FRI recently held its Awards Reception at the Residence of FRI’s Vice Chair, Mr. Curtis Decker, J.D. in Baltimore. During the reception several awards were presented to successful nominees.

The main award of the evening was the FRI Daniel Mendelsohn New Investigator Award. Nominees for this award are new investigators who show future promise as an innovative researcher, evidenced by commitment and achievement in research activities that address prevention, treatment or education issues during the early stage of their research careers.

Thomas Blue, Ph.D., Research Scientist, who began working at FRI in 2017 was nominated for this award by Dr. Mike Gordon, Senior Research Scientist. Dr. Gordon stated that “Dr. Blue is the type of Research Scientist that I can propose an idea and give it to him, and he will run with it from inception to completion” and “his statistical expertise was in the top 1% of previous individuals I have worked with.” It was with great enthusiasm that FRI awarded Dr. Blue with the 2023 FRI Daniel Mendelsohn New Investigator Award.

Karli Hochstatter, Ph.D., M.P.H., Research Scientist, who began working at FRI in 2021 was nominated for this award by Dr. Jan Gryczynski, Senior Research Scientist. Dr. Gryczysnki stated that “[Dr. Hochstatter] has a brilliant mind and sharp intellect that has been honed by rigorous training” and “I routinely leave our interactions feeling a little smarter, energized by the exchange of ideas, and impressed by her forward momentum.” It was with great delight that FRI awarded Dr. Hochstatter with the 2023 FRI Daniel Mendelsohn New Investigator Award.

Karen Alexander, Ph.D., Research Scientist, who began working at FRI in 2021 was nominated for this award by Dr. Mishka Terplan, Medical Director and Senior Research Scientist. Dr. Terplan stated that he has “never known anyone to submit so many grants in such a short period of time” and “[Dr. Alexander] has become an indispensable part of the FRI ecosystem through relationships and collaborations with most of the FRI leadership and senior researchers.” It was with great pleasure that FRI awarded Dr. Alexander with the 2023 FRI Daniel Mendelsohn New Investigator Award.

The FRI Mentoring Award was also awarded. Eligible nominees for the FRI Mentoring Award are Principal Investigators associated with FRI who encourage, enhance, and mentor scientists who are new to the field. The mentor assumes the role of a trusted friend and advisor to the new researcher.

Jan Gryczynski, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, who began working at FRI in 2006, was nominated for this award by Dr. Courtney Nordeck, Assistant Research Scientist. Dr. Nordeck stated that “Jan has demonstrated a resolute commitment to scientific rigor, professional leadership, and mentorship. He is as passionate about improving the health and lives of our communities’ most vulnerable populations as he is about empowering the careers of junior investigators.” It was with great pleasure that FRI awarded Dr. Gryczynski with the 2023 Mentoring Award.

Eligible nominees for the Friend of Friends Award are individuals (who may or may not be employees) whose outstanding work has a positive impact on society, and reflects the mission of FRI, or whose work on behalf of FRI supports FRI in the fulfillment of its mission.

Marla Oros, R.N., M.S., F.A.A.N., Founder and Chief Execuitve Officer of the Mosaic Group, was nominated for this award by Dr. Shannon Mitchell, Senior Research Scientist. Dr. Mitchell stated that “Marla combines her inside knowledge of the health care industry with her passion for improving the whole health of individuals to generate a seemingly unending supply of innovative ideas and projects which have been implemented throughout the United States.” It was with great delight that FRI awarded Ms. Oros with the 2023 Friend of Friends Award.

Eligible nominees for the FRI Employee Service Award are FRI employees who have had at least 10 years of service with FRI, exhibit outstanding work performance as well as dedication and loyalty to FRI, and demonstrate a strong work ethic.

Ms. Kathy Krispin, Senior Grants Manager, who began her career at FRI in 2007, was nominated for the FRI Employee Service Award by Ms. Michele Hipsley, Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Hipsley stated that “Kathy has demonstrated integrity, a strong work ethic, consistently outstanding work performance, and immense dedication to her position and FRI as an organization.” It was with great pleasure that FRI awarded Ms. Krispin with the 2023 FRI Employee Service Award.