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Awards

Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Awards

April 22, 2024—Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Announces 2024 Awardees, Award Finalists, and Special Lecturers

Description: This award honors Edward W. Carney, Past President of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, for his exemplary dedication and service to the Society and the field of teratology. The Edward W. Carney Distinguished Service Award will recognize an individual who has provided distinguished service to The Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention.

The recipient must:

  1. have been a member of the Society for at least ten (10) years;
  2. have served the Society in the past in some of the following categories: Chair of a Standing Committee; Officer of the Society; Member of Council; Editor of one of our Journals;
  3. provide evidence of a productive career in research on birth defects and/or disorders of developmental origin; and
  4. demonstrate leadership in the discipline, as evidenced by participation in national and international review committees or public advisory groups and/or the training of predoctoral and/or postdoctoral fellows in research on birth defects and/or disorders of developmental origin.

Nominations will occur in two ways:
1. Any Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention member can nominate another member by submitting the following:

  1. A letter of nomination from a member of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention identifying how the nominee meets the eligibility criteria.
  2. A second letter of reference must be provided from another individual who is familiar with the nominee's career.

Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention headquarters will verify whether specific members meet the eligibility requirements for the award as they relate to membership status and service to the society.

A complete nomination package will consist of:

  1. A letter of nomination from a member of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention identifying how the nominee meets the eligibility criteria.
  2. A second letter of reference must be provided from another individual who is familiar with the nominee’s career.
  3. A copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae.


Judging process: The Awards Committee will select the recipient of this award using the criteria listed above.

Nominations are due November 15. Nominations should be sent to the Chair of the Awards Committee, Cynthia J. Wolf, PhD (wolf.cynthiaj@epa.gov).

Nomination packages will be considered for two consecutive award cycles.

2024 Recipient

Melissa S. Tassinari, PhD, DABT

Past recipients

2023
Susan L. Makris, MS

2022
William Slikker Jr., PhD

2021
John M. Rogers, PhD

2020
Alan M. Hoberman, PhD, DABT, ATS

2019
Thomas B. Knudsen, PhD

2018
Barbara F. Hales, PhD

2017
John M. DeSesso, PhD

2016
Anthony R. Scialli, MD

2015
Jan M. Friedman, MD, PhD, FAAP, FABMG, FCCMG, FRCPC

2014
Carole A. Kimmel, PhD

2013
Richard K. Miller, PhD

2012
Robert L. Brent, MD, PhD

2011
George P. Daston, PhD

2010
F. Clarke Fraser, OC, MD, DSc, FRSC

Description: This award honors F. Clarke Fraser, one of the founding members of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, for his many contributions to the field of developmental toxicology. The award is presented during the annual meeting of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention. The awardee will give a presentation related to his/her research. It is intended that the presentation will serve as a demonstration to pre- and postdoctoral students of the development of an independent career in birth defects research.

Eligibility requirements: Criteria for the award include being active in the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention and evidence of a successful independent research career, as demonstrated, for example, by high quality publications in peer-reviewed journals, obtaining funding for research endeavors, an established teaching program, an active graduate student program, or being generally recognized as an expert in the field. Individuals working in academia, government, and industry will be equally eligible to compete for this award. Candidates must be within twelve years of the date their last formal training in a field directly related to the disciplines of Birth Defects, Developmental Biology, Epidemiology or Teratology (e.g., degree conferral, postdoctoral fellowship, residency program, etc.) and must be nominated by a member of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention. Letters of nomination should be sent to the chair of the Awards Committee.  

Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention headquarters will verify whether specific members meet the eligibility requirements for the award as they relate to membership status and service to the society. Chairs of committees on which eligible candidates have served will be contacted to facilitate nomination of eligible candidates, and for suggestions for individuals to provide supporting letters of nomination (i.e., a second letter of reference). The Awards Committee will then further evaluate the eligible candidates for their publications, funding success, and other evidence of an independent scientific career.

The Awards Committee will request supporting documentation from each nominated candidate, to include past accomplishments of the candidate (i.e., curriculum vitae), current research interests and projects, and a statement on how candidate believes his/her career will advance discovery in birth defects research.

The candidate’s information package should consist of the following items:

  1. A letter of nomination from a member of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention.
  2. A second letter of reference must be provided from another individual who is familiar with the candidate's research career.
  3. A copy of the candidate's curriculum vitae in PDF format.
  4. Three representative publications of the candidate as PDF documents. The candidate need not be the first author on all publications, but it should be clear that the candidate has played a major role in the design and implementation of a research idea that has led or is likely to lead to an advance in birth defects research.
  5. The candidate may supply a summary of his/her research career with a description of future research directions (optional).

Judging process: The award winner, if any, will be chosen by the Awards Committee, using the criteria listed above under "Eligibility."

Nominations are due November 15. Nominations should be sent to the Chair of the Awards Committee, Cynthia J. Wolf, PhD (wolf.cynthiaj@epa.gov).

Nomination packages will be considered for two consecutive award cycles.

2024 Recipient

Jeremy Schraw, PhD

Past recipients

2023
Bethany R. Hannas, PhD, DABT

2022
Mahsa Yazdy, PhD

2021
Vijaya Kancherla, MS, PhD

2020
Joshua F. Robinson, PhD

2019
Kembra L. Howdeshell, MS, PhD

2018
Philip Lupo, PhD, MPH

2017
Evi Struble, PhD

2016
Nicole Churchill Kleinstreuer, PhD

2015
Sarah G. Obican, MD

2014
Julia M. Gohlke, PhD

2013
Peixin Yang, PhD

2012
Robert G. Ellis-Hutchings, PhD

2011
Ludmila Bakhireva, MD, PhD, MPH

2010
Marcia L. Feldkamp, PhD, MSPH, University of Utah

 

 

Award recipient archive

Jointly Sponsored by the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention and
Developmental Neurotoxicology Society

Description: This award honors the legacy of Dr. Patricia Rodier, a past Council member of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (BDRP) and a past President of the Developmental Neurotoxicology Society (DNTS). Each society administers the award and selects a recipient in alternating years (e.g., when the annual meeting is in an even year, BDRP administers/selects). If no nominee is put forth by the society whose year it is to select the awardee, nominations from the other society will be evaluated (this does not affect the alternating year schedule of administration/selection).

