The Orthotic and Prosthetic Education and Research Foundation (OPERF) and the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 inaugural ABC Student Poster Prizes.

Prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place; $1,000, $850, and $650, respectively. Each recipient was selected for their research presented in poster format at the 2022 American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy) Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium on March 2-5 in Atlanta, GA. All student posters accepted for presentation at the 2022 Academy Meeting were automatically considered for the contest.

                                                       

                                                                   

First Place

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 Place

Sophia Mancini (left) and Shannon Everly (right)

Eastern Michigan University
Faculty advisor: Frank Fedel, MS

Enhancing O&P Education with Unlimited Access to Gait Analysis Using Virtual Reality

                                                                   

Third Place

Kitty Lackey

Eastern Michigan University
Faculty advisors: Frank Fedel, MS; Nathan Kerns, CPO

Sustainable Material Alternatives for Prosthetic Sockets

 

The OPERF Research Committee judging criteria included the quality and thoroughness of the research, originality, and independence of the contributions, significance and timeliness of the research results, and the depth of understanding of the research topic. "OPERF is grateful to ABC for its sponsorship of these prizes and partnership in investing in future O&P practitioners," said Donald Katz, MHA, CO/L, FAAOP, chair of the OPERF board of directors. "The OPERF board of directors would also like to extend its appreciation to all those who served as clinical and scientific reviewers for this year's submissions. Their guidance and support ensure that all applicants receive constructive feedback to help them grow further in their research interest endeavors."