KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 3, 2026

Congratulations to Wellstar Health and Human Services Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO) graduate students for their outstanding achievements at the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) 52nd Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium, “Collaborate for Excellence: Advancing Our Profession Together,” held February 18–21, 2026 in Nashville.

Forty-three students from both cohorts attended the symposium, with our second-year students presenting their capstone research during the poster session on February 19th. All six capstone project groups presented, earning five awards, including audience-voted recognition for:

• Game Changer
• Most Surprising Result
• Best Graphical Display
• Most Interesting Title

Most exciting, J. Perline, H. Linsley, J. Shears, and B. Browner received 2nd Place in the inaugural John Michael Student Poster Award, along with a $500 prize. Named in honor of John Michael, CPO, FAAOP, FISPO, this distinction recognizes meaningful contributions to research, education, and professional advancement within the field.

We are proud of our graduate students for representing Kennesaw State University (KSU) with professionalism and distinction while contributing to the continued advancement of the prosthetics and orthotics profession.

“We are extremely proud of the manner in which our MSPO graduate students represented themselves and KSU on the national stage at this year’s academy meeting in Nashville,” said Adrienne Hill, KSU MSPO Program Director, and Mark Geil, KSU Professor of Exercise Science. “They completed their capstone projects on an accelerated timeline. Throughout the meeting, they exemplified preparedness, confidence, and professionalism, reflecting their research and development as future clinicians. We are confident the experience provided valuable opportunities to engage with leaders in the field and further expand their professional networks. We commend them for their dedication and for the distinction they brought to the MSPO program.”

Looking ahead, our graduate students will attend the 2027 AAOP Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium next year in New Orleans, where they will once again highlight their scholarship and commitment to advancing the field of orthotists and prosthetists.

Discover more about the Wellstar Health and Human Services Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics graduate program:
https://bit.ly/MSPOatKSU

– Story by Lisa Walker

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.