Scholarships
Ken Harris Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Scholarship
An anonymous donor established the Ken Harris Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship at Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC) in 2021. The scholarship was established to honor the 30+ year career, service, and dedication of Ken Harris and to provide support for students who are from marginalized backgrounds who are committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. The anonymous donor hopes such scholarship will be financially added to by others who seek to honor Ken Harris and provide support for students who are from marginalized backgrounds.
Anonymous Donor was quoted:
“Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center has a long history of producing talented orthotists and prosthetists. Its curriculum prepares graduates for both the rigors of clinical practice and the rapidly-changing healthcare environment in the U.S. We are proud to fund the Ken Harris Scholarship, which will help ensure that in the future the clinical face of orthotics and prosthetics better reflects the patient communities it serves.”
The Ken Harris DEI Scholarship also provides an opportunity for Scholarship Fellowship experiences that may include, but shall not be limited to: active participation in translational research; patient care; the mentoring of residents and/or other trainees.
The NUPOC Director of Education anonymously evaluates and selects the student awardees either entering or currently enrolled at NUPOC. Award recipients are students who best exemplify these characteristics:
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Clear understanding of the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
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Personal commitment to promoting DEI
- Strong interest in advancing the effectiveness of DEI
The competition is open to all full-time candidates enrolled in the NUPOC MPO program who are from marginalized backgrounds and show need for financial support.
J. Chad Duncan, our Director of Education, was quoted:
“It was one of my goals as director to honor Ken. I could not think of a better way to do so. NUPOC is excited about this great opportunity provided by an anonymous donor. The fact that the donor allowed us to call it the Ken Harris Scholarship is monumental. Ken has been with NUPOC for 31 years and has seen the positive changes to our profession and education. I always tell Ken he is the face of 'NUPOC,' and I am sure our thousands of alumni agree. Having a scholarship named after Ken is a great honor for such a dedicated person. This scholarship will assist us in recruiting the next generation of prosthetist and orthotist."
Tamarack Award
J. Martin Carlson, CPO, FAAOP, established the Tamarack Award at Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC). Three annual awards of $2,000 per recipient are given to NUPOC Master of Prosthestics & Orthotics (MPO) students who demonstrate excellence in orthotics and submit an original essay that details their commitment to orthotics.
The NUPOC teaching faculty anonymously evaluates and votes for the student awardees in December of the second year of MPO training. Award recipients are students who best exemplify these characteristics:
- Clear understanding of the principles of orthotic management
- Personal commitment to patient-focused clinical care
- Strong interest in advancing the effectiveness of orthotic treatment
The competition is open to all full-time candidates enrolled in the second year of the NUPOC MPO program.
Previous Winners
2020
Anna Atkins, Kevin Clark, Kendra Hercules
2019
Nicolette Chamberlain-Simon
Casey Gruber
Jennifer Pudlo
2018
Kristin Barth, Maureen Connelly, Abbey Senczyszyn
2017
Kyle Miller, Sheila Pach
2016
Samantha Wright, Joshua Zumbrun
2015
Kate Binder
2014
Christian Rae S. Figueroa
About J. Martin Carlson
J. Martin "Marty" Carlson, CPO, FAAOP, owner and chief engineer of Tamarack Habilitation Technologies in Blaine, Minnesota, holds degrees in aeronautics and mechanical engineering and certifications in prosthetics-orthotics. He is a published scientist, teacher, entrepreneur and innovator who developed the Carlson AFO Modification technique, the Gillette orthotic seating system, Tamarack ankle joints and more. Carlson was recognized by the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists with the Titus-Ferguson Award (2009) and the Clinical Creativity Award (1997). NUPOC deeply appreciates the generosity of Carlson for bestowing the annual Tamarack Awards at NUPOC.