Cochlear announces 2024 winners of annual scholarships
The
The scholarships recognize Cochlear recipients in
"This year we received more than 180 submissions from our accomplished recipients. Each and every applicant has an impressive story of overcoming challenges while contributing to their communities in their own way. We are honored to be just a part of their amazing journeys,"
In its 22nd year, the Graeme Clark Scholarship is named after Professor
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Julianne Hill Blackburn , (Samford University ) fromHomewood, AL . Inspired by her experiences with deafness and her cochlear implants, she is currently studying for a Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies hoping to both improve patients' lives and to teach others how to advocate for themselves as a PA the way she has been supported. -
Christopher Lee , (Washington University ,St. Louis ), fromEdmond, OK . A talented musician, Lee is majoring in psychology and minoring in anthropology while also doing hearing science/language research with the psychology department during his spare time. -
Mackenzie Martin , (NYU Grossman School of Medicine ), fromLexington, MA . Passionate about addressing health challenges within our society, she is pursuing a medical degree drawing upon her own experience as a patient, advocate, volunteer, and investigator to help improve patients' quality of life. -
Aaron Reynoso , (Northwestern University ), fromGlendale Heights, IL . He is studying chemical engineering, with the goal of one day conducting research for improving treatments with medication, along with a minoring in biotechnology.
"It is because of Cochlear that I have become determined in my mission of helping others through medical research, and with this scholarship, I can learn with no barriers in my way to carry out my mission, to hopefully find new medical discoveries like the one made by
In its 13th year, the Anders Tjellström Scholarship is named after Dr. Anders Tjellström, who in collaboration with others created the first bone conduction hearing implant and has worked tirelessly to restore hearing to people around the world. The 2024 Anders Tjellström Scholarship winners are:
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Schantelle Alonzo , Baha System recipient, (School of Visual Arts ), fromChicago, IL . Born with atresia/microtia she is inspired by the power of art and has decided to pursue an animation degree with a mission to share stories of underrepresented people. -
Timothy Bilik , Osia System recipient, (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ), fromMilford, NH . Shortly after his Osia System activation, he started engineering school where he is thriving and enjoying the challenges of studying computer engineering. -
Elana Rose Lapetina , Baha System recipient, (East Carolina University ), fromNorfolk, VA . Featured in the Netflix™ documentary "Pharrell Williams' Voices of Fire" she is taking her vocal and theatrical talent to the next level studying theater and theatrical arts.
"I heard sounds I had never perceived: a public bus stopping, a plane in the distance, clarity in conversations and music. It was an emotional and euphoric experience to gain the full capacity of my hearing. To this day, I am immensely grateful for the advancements of medical technology and hearing restoration,"
Now in its second year, the scholarships include the Cochlear Americas Vocational Scholarship, for students attending technical, vocational or trade schools. The 2024 Cochlear Americas Vocational Scholarship winner is:
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Max Grefe , (Academies ofLoudoun ,The Monroe Advanced Technical Academy ), fromChantilly, VA . He is studying occupational studies in culinary arts and business administration in food business management and is not only passionate about cooking but also being a part of and helping the deaf community.
"After graduating from the
Academic scholarship winners will receive
About the Scholarships
A total of 188 applications were received this year. An esteemed panel of judges helped review and select the scholarship winners:
Clinical Assistant Professor, Audiology Manager, Children's Cochlear Implant Center at UNC
Assistant Director, Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Weill Cornell Medicine
Speech Language Pathologist & Auditory-Verbal Therapist,
Director, Speech and Audiology,
Clinical Audiologist, Michigan Medicine Cochlear Implant Program,
For more information about the scholarships, visit Cochlear.com/us/Scholarship.
About
People have always been Cochlear's inspiration, ever since Professor
Cochlear has a global workforce of around 4,800 people, with a passion for progress, who strive to meet the needs of people living with hearing loss. The company continually innovates to anticipate future needs, investing more than AUD$2.7 billion to date in research and development to push the boundaries of technology and help more people hear.
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SOURCE Cochlear Americas