09/02/2026
π Congratulations to the inaugural graduating class of Northwestern University's Master of Prosthetics & Orthotics Research (MPO-R) program!
We are proud to announce the successful thesis defenses and graduation of the first cohort of students in the Master of Prosthetics & Orthotics Research (MPO-R) program at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Over nine academic sessions, students completed all requirements of Northwestern's Master of Prosthetics & Orthotics (MPO) program while undertaking advanced coursework in research design, biomechanics, statistics, and scientific writing. Their studies culminated in original thesis projects addressing critical questions in prosthetic and orthotic care, including powered prosthetic technologies, gait biomechanics, orthotic intervention design, balance and mobility, and post-stroke rehabilitation.
Congratulations to: Owen Albrecht, Maria Gamez, Elizabeth Ibata-Arens, Amanda Kemper, Christian Moran, and Elyssia Robbins
Their research contributes new knowledge with the potential to advance clinical practice and improve mobility, function, and quality of life for individuals with limb loss and neurological impairments.
We applaud these graduates for their thesis defenses, graduation, and pioneering role as the first graduates of the MPO-R program. We look forward to seeing their impact on the future of prosthetics, orthotics, and rehabilitation research!!