The award is presented in a joint session during the concurrent annual meetings of BDRP and DNTS. The awardee will give a presentation related to his/her research that is intended to serve as a demonstration of independent mid-career research in a field relevant to BDRP and DNTS.

Eligibility requirements: Criteria for the award include evidence of a successful independent research career and track record of mentorship. Examples of how these may be demonstrated include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • high quality publications in peer-reviewed journals;
  • obtaining independent funding for research endeavors;
  • active mentorship of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, young investigators, and/or trainees within one’s organization or the field in general;
  • an established teaching program;
  • recognition as an expert in the field.

Nominations of individuals working in academia, government, and industry are equally encouraged.

A candidate must have approximately ten to twenty-five years of professional experience from the date of their last formal training (e.g., degree conferral, completion of their postdoctoral fellowship, residency program, clinical fellowship, etc.); be a member of the society administering the award that year; and be nominated by a member of the society administering the award that year.

Nomination packages are due no later than December 31 and should consist of the following items:

  1. A letter of nomination including past accomplishments and career impact of the candidate, current research interests and projects, information on mentoring, and information on how the nominator believes the candidate's career has advanced discovery in the field of research.
  2. A second letter of reference must be provided from another individual who is familiar with the candidate's research career.
  3. A copy of the candidate's curriculum vitae in PDF format.
  4. Documents that provide evidence of a successful independent research career if not included in the curriculum vitae (see eligibility criteria above).

Judging process: The award winner will be selected each year by the Awards Committees of BDRP and DNTS, with approval of the Council of the society administering the award that year, using the criteria listed above under "Eligibility."

For the 2025 award, nominations should be sent to Michael Williams, DNTS Awards Committee Chair, michael.williams@cchmc.org, no later than December 31, 2024.

Nomination packages will be considered for two consecutive award cycles.

Awardee Benefits:

  1. Plaque
  2. $500 cash prize, airfare, 2 nights’ lodging, registration to attend the annual meeting of the society administering the award that year
  3. A presentation in a joint session at the concurrent annual meetings of BDRP and DNTS


Any questions can be directed to BDRP@birthdefectsresearch.org.

2024 Recipient

Christopher J. Bowman, PhD, DABT

Past Recipients

2023
Lori L. Driscoll, PhD

2022
Jennifer Anne Willford, PhD

2020/2021
Michael T. Williams, PhD

2019
Terry C. Hrubec, DVM, PhD

2018
Helen J.K. Sable, PhD

2017
Sonia Minnes, PhD

2016
Christina D. Chambers, PhD, MPH

2015
Gregg D. Stanwood, PhD

Description: This award recognizes innovative and translational research at the intersection of at least two of the following areas: basic science, new technologies, clinical research, policy, and outreach. The award is presented during the Annual Meeting of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention. The finalists (senior authors or his/her designees) for the award will give platform presentations related to their research. It is intended that the presentations will serve as a demonstration of cutting edge developmental/birth defects research.

Eligibility, Submission and Judging Process: To be considered for this award, one must submit an abstract to the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Annual Meeting by the regular deadline (February 15). The research to be presented should have a translational focus (see above description). Individuals working in academia, government, and industry will be equally eligible to compete for this award.

During the regular abstract review process, abstracts meeting the basic criteria for this award will be identified by the Program Committee and sent to the Awards Committee. Selection of three finalists for the award will be made by the Awards Committee. Finalists will be noted in the Annual Meeting Program and announced prior to the Annual Meeting. Presentations of the finalists will be attended by the Awards Committee members at the Annual Meeting, and the final awardee will be announced and recognized at the Annual Meeting.  

Awardee Benefits: A cash prize of $500 and a recognition certificate will be presented to the awardee at the Annual Meeting. In addition, the awardee will receive one-year complimentary membership in the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention.

Restriction: Previous Innovator Award recipients are not eligible for three years post-award.


Any questions can be directed to bdrp@birthdefectsresearch.org.

2024 Recipient
Rare Variants in PRKCI Cause Van der Woude Syndrome and Other Features of Peridermopathy
Kelsey Robinson, DVM, Emory University

2023
Screening for Elevated Congenital Malformation Risk Following Prenatal Antipsychotic Exposure Using Tree-Based Scan Statistics for Signal Identification
Loreen Straub, MD, MS, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School

2022
Maternal Hyperglycemia Impairs Cardiomyocyte Differentiation to Elevate the Risk of Congenital Heart Disease
Madhumita Basu, PhD, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital

2021
Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of alternative flame retardant exposures in human embryonic stem cell neural derivatives
Hao H. Chen, PhD, University of California San Francisco

2020
Studying Gene-Environmental Interactions in Autism with iPSC-derived BrainSpheres: microRNA and Metabolic Biomarkers of the Synergy
Lena Smirnova PhD, Johns Hopkins University

2019
Bypassing the Brain Barriers: Identification of Serum microRNAs Reflective of Developmental Neurotoxicity
Katherine O'Shaughnessy, PhD, US Environmental Protection Agency

2018
Noninvasive Screening of Fetal Anomalies: The Serum Metabolomic Way
Jacopo Troisi, University of Salerno

Description: This annual award is presented in recognition of the best paper accepted or published in the journal Birth Defects Research. The dual purpose of the award is to provide recognition to the authors of the best paper and to encourage authors trained in various disciplines to submit high quality papers to Birth Defects Research. The award amount is $1,500. The essence of the winning publication will be presented and discussed by the primary author at an award ceremony at the annual meeting of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention. Mrs. James G. Wilson is a tireless supporter of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention and through the James G. Wilson Foundation has provided the generous resources for this prestigious award.

