Fellowships - The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders

GFPD Fellowships

The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders has long championed research along with family programming and advocacy action in its history. Over the past 12 years, the GFPD has instituted a number of programs to build capacity in both science and practice, leading to comprehensive fellowship programs that impact our Warriors, families, scientific researchers and medical providers.

Warrior Camp Fellow Program

One of the largest fellowship programs at the GFPD is our Warrior Camp Fellow Program. This intensive training and practice program assembles a team of more than three dozen volunteer fellows to oversee four days of hands-on, experiential learning and activity for GFPD Warriors, their siblings and other children attending each conference. Fellows who wish to work with the GFPD apply to the program every two years.

Each fellow chosen for the program receives more than 30 hours of training through a multi-faceted orientation that includes Deaf-Blind simulation, techniques for engagement with individuals with multi-sensory impairments, and understanding of peroxisomal disorders.

As they learn alongside various experts, Fellows also gain hands on experience in the following:

Multi-sensory loss
Multiple disabilities
Multi-system diseases
Overall impact of a rare disease diagnosis on the family unit.
Engage with families & experience different family dynamics
Learn importance of inter-professional practice & teaming
Build professional network and resources

The next application cycle will be prior to the 2024 Conference. Please contact Abby Pelster at Abby@thegfpd.org for more information about the Warrior Camp Fellow Program.

GFPD Early-Stage Investigators and Young Scientists

This program brings early-stage investigators and young scientists to the GFPD Family and Scientific Conferences, where they have the opportunity to share their research, participate in poster presentations, and learn more about peroxisomal disorders. They will also interact with individuals and families affected by peroxisomal disorders.

Please contact Melissa Bryce at Melissa@thegfpd.org with questions or for more information.

Community Engagement Exchange Partner

In 2022, the GFPD is hosting two fellows through a Community Engagement Exchange program at the Department of State. These international interns are focused on health and wellness and will be not only helping the GFPD with various programming but taking the learning from the four-month cultural exchange back to their home countries.

Please contact Melissa Bryce at Melissa@thegfpd.org with questions or for more information.

2022 GFPD Warrior Camp Fellows

Abbey Dyer, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Avae’ Muir, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Bailey Jones, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Bridget Slagle, Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska – Kearney

Charlotte Griffith, Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska – Kearney

Claire Kubicek, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Claire Streeter, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Eddio Benitez, Nursing, University of North Carolina

Elizabeth Lamb, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Elizabeth Wheeler, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Estrella Uribe, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Gabriela Myers, Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska – Kearney

Garrett Schliep, Pre-Occupational Therapy, University of Nebraska – Omaha

Holly Rockenbach, Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska – Kearney

Jadyn Cattau, Pre-Occupational Therapy, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Jessica Leung, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Kaitlyn Hutchinson, Special Education, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Karissa Boesiger, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Kaylee Flynn, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Lizabeth Larsen, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Logan Bennett, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Madison Han, Pre-Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Maggie Keslar, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Nayeli Cruz Lopez, Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska – Kearney

Nyah Thaemert, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Rachel Anderson, Pre-Occupational Therapy, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Sarah Frett, Pre-Occupational Therapy, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Rylie Riepl, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Sarah Mahnesmith, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Butler University

Shelby Neiman, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Sheyla Fierro, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Sydney Hobza, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Sydney Huls, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Tatum Cool, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Victoria Bailey, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Hailey Koenig, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln