Professor Stefania Fatone, PhD, was awarded the 2025 Pilot Research Grant by The Orthotic and Prosthetic Foundation for Education and Research for the project: Evaluation of a Prototype Socket Fit Testing System to Assess Coupling of the Prosthetic Socket in Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation.
The $30,000 grants are awarded annually and are based on the scientific merit, clinical relevance, and the extent to which the project aligns with the O&P Foundation's research priorities.
The recipients were selected through a rigorous peer-review process for projects that address pressing questions in patient care, clinical effectiveness, and treatment outcomes. The Early Career and Pilot Research Grants are designed to support investigators in initiating research lines that will be competitive for larger funding opportunities.
Additionally, Anat Kristal, PhD, PT, from the University of Miami, was awarded an Early Career Research Grant from the foundation for the project, “Reactive balance control mechanism of microprocessor knee and non-microprocessor knee users.” Dr. Kristal trained under Professor Brian Hafner, PhD, who is a mentor and collaborator on this project. This is Dr. Kristal’s first grant as a principal investigator.