Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, is pleased to announce its seventh annual class of Weatherstone Predoctoral Fellows. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, the eight promising young investigators will pursue two-year autism research projects under the mentorship of the field's leading scientists.
Autism Speaks established the Dennis Weatherstone Predoctoral Fellowship Program in 2008 with a generous grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The program honors the late financier Sir Dennis Weatherstone and his commitment to the education of young scientists pursuing autism research. Lady Weatherstone and daughter Cheryl Weatherstone continue to actively support the Autism Speaks Weatherstone fellows on a personal level.
"We thank the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Weatherstone family for their continuing dedication and investment in the future of autism research," says Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Rob Ring. "This program embodies Autism Speaks' ongoing commitment to developing the future of autism research by supporting essential training opportunities for the field's brightest young investigators. Many of our Weatherstone fellows have already made important findings that advance our understanding of autism and how to best meet the needs of those affected by it."
"The announcement of a new class of Weatherstone Fellows is always an exciting time for our families and supporters," says Autism Speaks President Liz Feld. "We are so inspired to see these talented young scientists embark on careers that will transform the lives of those affected by autism."
The 2015 class brings the number of Autism Speaks Weatherstone Predoctoral fellows to 59.
This year's class of Autism Speaks Weatherstone fellows:
Kathryn Unruh
David Grayson
Rebecca Grzadzinski
Rylan Allemang-Grand
Daniel Tylee
Kathryn Jankowski
Samuel Hubert
Leah Townsend
"We look forward to meeting with and supporting our new Weatherstone fellows in the months and years ahead," Dr. Ring says. "We wish them all the best as they launch their careers in autism research with these innovative projects."
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About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders - autism spectrum disorders - caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year, Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org .