The Mary Lou Barnes Award for outstanding PODS II application in postprofessional studies within neurology is given in honor of APTA Section on Neurology member and accomplished physical therapist Mary Lou Barnes, PT, FAPTA. Barnes was the founding director of the West Virginia University physical therapy program and served as chair of Georgia State University's program. During her terms, both programs achieved national recognition. Members of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy provided generous support for this award through the Foundation's Neurology Endowment Fund.
The 2016 recipient of the Mary Lou Barnes Award is:
Benjamin Binder-Markey, PT, DPT
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Topic: Effects of Musculoskeletal Adaptations VersusNeural Deficits on Hand and Wrist Function in Individuals With Chronic Stroke
Mentor: Julius Dewald, PT, PhD
The Patricia Leahy Award for outstanding PODS I application in postprofessional studies within neurology is given in memory of APTA Section on Neurology president, accomplished physical therapist, and Foundation Doctoral Training Research Grant recipient, Patricia Leahy, PT, MS, NCS. Leahy was a professor at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and was one of the first physical therapists ever to receive the Neurologic Certified Specialist certification. This scholarship is generously supported by members of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy through the Foundation's Neurology Endowment Fund.
The 2016 recipient of the Patricia Leahy Award is:
Catherine Vanderwerker, DPT
Medical University of South Carolina
Topic: Post-Stroke Depression, Neuroplasticity, and Rehabilitation
Mentor: Chris Gregory, PT, PhD
In addition to the Barnes and Leahy awards, in 2016, the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy funded 2 additional PODS awards through the Foundation's Neurology Endowment Fund. The recipients are:
Timothy Faw, PT, DPT, NCS (PODS II)
Ohio State University
Topic: Myelin Plasticity During Motor Learning After Spinal Cord Injury
Mentor: Michelle Basso, PT, EdD
Katie Butera, DPT (PODS I)
University of Florida
Topic Integrating the Study of Pain and Movement to Improve Patient Outcomes
Mentor: Steven George, PT, PhD