Eligibility requirements: Publication of one or more papers in the journal Birth Defects Research in the 12 months (January 1 - December 31) of the year prior to the selection.

Judging process: Papers to be considered for this award are nominated by the editorial board of Birth Defects Research. The winning publication is selected by the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention's Publication Committee based on its originality, approach and impact. The publication should focus on dysmorphology, developmental susceptibility, or other related topics, and should have potential to significantly impact the discipline.

2023–2024 Recipient

Cynthia J. Wolf, Hunter Fitzpatrick, Carrie Becker, Jessica Smith, Carmen Wood
“An Improved Multicellular Human Organoid Model for the Study of Chemical Effects on Palatal Fusion”
Birth Defects Research

115(16): 1513–1533, 2023
Presentation Given By: Cynthia J. Wolf, PhD

Past recipients

2022–2023

Xiaoqing Chang, Jessica Palmer, Annie Lumen, Un Jung Lee, Patricia Ceger, Kamel Mansouri, Catherine Sprankle, Elizabeth Donley, Shannon Bell, Thomas B. Knudsen, John Wambaugh, Bethany Cook, David Allen, Nicole Kleinstreuer
“Quantitative In Vitro to In Vivo Extrapolation for Developmental Toxicity Potency of Valproic Acid Analogues”
Birth Defects Research

114(16): 1037–1055, 2022
Presentation Given By: Xiaoqing Chang, PhD, DABT, Inotiv-RTP

2021–2022

Helen Dolk, Aminkeng Zawuo Leke, Phil Whitfield, Rebecca Moore, Katy Karnell, IngeborgBarišić, Linda Barlow-Mosha, Lorenzo D. Botto, Ester Garne, Pilar Guatibonza, Shana Godfred-Cato, Christine M. Halleux, Lewis B. Holmes, Cynthia A. Moore, Ieda Orioli, Neena Raina, Diana Valencia
“Global birth defects app: An innovative tool for describing and coding congenital anomalies at birth in low resource settings”
Birth Defects Research

113:1057–1073, 2021
Presentation Given By: Helen Dolk and Aminkeng Zawuo Leke

2020–2021

Richard Lusk, John Zimmerman, Kelley VanMaldeghem, Suzanna Kim, Nicole M. Roth, James Lavinder, Anna Fulton, Meghan Raycraft, Sascha R. Ellington, Romeo R. Galang
“Exploratory analysis of machine learning approaches for surveillance of Zika‐associated birth defects”
Birth Defects Research

112:1450–1460, 2020
Presentation Given By: John Zimmerman, Nicki Roth, and Richard Lusk

2019–2020

Breit, KR, Zamudio, B, Thomas, JD
“The Effects of Alcohol and Cannabinoid Exposure during the Brain Growth Spurt on Behavioral Development in Rats”
Birth Defects Research

111:760–774, 2019
Presentation Given By: Kristen R. Breit, PhD

2018–2019

R. Thomas Collins II, Julie Von Behren, Wei Yang, Suzan L. Carmichael, Peggy Reynolds, Paul G. Fisher, and Gary M. Shaw
“Congenital Heart Disease Complexity and Childhood Cancer Risk”
Birth Defects Research

110.17:1314–1321, 2018
Presentation Given By: R. Thomas Collins II, MD

2017–2018

Eric W. Fish, Laura B. Murdaugh, Kathleen K. Sulik, Kevin P. Williams, and Scott E. Parnell
“Genetic Vulnerabilities to Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: Limb Defects in Sonic Hedgehog and GLI2 Heterozygous Mice”
Birth Defects Research

109:860-865, 2017
Presentation Given By: Eric W. Fish, PhD

2016–2017

Annelise Arth, Vijaya Kancherla, Helena Pachón, Sarah Zimmerman, Quentin Johnson, Godfrey P. Oakley Jr.
“A global update on folic acid-preventable spina bifida and anencephaly”
Birth Defects Research Part A

106(7):520-529, 2014
Presentation Given By: Vjaya Kancherla, MD, PhD

2015–2016

Marilyn Silva, Nathalie T. Pham, Carolyn M. Lewis, Shoba Iyer, Eric S. C. Kwok, Gina M. Solomon, Lauren Zeise
“A Comparison of ToxCast Test Results with In Vivo and Other In Vitro Endpoints for Neuro, Endocrine, and Developmental Toxicities: A Case Study Using Endosulfan and Methidathion”
Birth Defects Research Part B
404(2):71-89,2015
Presentation Given By: Marilyn H. Silva, PhD, DABT

2014–2015

Rodney Dietert, Ph.D.
The Microbiome in Early Life: Self-Completion and Microbiota Protection As Health Priorities.”
Birth Defects Research Part B
101(4):333-340, 2014

2013–2014

Lorraine M. Posobiec, Robert L. Clark, Paul B. Bushdid, Susan B. Laffan, Kai-Fen Wang, Tacey E. K. White
“Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) Treatment Causes an Arrest of Cell Division and Apoptosis in Rat Embryonic Erythroblasts in Whole Embryo Culture.”
Birth Defects Research Part B 98(6):445-458, 2013

Presentation Given By: Lorraine Posobiec

2012–2013

Dae Seok Eom, Smita Amarnath, Jennifer L. Fogel, Seema Agarwala
“Bone Morphogenetic Proteins Regulate Hinge Point Formation during Neural Tube Closure by Dynamic Modulation of Apicobasal Polarity”
Birth Defects Research Part A 94(10): 804-816, 2012

