The Swaiman Medical Scholarship Award is awarded to up-to-ten 1st- and 2nd-year medical students who receive $3,500 for clinical research in child neurology with the sponsorship of a child neurologist who oversees their work during the summer. Candidates for the award are asked to submit a two page application accompanied by a letter from a child neurologist agreeing to be their mentor. These applications are scored by members of the CNF Swaiman Medical Scholarship Committee. The committee that reviews these applications includes child neurologists who are also successful scientists.

This year’s award winners:

Leonid Bederman, Cincinnati Childrens, Division of Neurology

I plan to take advantage of the spectacular opportunity afforded to me by the Child Neurology Foundation in researching the potential link between human papillomavirus type 16 and hemimegalencephaly. This research project allows me the chance to pursue my passion for academic medicine and will serve as an invaluable learning experience towards my future career. Research mentor Katherine Hollamd, M.D.

Stephanie Chung, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Rutgers University

I will be studying the stem cells of a mouse developmental model in order to evaluate the functions of a gene (Engrailed 2) that is associated with autism. I am interested in specializing in pediatrics with a focus on child neurology and neurodevelopmental disorders. Research mentor Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom M.D.

Peter Glynn, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

My immediate goal is to deepen my understanding of childhood epilepsy and how technology can be leveraged to lessen its burden. Ultimately, I hope to pursue a medical or surgical field that combines my passion for working with children with my enthusiasm for neuroscience. Research mentor Sookyoung Koh, Ph.D

Abraham Korman, U of Cincinnati – College of Medicine

I plan to spend the summer developing a non-invasive method for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder early to improve patient outcome. I plan long term to become a pediatric Neurologist who can both treat and development treatments for developmental abnormalities. Research mentor: Sumit Parikh, M.D.

Juhi Kushwaha, Wayne State University School of Medicine

Systemic and predictors of outcome after therapeutic hypothermia for neonates with hypoxic encephalopathy. I am excited to be the president of the Wayne State chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), and am also on the executive board as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Pediatric Care Interest Group (PCIG). In the future, I plan on completing a residency in pediatrics. Research mentor Renee Shellhaas, M.D.

Kristel Leung, Children’s Hospital, Boston

My project will help us understand the changes in the brain caused by hypoxia and inflammation insults in the prenatal period, providing insight into the pathophysiology and possible therapies for related pediatric neurological conditions. Research mentor Shenandoah Robinson, M.D.

Nehali Mehta, Washington Univ School of Medicine, St. Louis

After graduating from medical school I hope to train as a child neurologist in an academic institution and continue to be involved in translational research. I am also very passionate about improving healthcare on a global scale, and intend to educate and provide care for the underserved both locally and in developing countries. Research mentor Rafael Galindo M.D.

Juliana Porter, Univ of Virginia Dept of Neurology, Pediatrics, and Pharmacology

I hope that the outcomes of my research on benzodiazepine use in neonates will make a positive contribution to Child Neurology in a way that will ultimately improve the care of some of our smallest, most vulnerable patients. I plan to pursue my interest in this field through the remainder of my medical training and will continue to strive toward a career in which I never stop learning and always provide the best possible care for my patients. Research mentor Laura Jansen, M.S.

Joseph Stricker, UCSF School of Medicine, Dept of Pediatrics

Brain cooling after neonatal stroke reduces brain injury and improves outcome in some infants, though the effects of hypothermia on changing the brain microenvironment and enhancing long-term repair remains poorly understood. Research mentor Donna Ferriero, M.D.

Shelun Tsai, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Clinical validity and reliability of a 0-10 numeric rating scale of spasticity in pediatric cerebral palsy. I am currently interested in pursuing a career in pediatrics, and I hope to incorporate clinical research to further improve pediatric patient care. Research mentors Joanna Blackburn, M.D. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Deborah Gaebler, M.D., Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago