Impact
The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research (The O&P Foundation) was formed in 2022 through the historic merger of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Education and Research Foundation (OPERF) and the Center for Outcomes and Learning / Evidence-Based Practice (COPL), two pioneering organizations in the O&P field that were dedicated to supporting researchers, students, and educators through grants, scholarships, and awards. Below you will find a history of awards made by The O&P Foundation, OPERF, and COPL over the last two decades.
THE O&P FOUNDATION GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
ABC Orthotist & Prosthetist Scholarships (2022-)
2024
Caitlin Bowman
University of Pittsburgh
Abby Citterman
Northwestern University
Olivia Collavo
Northwestern University
Kira Nicole Donnelly
University of Texas- Southwestern Medical Center
Patrick Elsekh
Loma Linda University
Bianca Elisabeth Hill
Baylor College of Medicine
Amanda Kemper
Northwestern University
Alexander Klein
Kennesaw State University
Audra Lena Koopman
University of Washington
Taylor Willis
University of Texas- Southwestern Medical Center
2023
Michael Cooper
Kennesaw State University
Hali Nicole Crellin
University of Texas Southwestern
Emily Dow
University of Hartford
Abigail Dykema
Baylor College of Medicine
Benjamin Hollnagel
Northwestern University
Prosthetics-Orthotics Center
Denise Hull
Baylor College of Medicine
Leah Karels
Baylor College of Medicine
Leslie Martinez
Northwestern University
Prosthetics-Orthotics Center
Kalee Owens
Concordia University-St Paul/
Century College
Samuel Franklin Ray
Northwestern University
Prosthetics-Orthotics Center
2022
Lauren Brousseau
University of Washington
Daniel Gieselman
Eastern Michigan University
Gabrielle Griffith
University of Texas Southwestern
Lauren Jensen
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Sophia Mancini
Eastern Michigan University
Paul Mindemann
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Kaleigh Neely
Eastern Michigan University
Kaela O'Leary
Florida International University
Anna Stark
Eastern Michigan University
Emily Grace Tully
Baylor College of Medicine
ABC Orthotist & Prosthetist Diversity Scholarships (2022-)
2024
Jessika Abril Amaya
University of Washington
Elena L. Chen
Florida International University/ International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics
Janet Trujillo
California State- Dominguez Hills
John C. Ugwu
Eastern Michigan University
2023
Adesua Ojeifoh
Kennesaw State University
Martin Portillo Ortuno
University of Texas Southwestern
Daniela Phillips
University of Washington
Ximena Vargas
University of Washington
2022
Keyaira Crudup
Baylor College of Medicine
Matthew Ho
Baylor College of Medicine
Mario Jimenez-Padilla
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Taushima Nixon
Alabama State University
ABC O&P Technician Scholarships (2023- )
2024
Ian Roeber
Robert Huber
Melanie Perry
William Sweet
Asia Porter
ABC O&P Technician Diversity Scholarships (2023- )
2024
Lance Ford Ibanez
Mohamed Ahmed
ABC Resident Travel Awards (2022 - )
2024
Jessica Smit, CPO
Metabolic Cost of Walking During Steady and Non Steady State Tests in Persons with Lower lImb Amputations.
2023
Bria Collins
Examining the influence of clinical characteristics of new trans-tibial amputees on the clinical workflow for prosthesis delivery
ABC Student Poster Prizes (2022 - )
2024
First Prize
Grunst, MM, Grylicki, KM, Porucznik PM, and Beattie, W (Northwestern University)
Faculty Advisor: Major M.
Effects of Prosthetic Design Features on Osteoarthritis Risk in the Sound Limb: A Scoping Review.
Second Prize
Wilbert, J, Chang, M, Record, J, Vanderwerf, D, and Bretl, S (Alabama State University)
Faculty Advisor: Vazquez A.
Exposure to Orthotics and Prosthetics in Undergraduate Kinesiology Students in the Southern United States.
Third Prize
Comstock, B, Fuhrmark, R, and Trujillo, J (California State- Dominguez Hills)
Faculty Advisor: Kamyab, M.
