Doctoral student receives prestigious scholarship

01/29/2013 1:38 PM

By Steven Johnson ’13

Emily Pisani, a third year student in Bradley’s physical therapy doctorate program, has received the Kaiser Permanente Hayward Physical Therapy Fellowship Scholarship. The scholarship will cover her registration for the 2013 Combined Sections meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, which was held in San Diego from Jan. 21 to 24. The scholarship also provides $500 for travel, lodging and meal expenses.

“I was elated when I found out that I was being awarded a scholarship,” she said. “There were over 100 applicants for the Neurologic Section and to know that I was selected as one of two winners is such an honor.”

Dr. Dawn Hall, an associate professor in the physical therapy and health science department, praised Pisani’s hard work and perseverance.

“Emily has been an ideal student and deserving of such recognition,” she said. “She has taken sincere interest in the profession and her future in it.  She will represent Bradley and the profession of physical therapy well.”

The national conference brings together physical therapists from all specialties to participate in talks, round tables, special interest groups meeting and an exhibit hall. The conference also provides an opportunity for participants to learn about different diagnoses, treatments and equipment used by physical therapists based on the most current research.

“The exhibit hall consists of vendors showcasing new products for patient treatment and also includes research posters,” said Pisani, who added she was particularly interested in the poster section. “My research partner and I received the President’s Award at the 2012 Bradley Research Expo. After receiving the award we applied and were accepted to present at CSM 2013.”

Pisani’s research project looks at how playgrounds affect the physical activity and support needs of ambulatory children with cerebral palsy. She said she hopes to promote the pairs’ project at the conference by receiving feedback and support for continued research on the topic.