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Scholarships & Fellowships

The ABA provides scholarships and fellowships that support education, clinical training, and professional growth across every stage of a burn care career. These opportunities help reduce financial barriers, strengthen clinical expertise, and advance the future of the burn care workforce.


Apply for the ABA-BCEN Nursing Advancement Scholarship


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ABA-BCEN Nursing Advancement Scholarship

Funded by a $35,000 donation from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®), the ABA–BCEN Nursing Advancement Scholarship provides seven $5,000 awards to support ABA members advancing their education in nursing and healthcare-related fields. 

This scholarship helps reduce financial barriers to education and supports nurses and future nurses as they complete degrees, transition into nursing practice, and advance careers in burn and emergency care. 

Open to BCEN-certified nurses pursuing higher education, as well as firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics pursuing a nursing degree. Funds may be used for tuition, required fees, and course materials. 

Eligibility

  • BCEN-certified nurses pursuing a nursing or healthcare-related degree  

  • EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters pursuing a nursing degree (BCEN certification not required)  

  • Applicants must not have a conflict of interest with ABA or BCEN leadership 

Details

  • Award: $5,000  

  • Total Awards: 7 scholarships (2026 cycle)  

  • Eligible Expenses: Tuition, required fees, course materials 

Who It's For

  • BCEN-certified nurses pursuing higher education  

  • EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters pursuing a nursing degree 

Timeline

  • Applications Open: May 6, 2026  

  • Applications Close: June 15, 2026  

  • Review Period: June 16 – July 16, 2026  

  • Notifications: End of July 2026  

  • Disbursement: August–September 2026  

Partnership Acknowledgement

This scholarship is funded in partnership with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®) and supports ABA members advancing their education and careers in burn and emergency care.

All ABA Scholarship & Fellowships

ABA–BCEN Nursing Advancement Scholarship 

Supports nurses and future nurses advancing their education in burn and emergency care. Funded in partnership with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®), this scholarship reduces financial barriers and strengthens the workforce pipeline across burn and emergency care. 

  • Who it’s for: BCEN-certified nurses pursuing higher education, or firefighters/EMTs/paramedics pursuing a nursing degree  

  • Focus: Educational advancement and transition into nursing practice  

  • Award: Seven $5,000 scholarships (total $35,000 funded by BCEN®)  

  • Status: Applications open May 6 – June 15, 2026 

ABA Traveling Fellowship

The ABA Traveling Fellowship supports early-career burn surgeons through site visits to burn centers. The program fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and clinical growth, with fellows pursuing projects aligned with their interests and the host center’s expertise.

The ABA Traveling Fellowship program is supported by a generous educational grant from Integra Life Sciences. 

  • Who it’s for: Board-certified or board-eligible surgeons who have completed a burn fellowship  

  • Focus: Clinical experience, collaboration, and professional development 

Past Recipients

2026
Cory Johnson, PharmD, BCCCP
Danielle Fuchko, MN, RN, CBRN

2025 – Aryn Cruz, RD

2023
Connie Yeung, PT
Kaleigh Landry, PT
Catherine Gallagher, OT

2019
Brad Johanson, RN, BSN, MBA
Andria Martinez, MOT-RL
Alexis Castro, MS, CCLS, CTP

2018
Brittany Ayers, PA-C
Raechell Kearney, OTR/L
Elizabeth Shannon Walters, BSN, RN

2017
Crystal Bennet, RN
Ashley Brandt, PT
Leah Hanson, RN
Lisa Vitale, RN

2016
Amanda Gonzales, RN, BSN
Alexa Hinton, RN
Nichole Mayer, MOT/OTR/L
Elaine Simko, APRN, FNP-BC

2015
Melissa Pressman, PhD
Tiffany Williams, MS, OTR/L

2014 – Annette Matherly, RN, CCRN
2012 – Tracy Hosford, RN
2011 – Esther Rathjen, RN

Cheryl Jordan Memorial Scholarship

The Cheryl Jordan Memorial Scholarship supports allied health professionals in pursuing clinical learning experiences at ABA-verified burn centers. Named in honor of Cheryl Jordan, this scholarship reflects a commitment to education, mentorship, and advancing burn rehabilitation. 

  • Who it’s for: Allied health professionals in burn care  

  • Focus: Clinical learning and professional development  

Past Recipients

2026
Travis P. Webb, MD, MHPE, FACS, MAMSE
Eden A. Nohra, MD

2023
Manuel Portalatin, MPH, DO
Ian Powelson
Clifford Sheckter, MD
Prabhu Senthil-Kumar, MD
Christina Lee, MD
Lester Laddaran
Shevonne Satahoo, MD, FABA
Lauren Nosanov, MD

2020
Francesco M. Egro, MD, MSc, MRCS
Syed F. Saquib, MD

2019
Caesar A. Ricci III, MD
Justin D. Klein, MD, MS

2014 Jeffrey W. Shupp, MD
2007 Victor C. Joe, MD
2006 Melinda D. Banister, MD
2005 Bruce A. Cairns, MD
1998 James C. Jeng, MD, FACS
1986 Richard Kagan, MD, FACS
1984 Jeffrey Saffle, MD, FACS

How the Application Process Works

1. Review Eligibility

Each opportunity has specific criteria based on career stage and professional focus.

2. Summit Application

Complete the application within the listed timeframe and include all required materials.

3. Application Review

Applications are reviewed by an ABA committee using defined evaluation criteria.

4. Notification & Award

Selected applicants are notified, and funding is distributed in accordance with the program timeline.

Support the Future of Burn Care

Scholarships and fellowships play a critical role in advancing education, strengthening the workforce, and improving patient outcomes. Contributions help expand access to these opportunities and support the next generation of burn care professionals. 


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