Presentation Given By: Seema Agarwala

2011–2012

George R. Flentke, Ana Garic, Ed Amberger, Marcos Hernandez, Susan M. Smith
“Calcium-Mediated Repression of b-Catenin and Its Transcriptional Signaling Mediates Neural Crest Cell Death in an Avian Model of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome” Birth Defects Research Part A 91(7):591-602, 2011

Presentation Given By: Susan M. Smith

2010–2011

Maxence Vieux-Rochas, Kamal Bouhali, Sabrina Baudry, Anastasia Fontaine, Laurent Coen, Giovanni Levi. “Irreversible Effects of Retinoic Acid Pulse on Xenopus Jaw Morphogenesis: New Insight into Cranial Neural Crest Specification.” Birth Defects Research, Part B 89:493-503 (2010)

Presentation Given By: Maxence Vieux-Rochas

2009–2010

J. Michael Salbaum, Richard H. Finnell, Claudia Kappen. “Regulation of Folate Receptor 1 Gene Expression in the Visceral Endoderm.” Birth Defects Research, Part A 85:303-313 (2009)

Presentation Given By: J. Michael Salbaum

 

Award recipient archive

Description: This Fellowship was established to recognize Dr. Narsingh Agnish's contributions to the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, and particularly to the implementation of the Education Course. The fellowship is awarded to a long-standing member of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention late in their career who has made a major contribution to education in the field of teratology or a related discipline. The Fellow shall be selected by the Education Committee of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention.

2024 Recipient

Kenneth L. Jones, MD, UCSD, CA MotherToBaby

Past recipients

2023
Thomas B. Knudsen, PhD

2022
Christopher S. Lau, PhD

2021
Ronald Hood, PhD, Fellow, ATS

2020
Elaine M. Faustman Ph.D. DABT

2019
Barbara F. Hales, PhD

2018
Anthony R. Scialli, MD

2017
Elaine Z. Francis, PhD

2016
Richard K. Miller, PhD

2015
Melissa S. Tassinari, PhD, DABT

2014
John M. DeSesso, PhD

2013
James L. Schardein, MS, FATS

2012
Carole A. Kimmel, PhD

2011
Robert L. Brent, MD, PhD

2010
Thomas H. Shepard, PhD

Award recipient archive

Description: This lecture is presented to facilitate the discussion of new and old teratogens during the annual meeting. The lecturer and the lecture topic are selected by the Program Committee.

Teratogen Update Lectures are available at http://www.birthdefectsresearch.org/teratogen.asp.

2024 Lecturer

Tracey Woodruff, PhD, MPH

Past Lecturers

2023
Anne D. Lyerly, MA, MD

2022
Matthew W. Gillman, MD

2021
Sonja A. Rasmussen, MD, MS

2020
Karen W. Gripp, MD

2019
Cheryl Maslen, PhD

2018
Robert L. Clark, PhD

2017
Jan M. Friedman, MD, PhD

2016
Christina D. Chambers, PhD, MPH

2015
Jan M. Friedman, MD, PhD, FAAP, FABMG, FCCMG, FRCPC

2014
Sonja A. Rasmussen, MD, MS

2013 and 2012
Joe Leigh Simpson, MD, FACOG, FACMG

2011
Sonja A. Rasmussen, MD, MS

2010
Lewis B. Holmes, MD

2009
Melissa Sherman Tassinari, PhD, DABT

2008
Lewis B. Holmes, MD

Description: This award recognizes a scientist who has significantly contributed to the field of teratology over his/her career. The award recipient presents a lecture scheduled as a highlight of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention's annual meeting.

Eligibility requirements: A distinguished career devoted to research in the field of teratology. The lecturer need not be a member of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention. Candidates can be nominated by members of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, and at times nominations have also been made by an ad hoc selection committee.

Judging process: The Warkany Lecturer is selected by the president of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention from the list of nominated candidates.

2024 Recipient

Christina D. Chambers, PhD, MPH, University of California San Diego
Environmental Exposures in Pregnancy and Lactation: Real World Data to Address Risks and Safety

Past Recipients

2023
Stephen B. Harris, PhD, Stephen B. Harris Group
Building the Future of Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Testing: Our Legacy, Our Responsibility

2022
Alan M. Hoberman, PhD, DABT, ATS, Charles River
Finding A Common Ground: Translation of the Principles of Teratology in Today's Regulatory Climate

2021
Peter G. Wells, PharmD, University of Toronto.
Reactive Oxygen Species and DNA Damage/Repair in Developmental Disorders

2020
Linda S. Birnbaum, PhD, DABT, Scientist Emeritus and Former Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program.
POPs: A Plethora of Developmental Effects

2019
Barbara D. Abbott, PhD, US Environmental Protection Agency (retired)
Developmental Toxicity of Perfluorinated Compounds: A Voyage from Animal Studies to Transfected Cells

2018
John M. DeSesso, PhD
The Arrogance of Teratology

2017
José F. Cordero, MD, MPH
Eliminating Congenital Zika Syndrome: Lessons Learned from Rubella Elimination

2016
Elaine M. Faustman, PhD, University of Washington
Framing Our Birth Defects Questions with Systems Biology: Learning from Our Mentors

2015
William Slikker Jr., National Center for Toxicological Research, US FDA
Developmental Toxicology: Putting the Puzzle Together

2014
Thomas B. Knudsen, US Environmental Protection Agency
Teratology v2.0: Building a Path Forward

2013
Robert J. Kavlock, US Environmental Protection Agency
A Random Walk through Teratology

2012
J. David Erickson
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Retired
An Epidemiological Enterprise: From Fluoride to Folate

2011
Kathleen Sulik, University of North Carolina
A Tail of Mice and Men, Embryos and Ethanol

2010
Diana M. Juriloff, University of British Columbia
50 Years of Progress in Understanding the Causes of Three Common Birth Defects

 

 

Award recipient archive and Presentation Download

Award recipients for the years 2014-2022 are listed. This award was discontinued after 2022.

Description: The Birth Defects Research Distinguished Scholar Awards were created with a generous annual contribution from Wiley Publishing, the publisher of the Society’s journal Birth Defects Research. The awards recognize senior authors for the importance, impact, and relevance of their published works in the field of birth defects research. The dual purpose of the awards is to provide recognition to the authors of high impact papers and to encourage authors trained in various disciplines to submit high quality papers to Birth Defects Research. The number of citations for papers published in the journal over a 5-10 year period prior to the year of the awards is the basis for preliminary selection, but other factors (see below) are considered by the selection committee. Both original research articles and review articles will be considered, and the selection committee will have the flexibility to make awards to authors of both types of articles. Attention is given to ensuring the awards reflect the diversity of research published in the journal (e.g., clinical and nonclinical). Two awards of $1500 each are given and may be divided among multiple authors and may be accepted in the form of cash or reimbursement in-kind (i.e., for Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention meeting registration, airfare, and/or hotel room). The award recipients will be recognized at the annual meeting of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, but the award recipients are not required to be in attendance. The recipients need not be members of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention.

Judging process: Authors for the individual awards are selected by the Awards Committee. Papers published in the journal Birth Defects Research and the former Birth Defects Research Part A and Birth Defects Research Part B during the prior 5-10 years will be initially evaluated for the number of citations to date. The period for counting citations will end on January 1 of the year in which the awards will be announced. The Awards Committee endeavors to weigh the overall impact on the field of birth defects research of the most highly cited papers, the overall publication record, and the publication record in BDR, BRDA and/or BDRB of the authors in consideration. Other factors to be considered include: other prior and concurrent publications, the innovation, originality, and depth of the analyses performed, and prior awards from the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention. Previous Birth Defects Research Distinguished Scholar Award recipients will be ineligible for a period of three years for the specific body of research recognized by prior award/s.

Past Recipients

2022

Birth Defects Research: Part A
Ester Garne, MD, for research associated with Spectrum of Congenital Anomalies in Pregnancies with Pregestational Diabetes; Birth Defects Research–Part A, 94.6: 417-423 (2012)

Birth Defects Research: Part B
Delphine Psychoyos, Vinod K. Yaragudri, and Richard H. Finnell, for research associated with Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Signaling in Embryo Neurodevelopment.; Birth Defects Research–Part B, 95.2:137–150 (2012)

2021

Clinical
De-Kun Li, MD, PhD, for research associated with A Systematic Review to Calculate Background Miscarriage Rates using Life Table Analysis; BDRA, 94.6: 417-423 (2012)
10.1002/bdra.23014
and
In Utero Exposure to Bisphenol-A and Anogenital Distance of Male Offspring, Birth Defects Research–Part A, 91.10: 867–872 (2011)
10.1002/bdra.22845

Nonclinical
Marilyn H. Silva, PhD, DABT, and Lauren Zeise, PhD, for research associated with A Comparison of ToxCast Test Results with In Vivo and Other In Vitro Endpoints for Neuro, Endocrine, and Developmental Toxicities: A Case Study Using Endosulfan and Methidathion; Birth Defects Research–Part B, 104.2:71–89 (2015)
10.1002/bdrb.21140

2020

Birth Defects Research: Part A
Marlene Anderka
“Medications Used to Treat Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and the Risk of Selected Birth Defects”
BDRA 94: 22-30

Birth Defects Research: Part B
Robert L. Brent
“Evaluation of the reproductive and developmental risks of caffeine”
BDRB 92: 152-187

2019

Birth Defects Research: Part A
Bengt Källén
“Congenital Malformations in Infants Born after In Vitro Fertilization in Sweden”
BDRA 88.3: 137–143

Birth Defects Research: Part B
Janet Y. Uriu-Adams
“Zinc and Reproduction: Effects of Zinc Deficiency on Prenatal and Early Postnatal Development”
BDRB 89.4: 313–325

2018

Birth Defects Research: Part A
Autumn J. Bernal and Randy L. Jirtle,
“Epigenomic Disruption: The Effects of Early Developmental Exposures”
BDRA 88.10: 938–944.

Birth Defects Research: Part B
Jan-Willem van der Laan
“An Interspecies Comparison of Placental Antibody Transfer: New Insights Into Developmental Toxicity Testing of Monoclonal Antibodies”
BDRB 86.4: 328–344.

2017

Birth Defects Research: Part A
Lorenzo D. Botto, Angela E. Lin, Tiffany Riehle-Colarusso, Sadia Malik, Adolfo Correa
“Seeking causes: Classifying and evaluating congenital heart defects in etiologic studies”
BDRA 79, 10: 714–169, 2007

Birth Defects Research: Part B
Robert E. Chapin
“NTP-CERHR expert panel report on the reproductive and developmental toxicity of bisphenol A”
BDRA 83, 3: 157–395, 2007

2016
Birth Defects Research: Part A
Muriel J. Harris, PhD and Diana M. Juriloff, PhD
"Mouse Mutants with Neural Tube Closure Defects and Their Role in Understanding Human Neural Tube Defects"
BDRA 79, 3: 187–210, 2007
and
"An Update to the List of Mouse Mutants with Neural Tube Closure Defects and Advances toward a Complete Genetic Perspective of Neural Tube Closure"
BDRA 88, 8: 653–669, 2010

Birth Defects Research: Part B
Timothy F. Oberlander, MD, FRCPC
"Major Congenital Malformations Following Prenatal Exposure to Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Benzodiazepines Using Population-Based Health Data"
BDRB 83, 1: 68–76, 2008

2015
Birth Defects Research: Part A
Mark A. Canfield, PhD, Adolfo Correa, MD, PhD, MBA, and Russell S. Kirby, PhD, MS
"National estimates and race/ethnic-specific variation of selected birth defects in the United States, 1999–2001"
BDRA 76, 11: 747–756, 2006
and
"Updated national birth prevalence estimates for selected birth defects in the United States, 2004-2006"
BDRA
88, 12: 1008-1016, 2010

