DeChristopher Havorka
Background
I am an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine’s Orthotics and Prosthetics Program. I teach courses in Ethics, Clinical Practice Management, Research Methods and of course Orthotics and Prosthetics. I also engage in research by examining the influence of teaching tools and simulators and their influence in enhancing student learning and the acquisition of core competencies in lower extremity orthotics and prosthetics.
I have been awarded over 30 research and development grants across a variety of areas such as orthotics, prosthetics, biomechanics and teaching and learning. Support has come from many sources such as the National Institute of Health, Department of Defense, Department of Education, and philanthropic organizations including the Orthotic and Prosthetic Foundation.
I enjoy that the O&P profession has many opportunities for contributing to its evolution, especially by participating in research and education. In this way, I can hopefully help inform the next generation of professionals so that they are equipped to do what they do best – to help enable client-patients to achieve their goals and realize their potential.
Why did you apply?
I was pursuing a PhD in Applied Physiology at Georgia Tech and the research I was conducting required funding to cover costs for materials, supplies and subject participation.
How did the funding help you meet your goals?
I used the funding from the awards to continue my education.
How did the funding impact your career?
The awards I received from the O&P Foundation provided important funding for pilot research. Those early awards ultimately led to additional grant proposals that were funded. Collectively, the O&P Foundation grants in addition to grants from additional funding agencies allowed me to successfully complete my PhD dissertation research.
What did the funding mean to you personally?
The awards and funding from the O&P Foundation provided a significant boost in my confidence. It also reinforced that the research I was pursing had value. In essence, it helped validate what I was doing was important and relevant to the O&P profession.
