Foundation for Physical Therapy Research Announces 2019 Fellowship and Postprofessional Doctoral Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, VA (July 1, 2019) – The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research recently awarded a total of $310,000 in Promotion of Doctoral Studies (PODS) I & II Scholarships and a New Investigator Fellowship Training Initiative (NIFTI) to a total of 21 physical therapists.

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.

“All of our recipients show great potential in shaping the future of healthcare and the physical therapy profession through their research,” said Foundation CEO Barbara Malm. “We’re excited to see the work that these investments in future research will yield.”

The $100,000 NIFTI was awarded to Brian A. Loyd, PT, DPT, PhD of the University of Utah. His fellowship will include research training entitled “Distinguishing Community-Based Performance from Laboratory and Clinical Assessments of Gaze and Postural Stability in Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction.” He will work under the dual mentorship of Lee Dibble, PT, PhD, Professor at University of Utah’s Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, and Michael Schubert, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. This award is supported through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)’s Scholarship Fund.

Congratulations to the 2019 PODS I Scholarship recipients:

• Emma H. Beisheim, PT, DPT, MS, University of Delaware, supported by a gift from the NY Society for Continuing Education in Physical Therapy, Inc.
• Jesse L. Kowalski, PT, DPT, University of Minnesota, recipient of the Viva J. Erickson Award, funded by the Viva J. Erickson Fund.
• Cherie V. LeDoux, PT, DPT, University of Colorado Denver, recipient of the Pitt-Marquette Challenge Award, funded by the annual Marquette Challenge.
• Joseph Lesnak, PT, DPT, University of Iowa, recipient of the Patricia Leahy Award, funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Endowment Fund.
• Julia E. Mazzarella, PT, DPT, The Ohio State University, recipient of the Academy of Pediatric  Physical Therapy Award funded by the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Fund
• Patrick McCue, PT, DPT, University of Iowa, recipient of the Florence Kendall Award, funded by the Florence Kendall Fund.
• Dana Mathews, PT, DPT, MS, University of Delaware, supported by a gift from the NY Society for Continuing Education in Physical Therapy, Inc.
• Kimmery G. Migel, PT, DPT, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, funded by the Rhomberger Fund.
• Sarah M. Schwab, PT, DPT, University of Cincinnati, funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund.
• Kimberly S. Scott, PT, DPT, The Ohio State University, supported by a gift from the NY Society for Continuing Education in Physical Therapy, Inc.
• Julie Stutzbach, PT, DPT, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, supported by a gift from the NY Society for Continuing Education in Physical Therapy, Inc.
• Cristin M. Zwolski, PT, DPT, The Ohio State University, funded by the Rhomberger Fund.

Congratulations to the 2019 PODS II Scholarship recipients:

• Rachael L. Bican, PT, DPT, The Ohio State University, recipient of the Bella May Award, funded by the Bella J. May Scholarship Fund.
• Tara Dickson, PT, DPT, UT Southwestern Medical Center, recipient of the Academy of Physical Therapy Education Award, supported by the Academy of Physical Therapy Education Fund and Mildred Wood Fund.
• Margaret French, PT, DPT. University of Delaware, funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Fund.
• Craig C. Kage, PT, DPT, University of Minnesota, recipient of the Karen St. John Award, supported by a gift from the St. John Family Foundation
• Anne E. Palermo, PT, DPT, University of Miami, recipient of the Mary Lou Barnes Award, funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Endowment Fund.
• Jordyn Rice, PT, DPT, University of Miami, funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Fund.
• Richard S. Severin, PT, DPT, The University of Illinois Chicago, funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund.
• Jason Sharpe, PT, DPT University of Utah, funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund.

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, the Foundation has awarded more than $17 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 $824 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 800/875-13678.

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