The Orthotics & Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research (The O&P Foundation) is honored to announce the recipients of the inaugural 2025 Fuel the Future of O&P Scholarships. These exceptional students were selected for their academic excellence and their capacity to make a transformative impact on patient care within the O&P profession.
These $20,000 scholarships are accompanied by complimentary registration and speaking opportunities at the 2026 American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium as well as the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly.
Each Fuel the Future of O&P Scholar embodies the future of orthotics and prosthetics, bringing forward new ideas, elevating standards of care, and advancing outcomes for individuals who rely on O&P services. Through this scholarship program, the O&P Foundation reinforces its commitment to investing in the next generation of clinicians who will shape the profession through innovation, compassion, and evidence-driven practice.
Kathleen Carrol MS, MSPO CPO, FAAOP – O&P Foundation Education Committee Member and Program Manager, shares:
“It was a privilege to serve as the program manager for this year’s Fuel the Future of O&P Scholarship, which saw a record breaking number of applicants. It’s exciting to know that so many bright, motivated individuals will soon be joining us as colleagues in the O&P field. And with this year’s award increased to $20,000 per recipient, it’s great to know we’re meaningfully supporting their ability to thrive as they continue their studies.”
Please join us in celebrating these future clinicians and their dedication to the O&P community. Their knowledge, passion, and vision represent the very fuel that will drive the future of patient care!
Mariam El-Khatib | Northwestern University
“I’m grateful for the Fuel the Future of O&P scholarship and its impact on my educational journey. This scholarship is an investment that I intend to pay forward by striving to be the best clinician I can be for my patients and by giving back to the field of O&P through education, mentorship, and volunteering.”
Elizabeth Ibata- Arens | Northwestern University
“The O&P Foundation Fuel the Future Scholarship is an incredible opportunity to receive essential support at this pivotal point in my academic and professional career. If chosen for this award, it would empower me to continue pursuing innovative research in the field, enabling me to provide excellent patient care as a future clinician. This generosity would be invaluable for me as I strive to reach my academic and professional goals.”
Annie Kramer | University of Texas- Southwestern
“I am excited to fuel the future of O&P clinical care with competency, confidence, and compassion.”
Kirsten Lucy | Baylor College of Medicine
“This opportunity would allow me to better pursue my academic and professional goals in research, advocacy, and clinical care. I strive to push the field of orthotics and prosthetics forward by bettering myself as a clinician, seeking opportunities to learn, and supporting patients to engage in their passions”
Jon-Avery Welch | Baylor College of Medicine
“Opportunities like this fuel my motivation and desire to be the best clinician I can be. The application process and reflection on how I hope to improve care in our field has inspired me to challenge myself daily and to start right now! The financial opportunity means that as I transition into working in clinic, my focus can be on providing great patient care and improving our field, not just on the financial burden of education.”