Tensile Strength of Bio-polyethylene and recycle Polyethylene as Alternative Materials for Ankle Foot Orthoses.
2023
First Prize
Kristen John, Madison Nastruz, and Ross Kelly (Northwestern University)
Faculty Advisor: Mathew Major, PhD
The effects of prosthesis mechanical properties on balance in unilateral transtibial prosthesis users: a literature review
Second Prize
Shelby Rose Shelman, Christa Berry, Riley Greer, and Ellyson Martens (California State University Dominguez Hills)
Faculty Advisor: Julie Werner, PhD
Gross motor development in children with lower limb differences
Third Prize
Jessica Townsend and Gracie Rink (Eastern Michigan University)
Faculty Advisors: Rebecca Spragg, MSPO, CPO
Functional priorities of caregivers and their children with neuromuscular disorders: a literature review
2022
First Prize
Emily Mueller (Northwestern University)
Faculty Advisor: Mathew Major, PhD
A literature review on the effects of slope-adaptive prosthetic feet on gait performance in unilateral transtibial prosthesis users
Second Prize
Sophia Mancini and and Shannon Everly (Eastern Michigan University)
Faculty Advisor: Frank Fedel, MS
Enhancing O&P education with unlimited access to gait analysis using virtual reality
Third Prize
Kitty Lackey (Eastern Michigan University)
Faculty Advisors: Frank Fedel, MS and Nathan Kerns, CPO
Sustainable material alternatives for prosthetic sockets
Chester Haddan Scholarships (2023- )
2024
Abbigail Citterman
2023
Kira Nicole Donnelly
Tamarack Award (2022 -)
2023
James Wynne, CPO, FAAOP
2017
Jonathan Naft, CPO, LPO
2013
Thomas Gavin, CO
2011
Don Katz, CO, LO, FAAOP
2009
Gary Horton, CO, FAAOP
Fillauer Award (2024 -)
2024
Kate Allyn, LCPO, FAAOP
Thranhardt Award (2023 -)
2024
AOPA
Shane Wurdeman PhD
Andreas Kannenberg MD
Tyler D. Klenow MSPO, MBA, CPO, FAAOP
Russell Lundstrom MS
AAOP
Bretta Fylstra PhD
Jennifer A. Richards MA, CPO
2023
AOPA
Andreas Kannenberg, PhD
Matthew Wernke, PhD
Shane Wurdeman, PhD
Small Grant Awards (2023)
2023
Geoffrey Balkman, PhD, CPO
Incorporating wearable activity monitors into orthotic care for patients with knee OA
Pilot Grant Awards (2022)
2022
Lisa Abernethy, MSPO, CPO, LPO
Cosmetic only? Assessing the long term non-cosmetic outcomes of positional cranial deformities
Max Hurwitz, DO
Identifying barriers to care following lower extremity limb loss using a human centered framework
PAST OPERF & COPL GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
COPL Awards (2009 - 2022)
2022
Bretta Fylstra, PhD
Evaluating prosthesis provision patterns and clinical outcomes across the United States with respect to level of community distress for individuals with lower limb amputation
Sarah Chang, PhD
Integrating outcome measure data collection with the National Limb Loss and Preservation Registry
Bretta Fylstra, PhD
Rates of lower limb amputation based on healthcare spending and provision of diabetic footwear among Medicare beneficiaries with diabetic foot ulcer
Jennifer Richards, CPO, MA(Ed)
Treatment outcomes following orthotic interventions for pectus carinatum
2021
Joshua Burns, PhD
Feasibility of smart ankle-foot orthoses with embedded wearable sensors to measure real-world function and compliance in childhood
Cole Cheney, MD
Sciatic block in contralateral limb for treatment of refractory phantom and residual limb pain; a triple-blind randomized crossover controlled trial
John Chomack, MS
Advanced wearable fitness tracker for individuals with transtibial amputation: A feasibility study using the Oura Ring
Michael Dillon, PhD
Closing an evidence-practice gap: Exploration of the barriers and facilitators influencing use of telehealth for orthotic/prosthetic services in the United States of America
Graci Finco, CPO-L
Wearable sensors in prosthetic practice: Can walking symmetry supplement clinical measures to assess fall risk?
Szu-Ping Lee, PhD
Socioeconomical disparities on post-amputation outcomes in individuals with lower limb amputation
Edward Garrett Jr., MD
Investigating mobility and prosthetic utilization outcomes in patients with lower limb amputation and vascular comorbidities under physician-led collaborative care model
Cody McDonald, PhD
Racial bias in orthotics and prosthetics
Taavy Miller, PhD
Do corrective scoliosis TLSOs fabricated using 3D scanning show a greater percentage of in-brace curve correction compared to TLSOs fabricated from a traditional casting method of image capture?
Andrew Sawers, PhD
Improving documentation of falls in people living with lower limb amputation: Reconstructing fall events with the Lower Limb Prosthesis User Fall Survey
Fanny Schultea, CPO-L
Controlled intervention study of community-based rehabilitation for people with amputation in the Houston, Texas Area
Shane Wurdeman, PhD
Care patterns and total cost of care associated with diabetic foot ulcer and lower limb amputation among Medicare beneficiaries: A 5-year cohort analysis
2020
Sarah R. Chang, PhD
Develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for vacuum-assisted socket suspension systems
Jonathan D. Day
Non-invasive method for quantifying progress of healing after transtibial amputation: a pilot study
Michael Dillon, PhD
Describe the population receiving orthotic/prosthetic services using telehealth, and their experience and satisfaction with those services
Erik Hansen, MD
The effect of osteoarthritis bracing on community involvement, a pilot study
Natalie Harold, CPO
Development of a Customizable Outcome Measures Electronic Toolkit (COMET)
Rebecca M. Miro, PhD, CP, MBA, CRA
Prosthetic, functional, and clinical outcomes among female amputees: A scoping project to include a systematic review and 10-year retrospective record review of female Veterans with limb loss
2019
Leigh Clarke, B.PO, MPH
Patient and payor perspective of the benefit of prosthetic interventions and services: informing measures for future health economic evaluations
Reza Safari, PhD
Activity, mobility, social functioning, mental health and quality of life outcomes in limited mobility transfemoral and knee disarticulation amputees using microprocessor-controlled knees or non-microprocessor controlled knees in the United Kingdom: A cohort study
Jenny A. Kent, PhD
Vacuum assisted suspension: The effect of residuum-socket interface integrity on perception and control in individuals with a transtibial amputation
Christopher Hovorka, PhD, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
Quality of life, satisfaction, gait and motion control outcomes of articulated passive dynamic, non-articulated passive dynamic and solid ankle foot orthoses in hemiparetic stroke survivors
Geoff Balkman, BA, MS, CPO
Large-scale administration and calibration of a patient-reported item bank for assessing mobility of lower limb orthosis users
2018
Geoff Balkman, BA, MS, CPO
Development of a mobility outcome measure for people who use lower limb orthoses
John DesJardins, PhD
The quantification of containment conditions used for directed growth within infant cranial remolding orthoses: A pilot study
Sun Hae Jang, MSc, CO, FAAOP
Normative values, reliability, and validity of the Global Visual Gait Assessment for measuring orthotic biomechanical outcomes for use in post-stroke patients
Shannon Mathis, PhD
Gait analysis using video: Defining K-Level in lower-limb prosthesis users
Shane Wurdeman, PhD, MSPO, CP, FAAOP
Prospective falls analysis among lower limb prosthesis users- understanding the role of prostheses in reducing fall risk
Eric Weber, CPO, FAAOP
Longitudinal tracking of stability events and AFO compliance among stroke survivors during sub-acute and chronic phases of recovery
2017
Sarah Anderson
Comparison of quality of life in people with partial foot or transtibial amputation
Brian Kaluf, BSE, CP
Hydraulic and microprocessor controlled ankle-foot prostheses for limited community ambulators with unilateral transtibial amputation: Pilot study
Sarah Chang, PhD
A pilot study to evaluate the effects of the hydraulic ankle-foot prostheses on standing and walking in K2-level ambulators
Benjamin Padilla, MD
