The NAAOP Fellowship Selection Committee and Board of Directors announced the 2020 summer fellows earlier this month. Out of six highly qualified candidates, Nikki Grace-Strader and Lucas DeLuca were selected as the 2020 NAAOP Fellows.
Nikki Grace-Strader
Nikki is a born advocate from Illinois and has an above-knee prostheses through osseointegration. Nikki’s compelling personal story and journey through health care and rehabilitation will serve her well as she advocates for O&P patient care in Washington, DC.
Lucas DeLuca
Lucas has used an above-knee prosthesis since age 2. He has a wide variety of experiences that will serve him well as an NAAOP fellow, including a Masters degree in Disability Studies. Currently based in California, Lucas hopes to move to Washington, DC permanently to focus full-time on policy and advocacy.
2020 NAAOP Fellowship Postponed
Unfortunately, due to the risks and uncertainties created by the COVID pandemic, NAAOP was forced to postpone the Fellowship program until the summer of 2021. If available at that time, these same two fellows will remain in the program and are enthusiastic about participating at that time.