The Todd Ouida Clinical Scholars Award funds the research of an emerging University of Michigan researcher dedicated to understanding and making advancements in treating childhood anxiety and depression.

The Todd Ouida Clinical Scholars Award in Childhood Anxiety and Depression was established in 2003 by the Ouida family in honor of their son, Todd Ouida. Todd overcame significant struggles with childhood anxiety before he tragically lost his life in the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. Learn more about Todd's life and legacy.

The award is typically presented annually in the fall. It provides up to $20,000 in one-time research funding for studies at U-M targeting anxiety and depression in children and teens. Nominations for the 2025 cycle are due July 10.

Learn more about the 2024 Ouida Award recipient, Cecilia Martiniez-Torteya, Ph.D. 

Submit a nomination

Who can apply

The award is open to U-M researchers at every level, including trainee, in any school, department or business unit at U-M. Nominees must be conducting research that is related to childhood anxiety and/or depression or clearly connected to these issues through their scientific focus.

Application & nomination process

Mentors, colleagues, or co-investigators may submit nominations, or candidates may self-nominate. The application should include the following:

  • Nominator’s name and contact information. Self-nominations are welcome
  • Nominee’s name, title, primary department and contact information
  • A summary (max 400 words) describing the nominee’s research in childhood anxiety, depression or a related field
  • A brief statement (max 200 words) explaining why you are nominating this individual, or—if self-nominating—why you believe you are a strong candidate for the award
  • Nominee’s current curriculum vitae (CV)

All nominations will be reviewed, and the recipient will be chosen by a selection committee. Submit a nomination by July 10.

Nominate a scholar

If you are selected

The Ouida Clinical Scholar Award will be presented during the Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, as part of the annual Ouida Lecture. You are encouraged to attend this event at the Rachel Upjohn Building in Ann Arbor.

Within one month of receiving the award, you will be required to submit a project proposal of no more than three pages, which includes:

  • A clearly articulated abstract, specific aims, research strategy and approach, and relevance to the field of childhood anxiety and/or depression
  • A detailed budget of up to $20,000, including a budget justification of no more than two pages

You will also be asked to provide a brief progress report at the midpoint of the project and a final report at its conclusion.

Questions?

All questions regarding the Todd Ouida Clinical Scholars Award can be emailed to Dr. Michelle Kees, chair, Ouida Award Selection Committee.

Thank you to the Ouida Award Selection Committee Members:

  • Emily Bilek, Ph.D., clinical associate professor, Department of Psychiatry
  • Gregory Hanna, M.D., professor, Department of Psychiatry
  • Michelle Kees, Ph.D., clinical associate professor, Department of Psychiatry; faculty lead, Jenkins Family Community Outreach & Education Program and Ouida Award Selection Committee Chair, Eisenberg Family Depression Center
  • Cheryl King, Ph.D., professor, Department of Psychiatry
  • Nasuh Malas, M.D., associate chair, division director and service chief, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and cinical associate professor, Department of Psychiatry
  • Sheila Marcus, M.D., clinical professor, Department of Psychiatry  
  • Courtney Metzger, assistant director of development, Mental Health Programs