The effects of a custom pectus carintum orthosis on dosing response and quality of life
Eric Weber, CPO, FAAOP
Mobility and global health among users of lower limb orthoses: The establishment of a national data base
Chris Hovorka, PhD, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
Gait and motion control benefits of custom molded passive-dynamic AFOs versus custom fit carbon composite AFOs in persons with neuromuscular impairment
Kenton Kaufman, PhD
Prevalence, correlates, and risk of prescription drug use and abuse in individuals with above knee amputations
2016
Walter Lee Childers, PhD, MSPO, CP
Stumble recovery mechanisms utilized by people using different types of microprocessor knees
Kenton Kaufman, PhD, PT
Risk factors and costs associated with secondary health conditions of individuals with above-knee amputations
Staci Shearin
Impact of Carbon Fibre AFOs on gait and resulting changes in quality of life across time in persons with PD
Nicholas LeCursi, CO
Relative influence of orthotic support features within an open frame AFO versus a total contact AFO on function, endurance, and activity level in patients with spastic equinovarus secondary to chronic stroke
Ignacio Gaunaurd, PhD, MSPT
Utilizing an innovative Timed-Up-and-Go test for fall risk detection in people with unilateral lower limb loss
Sai Vikas Yalla, PhD
Activity based quality life assessment to compare prostheses with and without microcontrollers in transfemoral amputees
Shane Wurdeman, PhD, MSPO, CP, FAAOP
Improved mobility with lower limb prostheses: the establishment of a national multi-site outcomes database
2015
Fan Gao, PhD
Does vacuum assisted socket system improve knee proprioception and dynamic balance in transtibial amputees?
Jason Highsmith, PT, PhD, CP, FAAOP
Concurrent validation of the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance Test (CS PFP-10) in transfemoral amputees
Jason Kahle, MSMS, CPO, FAAOP
Transfemoral interfaces with vacuum assisted suspension comparison of biomechanics using the CAREn: Ischial containment versus brimless
2014
Walter Lee Childers, PhD, MSPO, CP
The world is not flat: Justifying prosthetic feet with multi-axial features being used on uneven terrain
Goeran Fiedler, PhD, CPO
Physiologic range of step-by-step variations in lower limb prosthesis forces during walking
Dennis E. Clark, CPO
Comparison of post-operative care following trans-tibial amputation
2013
Silvia Raschke, PhD
The impact of step targeting during normal gait for persons wearing either a SACH or a dynamic response foot
Nicoleta Bugnariu, PT, PhD
Performance and evaluation of dynamic response feet
Noah J. Rosenblatt, PhD
The influence of vacuum-assisted suspension on clinical outcomes in lower limb amputees
Vibhor Agrawal, PhD
Determining efficacy of dynamic response prosthetic feet in K-level 3
2012
Jason Maikos, PhD
Biomechanical and functional evaluation of a microprocessor controlled knee paired with a powered ankle-foot prosthesis
Sean Deeny, PhD
Cognitive workload during prosthetic use: A quantitative EEG measure
Jeffrey Heckman, DO
Functional level change in persons following transfemoral amputation
Laurent Frossard, PhD
Effects of prosthetic components on functional outcomes of individuals with lower limb loss
2011
Christopher Hovorka, MS, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
Influence of the rocker profile in an orthosis-footwear combination to modulate neuromuscular behavior
2010
Christopher Hovorka, MS, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
Exploiting lower limb orthotic constraint of movement as a strategy for neuromuscular recalibration
Fan Gao, PhD
Investigation of prosthetic socket interface pressure: effects of suspension types and socket alignment
2009
Robert Kistenberg, CPO
Comparison of liner assisted suspensions in transtibial prosthetics
Geza Kogler, PhD
Functional outcomes of a custom, energy, harvesting ‘bullfrog’ AFO
Andrew Sawers, CPO
Estimation of the axis at rotation position in non-articulated energy storage and return prosthetic foot-ankle mechanism
OPERF Small Grant Awards (2009 - 2022)
2022
Megan Sions, PT, DPT, PhD
Can comorbidity screening and referral by prosthetists enhance post-amputation care?
