#USA #Lexington #University of Kentucky #Mobility Fund #Hannah Young

Hannah Young Receives the 2026 Mobility is Freedom Fund PhD Scholar Award

In a significant achievement for the field of rehabilitation and health sciences, Hannah Young, a PhD candidate at the University of Kentucky, has been awarded the 2026 Mobility is Freedom Fund PhD Scholar Award. This competitive award, which provides $50,000 over a span of two years, is designed to support her doctoral research, which aims to enhance the quality of care for patients post-lower limb amputation.

Hannah, who is also a graduate research assistant in the university's esteemed Rehabilitation and Health Sciences PhD program, is on a mission to empower patients by increasing their self-efficacy in managing their health post-amputation. The research titled, "Facilitating Optimal Care Through Understanding Self-Efficacy After Lower-Limb Amputation," seeks to provide insights into how patients can confidently engage in multidisciplinary treatment approaches, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

During the award ceremony held on October 27, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland, Charles H. Dankmeyer, President and Founder of the Mobility is Freedom Fund, honored Hannah with the first installment of her award. In her gracious acceptance speech, she recognized the invaluable support of her faculty mentors, including Sheila Clemens, Graci Finco, Kyle Kosik, Kristen Metzler-Wilson, and Kirby Mayer, who have had a profound impact on her academic journey.

The Mobility is Freedom Fund is dedicated to addressing the current healthcare gap regarding integrated, multidisciplinary care models, particularly for individuals experiencing limb loss. The fund provides not only scholarships but also educational grants to facilitate research that enhances mobility, independence, and empowerment among those affected. Hannah's work exemplifies this mission by focusing on methods to improve patient involvement in their own care.

Hannah's research is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Burroughs-Wellcome Foundation, allowing for innovative studies that can drive better practices in healthcare. The ongoing quest for integrated care solutions is crucial as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, necessitating informed strategies to assist individuals with mobility challenges.

Each year, the Mobility is Freedom Fund opens grant applications for research conducted within U.S. PhD programs. The announcement for the 2027 PhD Scholar Program was made on September 10, 2026, with application deadlines set for March 31, 2027. This initiative encourages scholars to explore and contribute to the well-being of those facing mobility challenges, thus fostering a healthcare environment where all can participate fully in society.

Thus, the recognition of Hannah Young marks not only a personal achievement but also a step forward in a collective endeavor to enhance the quality of life for people with limb loss. With the support of forward-thinking organizations like the Mobility is Freedom Fund, new research can pave the way for improved practices in rehabilitation and healthcare.

For those interested in following in Hannah's footsteps or contributing to this area of research, information can be found at the Mobility is Freedom Fund's official website. Here, the fund continues to seek applications and proposals that align with its mission of improving care and empowering individuals through groundbreaking research.