Research Council

The Research Council (RC) is one of three Academy Councils through which much of the work of the Academy is accomplished. The RC makes recommendations on needed research and coordinates the efforts of the Academy as it participates in research projects. The RC works with ISPO and other organizations that impact the research capability of professionals in the field with the intent of providing better patient care.

Council Diagram

Edward S. Neumann, PhD, PE, CP - Chair
David Boone, PhD, CP, LP
Scott Cummings, PT, CPO, FAAOP
Stefania Fatone, PhD
Mark D. Geil, PhD
M. Jason Highsmith, CP, DPT, FAAOP

Administrative Support:
Kimber Nation

Council Purposes and Objectives

To influence the profession of orthotics and prosthetics in a way that fosters self-sustaining research efforts and produces peer-reviewed P&O research that advances Evidence-Based Practice. To provide research education for O&P professionals and enhance the profession's research capacity.

Grants Committee

Stefania Fatone, PhD, BPO(Hons), Chair

Committee Purposes and Objectives

To identify, and provide direction and oversight of external grants that can benefit the Academy and its membership. The primary focus of this work should be to sustain the work being accomplished through Project Quantum Leap (PQL) and to build orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) research capacity.

Research Education Committee

Mark D. Geil, PhD, Chair

Committee Purposes and Objectives

To develop continuing-education that allows O&P professionals the opportunity to be more informed consumers of clinical and technical research. Work in conjunction with NCOPE, to promote and support the research experience component of clinical residencies across the United States.

Standards and Protocols Committee

M. Jason Highsmith, CP, DPT, FAAOP, Chair

Jason T. Kahle, CPO, Vice-Chair

Committee Purposes and Objectives

To assist in the facilitation of standardization within the orthotic and prosthetic community (i.e. terminology, research terminology and methodology).