2021
Kinsey Herrin, MSPO, C/LPO, FAAOP
Enabling meaningful community ambulation in individuals post-stroke through the use of a smart hip exoskeleton
2020
Cody McDonald, PhD, MPH, CPO
Defining success in lower limb prosthetics: Which outcomes matter most?
2019
Laura Miller, PhD, CP
A pilot investigation to determine if pathogens are present on gel liners worn by amputees
2018
Goeran Feidler
Investigating prosthesis users' accommodation time to changes in prosthetic componentry
2017
Shannon Mathis, PhD
Feasibility of underwater treadmill training to improve mobility and disability in unilateral, transtibial amputees
2016
Andrew B. Sawers, CPO, MSPO, PhD
Validation of a novel beam-walking test to assess fall risk in people with lower limb amputation
2015
Elisa Arch, PhD
Can clinical measures predict real-world walking performance in adults with transfemoral and transtibial amputations?
2014
Brian Hafner, PhD
Enhancing quality, utility, and interpretability of self-report outcome measures for prosthetic applications: psychometric evaluation of reliability, mode-of-administration equivalence, measurement error, and detectable change
Kim Seok Hun, PT, PhD
Gait adaptation in transfemoral amputees using split-belt treadmill training
2012
Larissa Pavone, MD & Stefania Fatone, PhD, BPO (Hons)
Improving lower extremity orthotic management of children with cerebral palsy
2011
Kinsey Herrin, MSPO, LPO, CPO & Mark D. Geil, PhD
Minimizing bracing in the treatment of idiopathic toe walking: A randomized controlled trial to compare functional outcomes after treatment with an articulated ankle foot orthosis and a rigid carbon fiber footplate
2010
Jason Wening, MS, CP, BEO
Effects of the Össur AFO Dynamic and a custom fabricated Polymer AFO on the gait of acute hemiplegic CVA subjects
2009
Joan Sanders, PhD
Does too big a socket increase residual limb volume fluctuation?
OPERF Fellowship Awards (2009 - 2022)
2022
Satria Ardianuari, MS, BSPO
The effect of side load carriage on hip power and inter-limb weight transfer during gait in indivdiuals with unilateral transtibial amputation
2021
Alivia Reiche, COF
Effectiveness of Wii-Fit U balance training in the lower extremity amputee compared to existing CAREN VR training data
2020
Elizabeth Halsne, CPO, PhD
Comparison of gait biomechanics and commercial feet and emulated feet using a robotic prosthetic foot emulator in people with transtibial amputation
Chelsey Anderson, CPO, FAAOP
Developing a clinical decision aid for prosthetic design
2019
Amanda Shorter, MS
Ankle-foot prosthesis stiffness optimization to reduce gait compensations
Katrina Henrikson
Development and validation of a finite element model to evaluate the stance-phase mechanics of a crossover prosthetic foot
2018
Kyle Leister
Foot temperature differences between individuals with type II diabetes and transtibial amputation and individuals with type II diabetes without amputation
2017
Jessica Zistatsis, BS
Evaluating the efficacy of a passive pediatric exoskeleton to improve walking ability in children with cerebral palsy
2016
Gary Louis Wall, CFo, C.Ped
A novel thermoelectric cooled prosthetic system
2015
Corin Shirley
Effects of shoes on the mechanical properties of prosthetic feet utilized in tropical countries
2014
Sara Peterson, MS, CPO, FAAOP
Functional electrical stimulation use in trans-tibial amputations: a pilot study
2013
Erin Boutwell, MS
How prosthesis stiffness influences impact forces during an in vivo impact and level walking
2012
Christopher Baschuk, BS
Validation of alternative posterior attachments for upper limb figure of eight harnessing
Shane Wurdeman, CP, MSPO
Quantifying stride-to-stride fluctuations in amputee gait: Implications for improved outcomes
2010
Daniel Abrahamson, CPO
The effect of elevated vacuum versus suction suspension on daily volume fluctuation in the transtibial residual-limb
