Satria Ardianuari
Background
Satria Ardianuari is a Research Associate at the VA Center for Limb Loss and MoBility (VA CLiMB) in Seattle, WA. He is also a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington, pursuing concentrations in Biomechanics and Biomechanical Engineering. Satria holds a master’s in Rehabilitation Technology from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Mahidol University in Thailand. Upon completing his clinical undergraduate education, Satria received a professional credential (i.e., Category-I prosthetist/orthotist) from the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO). With a combined background in rehabilitation science and engineering,
Satria is committed to becoming a well-rounded scientist in the interdisciplinary field of rehabilitation research and development to improve mobility outcomes for individuals with mobility impairments, especially those with lower limb prostheses.
Why did you apply?
This project was the first I worked on during my PhD training, marking an important milestone in my journey. I was highly motivated to gain experience in grant writing, and the 2022 OPERF Fellowship provided a great opportunity for an early-career researcher like myself. I was truly grateful to receive the award.
How did the funding help you meet your goals?
The Fellowship funds were put to excellent use, allowing me to purchase a necessary instrument for processing experimental data. This directly contributed to a first-authored paper, which was published in the Journal of Biomechanics last year. As the first manuscript from my PhD work, this achievement—made possible in part by the OPERF Fellowship—was meaningful to my doctoral work.
How did the funding impact your career?
I always look forward to the annual funding opportunities announced by OPERF, now the O&P Foundation.
These opportunities motivate me to pursue grant writing and advance my research. Receiving my first OPERF Fellowship—and hopefully future grants from the O&P Foundation—will allow me to focus on my research interests and support my efforts to enhance mobility for individuals with lower limb loss.
What did the funding mean to you personally?
Receiving the 2022 OPERF Fellowship was a pivotal moment in my early research career. It not only
provided the financial support needed to advance my work but also reinforced my confidence as an
emerging scientist. The funding allowed me to acquire essential research skillsets, leading to a peer reviewed publication—a milestone that was both professionally and personally rewarding. This award affirmed my passion for rehabilitation research/development and motivated me to continue contributing to the field to improve mobility outcomes for individuals with lower limb loss.