Birth Defects Research: Part B
Karen A. Augustine-Rauch PhD, and Kimberly Brannen, PhD
"Development of a zebrafish embryo teratogenicity assay and quantitative predictive model"
BDRB 89, 1: 66–77, 2010

2014
Birth Defects Research: Part A
Bengt Källen, MD, PhD
"In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Sweden: Risk for Congenital Malformations after Different IVF Methods"
BDRA 73, 3: 162-169, 2005

Birth Defects Research: Part B
Anick Bérard, PhD
"First Trimester Exposure to Paroxetine and Risk of Cardiac Malformations in Infants: The Importance of Dosage"
BDRB 80, 1: 18-27, 2007

Trainee Awards

Description: Each year the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention awards money to students and postdoctoral fellows to assist them with their travel expenses to attend the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Annual Meeting. Students and postdoctoral fellows who have an abstract that is accepted for presentation and present the abstract during the meeting, as either a platform or poster presentation, are eligible for a Travel Award of $500. Applicants should be enrolled in a program leading to a graduate degree in a field of study related to teratology or should be postdoctoral fellows in such a field.

Eligibility requirements: Applicants should be enrolled in a program leading to a graduate degree in a field of study related to teratology or should be a postdoctoral fellow in such a field and should intend to attend the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Annual Meeting. Applicants wishing to be considered for a Travel Award must indicate that they will be applying for the award when submitting their abstract for presentation at the Annual Meeting. Abstracts are submitted electronically using an online submission system. During the submission process you will be instructed to check the boxes for the award(s) you wish to apply for and given instructions on how to provide the required additional information to the chair of the Student Affairs Committee.

Applicants are also required to be Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention members. Student membership requirements consist of sponsorship by a member of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention and the signature of the applicant's Major Professor whose signature verifies that the applicant is a student or postdoctoral fellow in good standing and is working in the field of teratology. The Major Professor also will provide the expected date of graduation or fulfillment of fellowship. Student members are requested to apply for Regular or Associate membership status at the first Annual Meeting of the Society after they graduate or after fulfillment of their postdoctoral fellowship. Those students who choose not to apply for Regular or Associate membership status by the time of the succeeding Annual Meeting will have their membership inactivated. For information about applying for membership please visit the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention website.

Students/postdoctoral fellows who apply for a Travel Award must be members of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention at the time of the meeting. The applicants will be instructed to have their mentor submit a letter of recommendation; without this they are not eligible to be considered for a Travel Award. The letter should include the following information:

  • a specific statement to confirm applicant is currently enrolled at the sponsoring institution or still in the formal training phase of their education
  • a brief description of the curriculum of study and/or research program
  • an assessment of the qualities that would single out the applicant for recognition by the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention
  • optionally, additional introduction, methods, results, discussion, and/or two pages of illustrative materials

Award process: All applications are reviewed by the Student Affairs Committee to ensure their completeness and that all of the requirements have been met. Members of the Student Affairs Committee attend each student and postdoctoral platform and poster presentation to ensure that the applicant presents their abstract at their appointed time. Travel Award recipients who fail to meet this requirement will be ineligible to receive the award.

Past recipients

Recipients are too numerous to list individually.

Purpose: The goal of the Edward W. Carney Trainee Award Fund is to encourage education and training in reproductive and developmental toxicology. The fund will be used to support graduate student or postdoctoral scholar travel to meetings that offer significant educational opportunities in the field of Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, such as the annual meetings of the Society of Toxicology (SOT) and the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (BDRP).

Eligibility: Recipients must be current graduate students or postdoctoral scholars at the time of the award submission. Individuals who are not a member of the Society of Toxicology and/or the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention are eligible, but those who are or who are in the process of becoming a member will be given preferential consideration.

Submission: Submission files should include 3 documents. (1) A cover letter with personal statement describing how the current project fits into their overall thesis, training, and career goals. (2) A copy of the abstract to be presented as part of the travel award. Preferential consideration will be given to scholars that have already submitted abstracts. (3) A letter of recommendation from the student's primary academic advisor or mentor is highly encouraged.

Judging Criteria: Award recipient(s) will be selected based on the scientific quality of the abstract, overall impact to the fields of reproductive and developmental toxicology or teratology, and career goals in these fields. Current career status will be taken under consideration in the judging process (i.e. - graduate student vs. postdoctoral fellow).

Award Deadline: There are two yearly application deadlines for the Edward W. Carney Trainee Award. The submission deadline for travel to the BDRP Annual Meeting is February 22nd and deadline for travel to the SOT Annual Meeting is November 15th. If applying for travel support to another relevant meeting, applicants should submit their application to either of the February or November deadline prior to the desired meeting.

Contact Individual(s): The SOT Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology Specialty Section President and Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention President will serve as the Co-Chairs of the Award Committee and primary points of contact for the respective societies. To apply for travel support for the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention meeting, visit the Travel Awards section of the annual meeting website. Application for the Edward W. Carney Trainee Award may be done at the same time as submission of a regular travel award (deadline February 22).

Disbursement and Notification Process: The Co-Chairs of the Award Committee will ensure that the winner(s) receive their award in a timely manner. It is expected that the winner(s) of the Edward W. Carney Trainee Award will be announced and/or acknowledged at the RDTSS Annual SOT Meeting Reception, the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Annual Meeting, or at the annual meeting for which the travel award was granted, if different.