Angelika Zissimopoulos, MS
Mediolateral stability in post-stroke hemiplegic gait: dynamic influences of ankle-foot-orthoses and torso-weighting
2009
Sarah Koehler, MS
Transfemoral amputee gait as it relates to prosthetic alignment
Andrew Sawers, CPO
Estimation of the axis of rotation position in non-articulated energy storage and return prosthetic foot-ankle mechanisms: Implications for prosthetic foot efficiency and motor control strategies in unilateral transtibial amputees
OPERF/ABC Resident Travel Awards (2015 - 2022)
2021
Emily Hurst, MPO, CP
Temporospatial changes due to adding mass on a transfemoral prosthesis
2020
Kiley Armstrong
Effects of upper limb prosthesis use on lower limb gait dynamics
Sheila Pach
Clinical evaluation of a novel low-cost voluntary closing prosthetic hand
Samantha Stauffer
The impact of chronic low back pain pre- and post-amputation among adults with lower limb loss
2019
Landon Davis, MSPO
Initial development and testing of a novel, low-cost prosthetic socket to be used in low-income areas with limited resources
Brian Kerns, MSPO
Testing durability of 3D printed prosthetic sockets using dye penetrant testing
Joey Zisk, MSPO
Effect of prosthetic ankle-foot repositioning on transtibial socket pressures during ramp walking
2018
Diana Pressney, CO, MPO
Effect of virtual reality immersion on phantom limb pain and phantom limb sensation
2017
Cassandra Delgado, CO
Ability of pygmalion effect to reduce non-compliance and improve orthotic outcomes in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Sarah Hutchinson, CPO
Comparison of thigh muscle localization between individuals with a transfemoral amputation and intact limbs
Rachael Rosen, CO
The effect of body mass index on in-brace correction obtained by a boston-style scoliosis TLSO in patients diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A retrospective review
2016
Kyle Barrons, CPO, MSOP
Biomechanical effects of adding a flat region to constant radius rocker bottom shoes
2015
Tyler Klenow, MSOP, CPT-ACSM
A functional comparison of a carbon fiber AFO and two modular KAFO conditions using outcome measures
Dana Schack, CP
Functional electrical stimulation for patients with Parkinson’s disease: A case study
Michael Socie
Comparison between a novel magnetic locking interface and a pin Locking system for suspension of lower limb prostheses
OPERF Resident Travel Awards (2009 - 2014)
2013
Marisa Berkowitz
An assessment of outcomes of prefabricated carbon composite AFOs in a rehabilitation setting: a preliminary report
Beth Halsne, CPO
Clinical administration of a standardized outcome measure for patient satisfaction
2012
Abbey Meyer, LO
Effect of compliance counseling on brace success in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a preliminary report
Megan Zachar, MSPO, CO
Treatment options and outcomes for lower extremity bone tumors in children: a literature review
2011
John Frederick, CO/LO, BEP
Transtibial amputee's ability and knowledge of socket management and the relationship to the educational needs of amputees
Brock Sande, CP
Using gait analysis to compare the biomechanical effects of AFOs designed with a solid ankle versus afos designed with a compression heel
2010
Richard Hunsaker
A review of current literature studying the use of functional electrical stimulation for foot drop
2009
Brian Ardnt
Case study: use of a partial foot prosthesis under elevated vacuum
OPERF Fillauer Prizes (2014 - 2022)
2020
Ryan J. Caldwell, LP, FAAOP
2018
Shane R. Wurdeman, PhD, MSPO, CP, FAAOP
2016
Donald R. Cummings, CP, LP, FAAOP
2014
Phillip M. Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
OPERF Tamarack Prizes (2009 - 2022)
2017
Jonathan Naft, CPO, LPO
2013
Thomas Gavin, CO
2011
Don Katz, CO, LO, FAAOP
2009
Gary Horton, CO, FAAOP