The Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR Jr. Faculty Research Award is funded for the benefit of early career faculty (rank of Assistant Professor) at UTMB who are conducting research related to rehabilitation, disability, and recovery. Dr. Ottenbacher joined UTMB in 1995 as Vice Dean of SHP (formerly School of Allied Health Sciences) and was named Associate Director of the Sealy Center on Aging in 1998. He developed the Rehabilitation Sciences PhD curriculum in 2000 and served as program director for many years. In 2001, Dr. Ottenbacher helped establish UTMB’s Center for Rehabilitation Sciences (now Center for Health Promotion, Performance and Rehabilitation Research), where he served as Director until 2018, and the Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, where he served as Director until his retirement in 2021.

Funds will be used to support the research efforts of the selected junior faculty, including but not limited to, project staff and supplies, research training activities, and conference travel to present study results. The funding source was created to honor Dr. Ottenbacher, by his former students, mentees, colleagues, and friends.

The $1,000 award may be used to support faculty effort, including but not limited to, project staff and supplies, research training activities, conference travel to present study results, and publication support.

To apply, applicants should submit a single page letter to shp.resch@utmb.edu. In the letter please:

• Summarize your background and current work in rehabilitation, disability, and/or recovery research.
• Indicate how you plan to leverage the awarded funds to further your research.

You may also include a single-page support letter from a fellow faculty member or mentor. Applications are due no later than October 20, 2023.