Baothy Huynh, a 2019 graduate of the OTD program and current PhD candidate in the Rehabilitation Sciences program, has been awarded the 2024-2025 American Dissertation Fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW). 

A research fellow in the Brain Recovery Lab, directed by Dr. Teresa Kimberley, Huynh’s dissertation work, Neural Inhibition in Focal Dystonia, will focus on understanding the role of inhibition in the pathophysiology of task-specific focal dystonia using multimodal techniques: functional magnetic resonance imaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation, which she hopes will pave the way toward improved diagnosis and treatment. 

“I am so grateful to be in the company of such exceptional and remarkable women scholars, including my research and academic advisors, Dr. Teresa Kimberley and Dr. Sue Fasoli, whose mentorships were essential in securing this award,” said Huynh.

Founded in 1881 by women who defied society’s conventions by earning college degrees, AAUW has since worked to increase women’s access, opportunity, and equity in higher education through research, advocacy, philanthropy, and supporting thousands of women scholars over the years. Candidates are evaluated based on scholarly excellence, quality and originality of project design, and active commitment to helping women and girls through service in their communities, professions, or fields of research.