2024 Recipients

Ayoade Desmond Babalola, MS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Brad Hansen, BS, University of Washington

Past Recipients

2023
Sarah G. Avila-Barnard, BS, University of California Riverside
Josh L. Everson, PhD, University of Texas at Austin

2022
Madeline Vera-Colón, University of California, Riverside
Kian Afsharian, University of Toronto

2020
Bevin Blake, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Haneesha Mohan, PhD, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

2019
Subham Dasgupta, PhD, University of California–Riverside

2018
Shilpa Mokshagundam, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Danielle M. Drake, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON

2017
Marie McKenzie, University of Georgia

2016
Deirdre K. Tucker, University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

Description: This award is presented to a student or postdoctoral fellow in recognition of scholarship in research on birth defects and disorders of developmental origin and service to the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention and includes a cash prize. The Marie W. Taubeneck Fund established in memory of Dr. Taubeneck supports this award.

Eligibility: This award is open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (hereafter “trainees”) who are members of the Society and is based on the following considerations:

  • Level of involvement in the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention
  • Attendance at a minimum of one Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention meeting
  • Leadership among and mentoring of fellow trainees
  • Level of enthusiasm for developmental and reproductive sciences
  • Courage to pursue new methods and areas of research
  • Is a trainee at the time of nomination

*Leadership among fellow trainees may be demonstrated in any number of ways, both formally and informally. Below are a few examples of the type of leadership and mentoring that help fellow trainees feel welcome and supported in our Society.

  • Actively engaged with fellow trainees at the meeting
  • Facilitate interactions with other trainees
  • Openly share experiences, both positive and negative, with fellow trainees to support, or even commiserate with them
  • Seek out and welcome trainees attending their first meeting
  • Support aspiring scientists in your lab, university or community

Nomination and Application Process
Nominations: Nomination letters should include a brief description of the trainee’s activities with regard to the eligibility considerations. Nomination letters should be sent to Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Headquarters no later than April 15.

Applications: Trainees who wish to be considered for this award should provide a letter that includes a brief description of their activities with regard to the eligibility considerations. Application letters should be sent to Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Headquarters no later than April 15.

Judging process: The Student Affairs Committee will review nominations/applications and will select the recipient of this award which will be announced at the annual meeting.

2024 Recipient

Kian Afsharian, BSc, University of Toronto

Past recipients

2023
Madeline Vera-Colón, MS, University of California, Irvine

2022
Vinita Leedom, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control

2021
Lauren Walker, PhD, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

2020
Bevin Blake, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

2019
Kristal A. Rychlik, PhD, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health

2018
Marie McKenzie, University of Georgia

2017
Nelson Pace, PhD, University of North Carolina

2016
Nazem El Husseini, McGill University

2015
Rahat Wadhwa Desai, University of Georgia

2014
Kristin R. Di Bona, The University of Alabama

2013
France-Helene Paradis, MS, McGill University

2012
Nisha. S. Sipes, PhD, US Environmental Protection Agency

2011
Joshua F. Robinson, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)

 

Award recipient archive

Description: Two students (graduate students in an accredited degree-granting program or postdoctoral fellows) will be selected based on their platform presentations at the annual Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention meeting to receive an award of $500.

Eligibility requirements: See eligibility requirements for Student and Postdoctoral Fellow Travel Awards. Applicants must also submit a letter of intent indicating that the work to be presented has not previously been presented elsewhere.

Judging process: Award winners will be selected by the Student Affairs Committee.

Past recipients

Please send the web committee a comment if you have information on the years with missing names.

2024
Ashley P. Cheng, MSc (predoctoral), University of Toronto
Julie A. Griffith, PhD, MS (postdoctoral), NIOSH, CDC

2023
Alana Ferris, BS (predoctoral), Columbia University
Maria D. Politis, DrPH, MPH (postdoctoral), Icahn School of Medicine, at Mount Sinai

2022
Laila Aboulatta (predoctoral), University of Manitoba
Karen Boschen (postdoctoral), University of North Carolina

2021
Danielle Marie Drake (predoctoral), University of Toronto
Sanaz Momben Abolfath (postdoctoral), US Food and Drug Administration

2020
Bevin Blake (predoctoral), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Jeremy Schraw PhD (postdoctoral), Baylor College of Medicine

2019
Kian Afsharian (predoctoral), University of Toronto
Luísa Becker Bertotto, PhD (postdoctoral), US Environmental Protection Agency

2018
Katherine O'Shaughnessy (postdoctoral), US Environmental Protection Agency
Todd Zurlinden (postdoctoral), US Environmental Protection Agency

2017
Kai Craenen (predoctoral), SCK-CEN/KUL
Karen E. Boschen, PhD (postdoctoral), University of North Carolina

2016
Nazem El Husseini (predoctoral), McGill University
Danielle Drake (predoctoral), University of Toronto

2015
Nazem El Husseini (predoctoral), McGill University
Charles Benjamin Lovely, PhD (postdoctoral), University of Texas at Austin

2014
Nicole Gardner, (predoctoral), Creighton University School of Medicine
France-Helene Paradis, (predoctoral), McGill University

2013
Susanna H. Wegner, BA (predoctoral), University of Washington School of Public Health
David Pamies, PhD (postdoctoral), Center of Alternative Animal Testing

2012
Serena Banh, BSc (predoctoral), McGill Univeristy
Rebecca M. Roulo (predoctoral), University of Georgia

2011
Jessica LaRocca (predoctoral), Brown University
France-Helene Paradis (predoctoral), McGill University
Nicole Kleinstreuer, Ph.D. (postdoctoral), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

 

 

Award recipient archive

Description: This is an award for the best poster presentation by a student or postdoctoral fellow at the annual meetings of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (TS) and Developmental Neurotoxicology Society (DNTS). Currently, the award consists of a plaque and $250, although the monetary award is subject to change.

Jim Bradford was a past president of MARTA, Sigma Xi, and on Committees of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention. He was Director of R&D Operations at Sanofi at the time of his death. Jim mentored several current members of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention and was a pioneer in Industrial Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (DART) Testing. Jim was the consummate scientist, well respected and universally liked.

