Society for Clinical Neuropsychology Education Committee Dissertation Award

This award is designed to recognize excellence in neuropsychological research, with an emphasis on studies that are likely to make an impactful contribution to the field.

Two award winners will be selected:

• 1 general award that recognizes excellence in neuropsychology research
• 1 diversity-focused award that recognizes commitment to diversity in neuropsychology research and/or the applicant’s personal journey in the field of neuropsychology

Each winner will receive:

• Monetary prize to be determined by SCN, based on budget and availability
• Opportunity to present study findings to peers at organized event (e.g., webinar)

For inquiries, email Division 40.

Eligibility Requirements

• Successfully defended doctoral dissertation within the last 18 months
• Students should be enrolled in or have graduated from an APA-accredited doctoral program in clinical, counseling, or school psychology 

Required application materials

• Curriculum Vita
• Dissertation Abstract – Includes Study Title, Background, Methods, Results, and Discussion
• Personal Statement – 1 page, single spaced, to include:
  1. background information about interest/commitment to neuropsychology;
  2. genesis for dissertation topic and novelty of the project;
  3. any notable barriers overcome in dissertation project and training as a clinical neuropsychologist, and
  4. and future career goals and aspirations for involvement in SCN and professional leadership. 
• Dissertation Verification Form – To be completed by dissertation advisor or dissertation committee member 
• Submission process – Compile materials in a single PDF file in the following order: CV, Dissertation Abstract, Personal Statement, and Dissertation Verification Form. 

Required application materials

• Curriculum Vita
• Dissertation Abstract – Includes Study Title, Background, Methods, Results, and Discussion
• Personal Statement – 1 page, single spaced, to include:
  1. background information about interest/commitment to neuropsychology;
  2. genesis for dissertation topic and novelty of the project;
  3. any notable barriers overcome in dissertation project and training as a clinical neuropsychologist, and
  4. future career goals and aspirations for involvement in SCN and professional leadership. 

Review Criteria

1. Qualifications of Applicant
   • Does the applicant demonstrate commitment to the field of neuropsychology, as demonstrated by clinical, research, teaching, and/or leadership experience?
   • Does the applicant increase diverse representation in the field of clinical neuropsychology (e.g., from an underrepresented group or non-traditional training background)? 
2. Significance
   • Does the project address an important problem or a barrier to progress in the field, and is it consistent with the overall goals of the Division 40 (i.e., to advance the specialty of clinical neuropsychology as a science and profession and as a means of enhancing human welfare)?
   • Does the project improve scientific knowledge, technical capability, clinical practice, and/or advancement of racially/culturally/linguistically competent practice?
   • Does the project meaningfully enhance our understanding of the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?
3. Innovation
   • Does the project challenge and seek to shift current research or clinical practice paradigms by utilizing novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions?
   • Are the concepts, approaches, or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions novel to clinical neuropsychology research (or in a broader sense)?

Submission instructions

Dissertation Verification Form – To be completed by dissertation advisor or dissertation committee member.

Compile materials in a single PDF file in the following order: CV, Dissertation Abstract, Personal Statement, and Dissertation Verification Form. 

Please email to: Jennifer Longoria, PhD, SCN Education Committee Chair 

2026

Jasmin Pizer, PhD (post-doctoral fellow at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center)
Sarah Cote, MS (graduate student, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology)

2018

Madeleine L. Werhane, MS 
“Characterizing the effects of vascular and genetic risk on brainstem white matter tract microstructure in older adults with mild cognitive impairment”

2017

Sarah Jurick, MS
“Markers of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Integration of In Vivo Myelin Imaging, Neuropsychological Measures of Processing Speed, and Subjective Post-concussive Symptoms”

2015

Samantha L. Allison, MA, Washington University St. Louis
"Spatial navigation in preclinical Alzheimer's disease"

2014

Kelsey Thomas, University of Florida
"Understanding Errors in Complex Everyday Cognitive Tasks in Older Adults"

2013

Alicia Janos, Washington University in St. Louis
"Relationship between Serum Biomarkers and Three Month Outcome following Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury"