Student Involvement
Summer Research Fellowship
Fellowship Overview
Join the Steffens Scleroderma & Degos Disease Foundation Summer Research Fellowship to work with Doctor Shapiro and our other professional experts on scleroderma and Degos Disease related research.
Gain hands-on experience, interact with patients and receive mentorship from experts.
For more information or to apply to our summer fellowship program, please contact Hannah Bowen at hbowen@steffens-scleroderma.org.
Poster by our 1st student and their findings (click to enlarge).
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
“The Foundation was crucial to my project's success and impacted many patients and me. The fellowship allowed me to explore the lived scleroderma experience through patient interactions and research. The support I received shaped my approach to patient care and research.”
– 2nd Year Medical Student, Albany Medical College
The student highlighted in this section has led research related to Scleroderma as a result of attending Steffen’s IPE events.
The goal of the Steffens Scleroderma & Degos Disease Foundation’s Interprofessional Events (IPE) is to educate emerging health care professionals and increase their involvement in studying Scleroderma.
Giovanna earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Russell Sage College in 2022. Giovanna developed a particular interest in Scleroderma after attending the Steffen's Scleroderma IPE events in 2020 and 2022. She conducted a research study at Albany Memorial Hand Center, where she tested a novel 3D model-based splinting technique for Scleroderma patients. The study explored the feasibility of non-contact custom splints for those with hypersensitive or compromised skin.
Since then, she has worked as a travel therapist in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and schools where she has come across scleroderma and has been able to advocate and facilitate therapy for those patients. Additionally, Giovanna has been volunteering with the Steffen's Scleroderma Foundation since 2022, serving on their communications committee.
Giovanna Fichera OTD, OTR/L
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IPE
Learn more about Interprofessional Education (IPE) and get involved in our next event.
Rare Diseases
Learn more about the rare diseases we study, Scleroderma & Degos disease.