AOPA Announces 2026 Howard R. Thranhardt Award Recipients

Alexandria, VA — The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) is proud to announce that Mark Geil, PhD and Matthew Wernke, PhD have been named the recipients of the prestigious 2026 Howard R. Thranhardt Award.

Widely recognized as one of the highest honors in the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) profession, the Howard R. Thranhardt Award is presented annually to the top clinical research abstracts submitted to the AOPA National Assembly. The award recognizes outstanding scientific contributions that advance evidence-based O&P care and improve outcomes for individuals with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility challenges.

Established in 1996 through an endowment from Hanger Southeast in honor of Howard R. Thranhardt, the award celebrates his lifelong commitment to education, innovation, and the scientific advancement of the O&P profession. Today, the award is supported by the Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research.

The award-winning presentations will be featured during the 2026 National Assembly taking place September 9–12 in Las Vegas, with presentations scheduled for Friday, September 11 at 8:00 am.

“The Howard R. Thranhardt Award recognizes the very best in clinical research and innovation within the O&P profession,” said Kimberly Hanson, CPRH, AOPA President. “Dr. Geil and Dr. Wernke are advancing our understanding of patient care in meaningful and impactful ways. Their work reflects the innovation, scientific rigor, and commitment to improving lives that continue to move this profession forward.”

Award-Winning Presentations

Dr. Mark Geil, Professor, Kennesaw State University will present Considerations for Crawling Locomotion Development in Infants with Cerebral Palsy. This groundbreaking study examined the kinetic and spatiotemporal biomechanics of crawling in infants with cerebral palsy compared to typically developing peers. The findings provide important new insights into factors that may influence early locomotor development in children with CP.

Dr. Matthew Wernke, Director, Research and Development, Willowwood will present Defining Optimal Pressure Profiles to Protect Limb Health. With limited data currently available to guide prosthetic socket pressure design, this study explores whether pressure application and relief should be balanced or concentrated at specific areas of the limb. Using limb health outcomes as a key differentiator, the research offers valuable evidence to help inform future prosthetic socket design and patient care strategies.

To learn more about and register for the 2026 National Assembly, visit: www.AOPAassembly.org.

About AOPA

A trusted partner, advocating for and serving the orthotic and prosthetic community, the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) fosters relationships with decision makers, provides education, supports research, and advances equality to strengthen the orthotic and prosthetic profession and improve the lives of its patients. Since 1917, AOPA has been the largest trade association consisting of more than 1,800 patient care facilities and suppliers that together manufacture, distribute, design, fabricate, fit, and provide clinical care for patients using orthoses (orthopedic braces) and prostheses (artificial limbs). Each and every day, AOPA and its members strive for a world where orthotic and prosthetic care transforms lives.