Celebrating Excellence: Winners Announced for the 2025 IRAPS Research & Philosophy Awards at Sherman College Lyceum
Originally published: 2025-05-16
(Pictured: Award winners Aquil Holden and Simon Senzon with Alan Brewster and Matthew McCoy)
Recognizing Outstanding Research and Scholarship
The 2025 International Research and Philosophy Symposium (IRAPS), held during Sherman College’s Lyceum, marked a groundbreaking moment for chiropractic research. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of ChiroFutures Malpractice Insurance Program, $5,000 in Research & Scholarship Awards were distributed to presenters whose work advanced the scientific and philosophical foundations of vertebral subluxation-centered care.
Chosen by a panel of judges, the winners represent the leading edge of chiropractic inquiry, blending rigorous research methodology with deep philosophical insight. IRAPS remains the only venue in the profession dedicated solely to presenting research and scholarship focused on vertebral subluxation.
2025 Research Award Winners
🏆 Sherman Student Research Fellows
Alliyie Shults, Aquil Holden, Javier Canales, Henry Duval, Lauren Haar
Best Practice Guidelines for the Clinical Management of the Vertebral Subluxation: An Ongoing Effort
🏆 Simon Senzon
Differentiating Subluxation Models of Two of D.D. Palmer’s Early Students: Smith and Langworthy
🏆 Hans Salas Redlich
Chiropractors, Doctor of Limitation or Possibilities?
🏆 Daniel Knowles
Utilizing Objective Measures for Analysis Related to Subluxation and Connecting to Adverse Mechanical Cord Tension
These awardees exemplify the kind of research and reflection that IRAPS was created to foster—anchored in chiropractic philosophy, grounded in science, and aimed at advancing the profession for future generations.
“I appreciate being a part of this process,” said Dr. Alan Brewster, Director of Scholarly Activity at Sherman College. “It’s inspiring to see such a wide range of important work being done, especially by students who are stepping into leadership roles in chiropractic research.”
A Collaborative Effort to Advance the Profession
This award initiative was more than a contest—it was a collaboration between ChiroFutures, the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation (FVS), and McCoy Press, with all three organizations playing a role in supporting presenters and attendees throughout the event.
ChiroFutures not only funded the awards but also staffed a booth in the Lyceum exhibit hall and engaged attendees through direct outreach.
McCoy Press offered publication guidance to IRAPS presenters interested in sharing their work with a broader audience.
The Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation, led by Executive Director Anquonette Stiles, DC, MPH, staffed a resource table near the IRAPS venue and showcased its Fellowship Program, which funded the winning student team.
“Supporting initiatives like this is exactly in line with ChiroFutures mission” said Matthew McCoy, DC, MPH, CEO of ChiroFutures. “Our mission includes securing the future of chiropractic and one way we do that is by investing in research and scholarship that preserves and advances its founding principles. These presenters are doing that work.”
Supporting Sherman’s Strategic Vision
This initiative aligns directly with Sherman College’s strategic plan, which places a strong emphasis on increasing research infrastructure and output—particularly around vertebral subluxation and chiropractic’s unique clinical paradigm.
Sherman students have benefited greatly from the FVS Fellowship Program, receiving more scholarships than students from any other institution. This continued support helps position Sherman College as the center of subluxation-centered chiropractic research and education.
“We are building a generation of chiropractors who are not only great clinicians but also engaged scholars,” said Christopher Kent, DC, JD, MBA, President of the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation. “This is how we validate our profession and shape its future.”
The Only Place of Its Kind in Chiropractic
IRAPS remains the only symposium in chiropractic where both research and philosophical scholarship related to vertebral subluxation are presented side by side. With its unique focus and the support of mission-driven organizations like ChiroFutures, McCoy Press, and FVS, IRAPS and Sherman College continues to be the intellectual home for those committed to chiropractic’s original vision.
Congratulations to all the winners—and to everyone who participated in this year’s IRAPS. Your work matters. Your scholarship is seen. And your contributions are building a stronger, smarter, more principled chiropractic future.
