Dolly Ann Padovani-Claudio, a graduate student in the neuroscience department at Case Western Reserve University, has been awarded the 2003 American Academy of Neurology Foundation Aventis Minority Scholarship.

Padovani-Claudio was recognized during the American Academy of Neurology 55th Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In its 10th year, the Aventis Minority Scholars Program promotes diversity in the field of neurology. Scholars receive a $2,000 stipend and free registration to the American Academy of Neurology 55th Annual Meeting, which was March 29 to April 5, 2003.

This year, nine medical students were awarded scholarships based on an essay, curriculum vitae and a letter of recommendation from a neurology professor.

"I feel very privileged and excited to be able to attend this meeting and am extremely honored to have been chosen a recipient of this award," Padovani-Claudio said. "I think the opportunity to go to this meeting will allow me to gain a better perspective on the issues that are currently of biggest clinical concern in neurology and of new treatment paradigms in the areas of multiple sclerosis, spinal cord regeneration and epilepsy, all of which greatly interest me."

The Aventis Minority Scholarship Program is funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Aventis Pharmaceuticals. The American Academy of Neurology Foundation works with the American Academy of Neurology to promote research in the neurosciences and to advance public understanding of the disorders of the brain and nervous system.

For more information, visit its Web site at http://www.neurofoundation.org.