Eligibility requirements: Currently the award is presented for the best student (undergraduate or graduate) and post-doctoral posters presented at the joint BDRP/DNTS meeting.

Judging process: Judging is based on the poster subject and impact, clarity of presentation, and appearance, and on the presenter's understanding/knowledge (evaluated by answers to questions from the judges).

Past recipients

2024
Megan E. Cull, MSc
Queen’s University
“Intra-Litter Variability in Benzene-Induced Developmental Toxicity and the Importance of Utilizing a Normalization Approach in a Mouse Model”

Brad C. Hansen, BS
University of Washington
“Recapitulating Spermatogonial Dynamics In Vitro: Insights for Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology”

Thomas Spaeter, PhD
University of California Riverside
“The Human Osteogenic Embryonic Stem Cell Test Identifies the Developmental Toxicity Risk of Phthalate Exposure with High Predictivity”

2023
Amanda Dorsey, BS, Emory University
“Mental, Behavioral, and Developmental Disorders (MBDDs) Among US Children with and without Heart Conditions, 2016–2021”

Sarah Avila-Barnard, BS, University of California Riverside
“Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate Disrupts Cellular Metabolism within Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) Cells”

Sabine Mainbourg, MD, PhD, Research center of Sainte Justine University Hospital, University of Montréal
“Prevalence and Use of Medications for Autoimmune Diseases during Pregnancy”

2022
Ashley Cheng
University of Toronto
"Alterations in Gene Expression Potentially Involved in Developmental Disorders Caused by Oxidative DNA Damage in Oxoguanine Glycosylase 1 (Ogg1) Knockout Mice"

Nicole R. Sparks, PhD
University of California, Riverside
"Mechanisms of Tobacco-Induced Human ESC Skeletal Developmental Toxicity"

Karli Swenson
University of Colorado
"The Effect of Fetal Cannabidiol (CBD) Exposure on Brain Development and Postnatal Behavior"

2021
Meaghan Hall
York University
"Fluoride Exposure and Hypothyroidism in a Canadian Pregnancy Cohort"

Katelyn Clough
Northern Kentucky University
"Adult Learning and Memory in Three Genotypes of Mice Exposed to Benzo[a]Pyrene During Early Brain Development"

Devon Evanovich
Boston Children’s Hospital
"Incidence of Neurologic Findings in Esophageal Atresia Cohort at a Single Institution: A Retrospective Analysis"

2020
Kiersten Bell (postbaccalaureate)
US Environmental Protection Agency
"Perfluorohexane Sulfonate (Pfhxs) Induces Maternal Hypothyroxinemia but Does Not Result in Developmental Neurotoxicity by a Thyroid-Mediated Mechanism"

Charlotte Ann Love (postbaccalaureate)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
"Comparative Evaluation of Murine Mammary Gland Developmental Abnormalities and Transcriptomic Profiles Following In Utero Exposure to PFOA and GenX"

2019
Kiersten Bell (postbaccalaureate)
US Environmental Protection Agency
"Examination of the Combined Effects of Iodine Deficiency and Developmental Perchlorate Exposure on Fear Learning in Rats"

Desire M. Buckley, PhD (postdoctoral)
University of Texas at Austin
"Differentially Sensitive Neurons in the Central Nervous System and Formation of Hindbrain Heterotopias in Ethanol-Exposed Zebrafish"

Prarthana Shankar (predoctoral)
Oregon State University
"Coupling Transcriptomics and Developmental Toxicity in Zebrafish to Classify Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)"

2018
Bevin Blake (predoctoral)
National Toxicology Program, NIEHS
"An In Vitro Screen of a Panel of Perfluoroalkyl Substances and an In Vivo Assessment of Effects on Placental and Fetal Growth"

Yeonwoo Lebovitz (predoctoral)
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
"Balancing the Maternal Microbiota-perinatal Neuroimmune Axis: Implications for Neurodevelopmental Disorders"

2017
Brian Johnson, PhD (postdoctoral)
University of Wisconsin-Madison
"Orofacial Clefting in Response to Hedgehog Pathway Antagonists is Recapitulated in a Practical Epithelial:Mesenchymal 3D Culture Model"

Jordan M. Buck (predoctoral)
University of Colorado Boulder
"Maternal Nicotine Exposure Elicits Mutigenerational Nicotine Preference and Sex-Specific Behavioral Anomalies in Adolescent Mice"

2016
Kelsey Dzwilewski (predoctoral)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
"Associations of Prenatal Exposure to Phthalates and Bisphenol A with Measures of Cognitive Function in 7.5-Month-Old Infants"

Lauren Walker (predoctoral)
University of California, Riverside
"Aberrant Upstream Kinase Signaling Negatively Impacts Osteogenesis by Impairing FOXO Mediated Oxidative Stress Response"

2015
Samantha Renaud (predoctoral)
Kent State University
"Sex-Specific Differences in the Persistence of Cognitive Impairments Caused by Adolescent Nicotine Exposure"

Suanna H. Wegner, PhD
University of Washington
"Anchoring a Dynamic In Vitro Model of Human Neuronal Differentiation to Key Processes for Brain Development In Vitro"

2014
Caroline S. Shea, (predoctoral)
Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
"Male and Female Exposures Both Contribute to Teratogenicity of QAC Disinfectants"

Jessica LaRocca, PhD, (postdoctoral)
Harvard University
"First Trimester Phthalate and Phenol Exposure is Associated with miRNA Alterations in the Placenta"

2013
Benjamin Henderson, (predoctoral)
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
“Low Doses of Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles Have a Detrimental Effect on Reproduction and Development”

Smitha Infante, PhD, (postdoctoral)
Northern Kentucky University
“Bax Phosphorylation Is Associated with Subcellular Localization and Oligomerization after Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia in Wistar Rats”

 

 

 

Award recipient archive

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