AAA EXPANDS AWARDS PROGRAM TO SUPPORT STUDENTS PURSUING CAREERS IN ANATOMICAL SCIENCES
ROCKVILLE, MD—JULY 13, 2023 – The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) announced the deserving recipients of the AAA Predoctoral Fellowship, the DEI Dissertation Completion Award, and the EUReka EDI Undergraduate Research Award. In 2023, AAA expanded its portfolio of awards, grants, and scholarships by an additional $100,000, now topping out at over $650,000. These opportunities provide much-needed financial support to undergraduate and graduate students, enabling them to conduct groundbreaking research and make valuable contributions to the field.
AAA has continuously demonstrated its commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing careers in anatomy. In the spring of this year, AAA proudly launched three new awards aimed at meeting the specific needs of students. These awards acknowledge exceptional talent and provide crucial funding for students at different stages of their academic journey.
The AAA Predoctoral Fellowship is designed to develop the pathway of future anatomical scientists by funding students who are current or new members of AAA completing their first master’s or first doctoral degree.
Nicole Moody, MS., is a Ph.D. Candidate in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Brown University. Previously, Moody completed their BS in Neuroscience and MS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Tulane University. Moody's research is broadly focused on understanding the structure and function of animal communication systems. Their dissertation explores territoriality in woodpeckers, specifically focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the characteristic drum display.
The DEI Dissertation Completion Award, another newly introduced accolade, assists underrepresented minority (URM) graduate students in navigating the critical transition from completing their Ph.D. to pursuing postdoctoral studies or securing their first academic job.
Cassaundra White, a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in biomedical research at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, has been selected as a recipient of this prestigious award. A native Hawaiian, White holds bachelor's degrees from the University of California, San Diego, and Chaminade University of Honolulu and a master's degree from Flinders University in Australia. Her research interests lie in public health, specifically in understanding the effects of health disparities in indigenous cultures. With the support of the DEI Dissertation Completion Award, White aims to establish herself as an independent research scientist working in clinical and community-based settings, contributing to advancing science and improving society.
Lastly, the EUReka EDI Undergraduate Research Award, aimed at providing early-stage support to underrepresented minority undergraduate students interested in research, holds immense significance.
Adam Arca, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences at McMaster University, has been chosen to receive this award. Arca's dedication to positively impacting his community is evident through his involvement with body donation programs and volunteer research on the health needs of vulnerable populations. With the EUReka Award, Arca will have the opportunity to embark on research projects that address a wide range of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. This support will undoubtedly propel Arca toward his goal of contributing to the advancement of anatomical research and promoting inclusivity within the field. He will attend the University of British Columbia this Fall to start a Master of Public Health program.
"AAA remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the future leaders of anatomy. By expanding its awards program and introducing these three new prestigious awards, we continue to empower students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue their passion for anatomical sciences and make meaningful contributions to the field. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nicole Moody, Cassaundra White, and Adam Arca, and we eagerly await the remarkable work they will undertake with the support of these awards. Their achievements testify to the AAA's dedication to fostering excellence and diversity within the anatomical sciences" - Martine Dunnwald, AAA President.