FOUNDATION FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY RESEARCH AWARDS 2020 FELLOWSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING

ALEXANDRIA, VA (July 29, 2020) – The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (FPTR) recently awarded $212,500 in fellowship and scholarship funding to 12 promising physical therapist researchers. The awards will help these new investigators begin their research careers and complete doctoral studies.

FPTR awards Promotion of Doctoral Studies (PODS) I Scholarships of $7,500 each year to support of the coursework phase of post-professional doctoral studies prior to candidacy. PODS II Scholarships of up to $15,000 are offered in support of the post-candidacy phase of post-professional doctoral studies. The New Investigator Fellowship Training Initiative (NIFTI) supports postprofessional, doctorally prepared physical therapists as they begin their research careers.

The funding is awarded following a rigorous application process modeled after the National Institutes of Health – a process which sets FPTR apart in physical therapy research funding. A volunteer scientific review committee composed of experts in research and education reviews all applicants. FPTR’s unique focus on physical therapy research and peer review process sustains long-term research growth in this field. Since 1979, FPTR has awarded more than $19 million in grants, scholarships, and fellowships.

“This is a difficult year for many in our community – both professionally and personally,” said FPTR President, Paul Rockar, Jr., PT, DPT, MS, FAPTA. “We’re grateful to our supporters who have made it possible to continue investing in physical therapy research. These emerging leaders show a high level of ambition to pioneer new treatments, prove the efficacy of existing treatments, and improve patient care. Equally importantly, they give us hope for our future during a truly challenging time.”

The $100,000 NIFTI was awarded to Adam J. Bittel, PT, DPT, PhD, from Children’s National Medical Center. His fellowship will include research training entitled “Molecular Responses to Aerobic Exercise Training in a Murine Model of FSHD.” This award is supported through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)’s Scholarship Fund.

The 2020 PODS I Recipients include:

• Ellen N. Sutter, PT, DPT; University of Minnesota
  Recipient of the Patricia Leahy Award made possible by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy through the Foundation’s Neurology Endowment Fund
• Andrew A. Post, PT, DPT; University of Iowa
  Recipient of the Bella May Award made possible by the Bella May Fund
• Andrew R. Wagner, PT, DPT; The Ohio State University
  Recipient of the Viva J. Erickson Award, funded by the Viva J. Erickson Fund
• Jeffrey Konrad, PT, DPT; Washington University in St. Louis
  Funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund
• Kristin A. Johnson, PT, DPT; University of Iowa
  Funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund
• Allison E. Miller, PT, DPT, NCS; University of Delaware
  Funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy through the Foundation’s Neurology Endowment Fund
• Valerie L. Shuman, PT, DPT; University of Pittsburgh
  Funded by the Legacy Scholarship Fund

The 2020 PODS II Recipients include:

• Julia Mazzarella, PT, DPT; The Ohio State University
  Recipient of the VCU-Marquette Challenge Award, named in honor of the student-led Marquette Challenge, Funded by the Rhomberger Fund
• Emma H. Beisheim, PT, DPT; University of Delaware
  Funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund
• Rachel L. Bican, PT, DPT; The Ohio State University
  Recipient of the Mary Lou Barnes Award, funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy through the Foundation’s Neurology Endowment Fund
• Sarah M. Schwab, PT, DPT; University of Cincinnati
  Funded by the Rhomberger Fund

FPTR will accept applications for 2021 scholarships and fellowships beginning in Fall 2020. The organization is currently accepting research grant applications. For more information, visit Foundation4pt.org.

Correction: This article was updated on November 9, 2020, to reflect the updated guidelines for our scholarships. For more information, visit Foundation4pt.org/scholarships/. 

The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research was established in 1979 as a national, independent nonprofit organization to fund physical therapy research to optimize health and movement. Since its inception, FPTR has awarded more than $19 million in research grants, fellowships and scholarships. Many of today’s leading physical therapy researchers, clinicians, and academicians began their careers with this support. Foundation-funded researchers have gone on to secure more than $845 million in follow-on funding.

To learn how you can support NIFTI and PODS funding, contact the Foundation’s CEO, Barbara Malm, at 800/875-1378. To donate or learn more, visit www.Foundation4pt.org or call 800/875-1378.

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