Sherman Students Take the Stage: FVS Research Fellows Win $1,000 Award at IRAPS 2025
Originally published: 2025-05-16
FVS Fellows Lead with Purpose and Precision
At this year’s IRAPS during Sherman College’s Lyceum 2025, a powerful presentation by the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation (FVS) Student Research Fellows earned one of the top honors: a $1,000 Research & Scholarship Award, part of a $5,000 fund provided by ChiroFutures Malpractice Insurance Program. The awards were adjudicated by a panel of judges using a detailed evaluation rubric, ensuring fairness and academic rigor.
The presentation, which highlighted the ongoing work of the FVS's Best Practices Guidelines Project, was delivered by a talented team of Sherman student researchers:
Aquil Holden
Henry Duval
Alexandra Shults
Javier Diaz
Lauren Haar
Under the direction of Anquonette Stiles, DC, MPH, Executive Director of the FVS, the students provided a comprehensive update on the Foundation’s initiative to systematize and elevate the standards for subluxation-centered chiropractic care.
“These students embody the kind of leadership and dedication that will carry the chiropractic profession forward,” said Dr. Stiles. “They aren’t just learning about research; they’re living it, and building the foundation for lasting change in how subluxation care is understood and delivered.”
Grounded in Science, Anchored in Principle
The Fellows' work is part of a broader effort to develop Best Practice Guidelines for the clinical management of vertebral subluxation. With over 8,800 articles gathered and reviewed, and multiple guidelines already published or in peer review, the project is positioning chiropractic as a vitalistic, scientific, and evidence-informed clinical practice.
The Fellows presented findings and updates from several of the 12 key chapters of the guidelines project, which span areas such as pediatric and maternal care, imaging, outcomes assessment, and mental health. Their work also reflects their personal motivation to ensure the future of the profession remains true to its roots.
“We’re not just reading papers—we’re shaping the foundation of how subluxation care is understood, practiced, and defended,” said Fellow Aquil Holden.
Supporting Sherman’s Strategic Vision
The FVS Fellows' contribution strongly aligns with Sherman College’s new strategic plan, which places heavy emphasis on scholarship and research focused on vertebral subluxation. Sherman students have received more FVS Fellowships than students from any other institution, and the college’s Center for Scholarly Activity has played an instrumental role in fostering this environment of inquiry.
“These students are laying the foundation for the future of our profession,” said Matthew McCoy, DC, MPH, Vice President of FVS. “They are creating a lasting impact by developing a scientific framework for vertebral subluxation management—a responsibility few have had the courage or vision to take on.”
Fellowship as a Movement, Not Just a Title
The FVS Advancing Futures Fellowship program, which supports student researchers like these, has now granted over 25 scholarships. The program exists to support those willing to take on the essential research that validates vertebral subluxation care and influences public health policy.
“If we want to secure our place in the scientific and public health discourse, we need to show up with data—and with heart,” said Christopher Kent, DC, JD, MBA, President of the FVS. “That’s exactly what these students are doing.”
The Future Is in Their Hands
As the Fellows reminded everyone in their closing message: “This profession is in our hands.” Their commitment, scholarship, and collaboration with the FVS, Sherman College, and ChiroFutures represent a beacon of hope for principled chiropractic.
Together, we are advancing chiropractic—for generations to come.
