Each year, the NATA Foundation recognizes those that excel in the areas of research and those that lead the way in service to the NATA Foundation and the AT profession.

The NATA Foundation Research Awards include: Medal for Distinguished Athletic Training Research, The Dr. Freddie & Mrs. Hilda Pang Fu New Investigator Award, The David H. Perrin Doctoral Dissertation Award. Research Awards Eligibility Criteria. 

The Medal for Distinguished Athletic Training Research, The Dr. Freddie & Mrs. Hilda Pang Fu New Investigator Research Award and The David H. Perrin Doctoral Dissertation Research Award are presented annually to deserving researchers among the NATA membership.
Research Awards Eligibility Criteria.

Medal for Distinguished Athletic Training Research
The NATA Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Athletic Training Research recognizes an established researcher who has sustained a prolific body of work that has contributed to research in the field of athletic training and health care.

2026 Award Recipient: Kenneth L. Cameron, PhD, MPH, ATC, FNATA

Dr. Kenneth L. Cameron serves as Director of Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Research at Keller Army Hospital at West Point, with faculty appointments across military and academic training programs. A nationally recognized leader in injury prevention and musculoskeletal research, his work focuses on epidemiology, treatment outcomes, and long-term health effects of injuries in physically active and military populations.

Dr. Cameron has secured more than $31 million in competitive research funding and has led or contributed to several large-scale, multi-center studies, including the NCAA-DoD CARE Consortium and the Military Orthopaedic Treatment and Injury Outcomes Network (MOTION). He has authored over 220 peer-reviewed publications, with his work widely cited and influential in advancing clinical practice and policy.

A Fellow of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Dr. Cameron has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service throughout his career, including serving as President of the NATA Foundation. His sustained and impactful contributions have established him as a leading authority in athletic training research and health care.

The Dr. Freddie & Mrs. Hilda Pang Fu New Investigator Award
The Dr. Freddie & Mrs. Hilda Pang Fu New Investigator Award (formerly named The New Investigator Award), recognizes a researcher who is likely to continue to make significant contributions to the body of knowledge in athletic training and health care.

2026 Award Recipient: Caroline Lisee, PhD, ATC

Dr. Caroline Lisee is a nationally recognized, federally funded researcher focused on improving outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Her work centers on identifying barriers to optimal knee joint loading and developing clinically feasible interventions to reduce the risk of long-term disability and osteoarthritis.

She has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and over 80 conference abstracts, contributing to a deeper understanding of the multifactorial challenges associated with post-ACLR recovery. Her research is supported by competitive funding, including a prestigious NIH K01 Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award and funding from the NATA Research & Education Foundation.

Through her innovative and impactful research program, Dr. Lisee is advancing evidence-based practice and demonstrating strong potential for continued contributions to athletic training and health care research.

The NATA Foundation is grateful for the endowment established honoring Dr. Freddie & Mrs. Hilda Pang Fu.  Read more about the Fu’s endowment and legacy here.

The David H. Perrin Doctoral Dissertation Award
The David H. Perrin Doctoral Dissertation Award recognizes outstanding doctoral student research in athletic training and health care.

2026 Award Recipient: Francesca Genoese, PhD, LAT, ATC

Dr. Francesca (Frankie) Genoese is an Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Science and Director of the Mind, Body & Sport Injury Laboratory at the University of Wyoming. Her research examines the role of biopsychosocial factors in recovery following sport-related injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Her work incorporates innovative approaches, including immersive technologies and serious games, to better understand and enhance post-injury outcomes. Her award-winning doctoral dissertation utilized 360° immersive simulations to investigate how pain-related psychological responses influence functional performance after ACLR.

Dr. Genoese’s research has been recognized by national organizations, supported by regional and state funding, and published in peer-reviewed journals. Her work contributes to a more holistic understanding of injury recovery and the advancement of patient-centered care in athletic training.

The NATA Foundation is grateful for the endowment established honoring David H. Perrin, PhD, ATC. Read more about the David H. Perrin Doctoral Dissertation Award Endowment here.

The NATA Research & Education Foundation Board of Directors recognizes those representative of advancing the athletic training profession through the NATA Foundation’s mission, efforts and initiatives.

The awards currently include: the Lifetime Contribution Award; the Rachael Oats Leadership Award (formerly the President’s Award); the Volunteer Service Award; and the Impact Service Award (formerly the New Initiative Award).

