clinical outcomes.
“As a researcher, it is essential that I stay grounded in clinical practice. This award enables me to share my work on the interplay between residual limb muscle dynamics, socket design, and functional mobility, while engaging with the latest clinical advancements. In our specialized field, disseminating knowledge while staying current with emerging trends is vital for driving innovation.”
Claire Vallery is a practicing Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist at Dankmeyer, Inc. Prosthetics & Orthotics in Baltimore, MD. She is a PhD student in Biomechanics and Movement Science at the University of Delaware. She is a member of the Delaware Limb Loss Studies Lab, where her research focuses on improving health outcomes after limb loss.
“Thank you to the O&P Foundation for supporting our academic efforts and O&P clinical research.”