Rachael Oats Leadership Award
The NATA Foundation’s “President’s Award” was renamed in 2020 to honor the legacy of the NATA Foundation’s former Director, Rachael Oats – this award allows the President of the NATA Research & Education Foundation to recognize those representative of Rachael’s exemplary characteristics of leadership, selflessness, commitment, and loyalty to the NATA Foundation, its volunteers and its donors.

2026 Award Recipient: Nancy Burke, MS, AT Ret

Nancy Burke, MS, AT Ret has been selected as a recipient of the Rachael Oats Leadership Award from the NATA Research & Education Foundation for her leadership, selflessness, commitment, and loyalty to the NATA Foundation. Nancy is a member of the NATA Foundation’s Circle of Champions and is currently serving on the NATA Foundation workgroup to develop new mission and vision statements leading into the new NATA Foundation Strategic Plan.

Her tenure as an athletic trainer persisted from her early years at James Madison University—providing care to the women’s athletic teams—through an extensive career with Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax County Police Department.  Nancy’s engagement in scholarship, research, and civic outreach exemplifies her dedicated service to the field of athletic training. She has authored numerous peer‑reviewed publications, delivered presentations at national and international conferences, and contributed to research initiatives that advance safety standards in sports.

Through her mentorship and leadership positions in professional organizations—including the NATA Foundation—she continues to inspire future generations of athletic trainers.

2026 Award Recipient: Stephanie Rowan

Stephanie Rowan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment in advancing the mission of the NATA Research & Education Foundation. Since joining the Foundation in 2024 as Development & Marketing Manager, she has been instrumental in expanding sponsorships, strengthening donor relationships, and leading strategic fundraising initiatives that directly support research, scholarships, and education within the athletic training profession. Through her efforts, she has secured new corporate partnerships, increased event and campaign revenue, and implemented targeted initiatives that enhance donor engagement and long-term sustainability, resulting in measurable growth and increased visibility for the Foundation.

Stephanie’s outstanding organizational skills, forward-thinking leadership, and unwavering dedication quickly led to her appointment as Executive Director, where she continues to build momentum and guide the Foundation toward future success.

Stephanie’s altruism, unwavering commitment, and profound loyalty embody the legacy of Rachael Oats and capture the spirit of the award. Her indispensable contributions to the NATA Foundation stand as an enduring testament to her dedication, serving as a source of inspiration for all who encounter her work.

Volunteer Service Award
Awarded to an individual for their exemplary volunteer service advancing the NATA Research & Education Foundation.

   2025 Award Recipient: Linda Bobo, ATC, GTS

Linda Bobo, ATC, GTS has been a dedicated leader and champion for the NATA Foundation, making a meaningful impact through her service on the Scholarship Committee. After serving as a committee member from 2019 to 2022, Linda was appointed Chair in 2022, where she has since led with purpose, organization, and a collaborative spirit.

During her tenure as Chair, Linda guided the committee through the implementation of a new application portal system, working closely with leadership to refine and improve the process for future applicants. She also led efforts to enhance demographic tracking and evaluate potential barriers to application, helping ensure a more inclusive and accessible scholarship process.

In addition to managing the committee’s extensive review and selection workload, Linda spearheaded the development of a new rubric and policy for the NBATA scholarship, successfully launching the first award under this updated framework. Her positive leadership style fosters collaboration and respect among committee members, creating an environment where meaningful work thrives. Linda’s contributions have strengthened the Foundation’s scholarship program and will have a lasting impact on future applicants and the profession.

Impact Service Award
Awarded to an individual for their exemplary grass roots initiatives which provided significant advancement of the NATA Research & Education Foundation.

2026 Award Recipient: Rod Walters, DAT, SCAT, ATC

Rod Walters, DAT, SCAT, ATC has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing corporate development and strategic partnerships for the NATA Foundation. A longtime supporter and donor, Rod has further amplified his impact since joining the Board of Directors as an At-Large Director.

Most notably, Rod recently secured ZetrOZ Systems as a significant sponsor—an achievement that reflects both his persistence and strategic approach. By aligning the Foundation’s mission with ZetrOZ’s corporate values, he successfully cultivated a partnership rooted in shared purpose. His ability to build authentic relationships and navigate complex discussions was instrumental in bringing this collaboration to fruition.

Beyond sponsorship development, Rod is proactive in identifying new opportunities for growth and has played a key role in strengthening the Foundation’s financial and operational efforts through his service on the Finance and Operations Committees. His commitment, initiative, and “how can I help?” mindset continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the NATA Foundation.