The Abecedarian Award Endowment Fund at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG) was established in 2013 by Joseph Sparling, Craig Ramey, and Sharon Ramey to commemorate FPG’s ‘Abecedarian’ longitudinal studies—the Abecedarian Project, Project CARE, and the Infant Health and Development Program. The Abecedarian Award honors an FPG staff member's early career research that is scientifically rigorous and addresses an issue of significant social concern.  

The inaugural award was presented in May 2016, to Mary Bratsch-Hines, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Institute. Other award recipients include: Hsiu-wen Yang (2023), Sandra Soliday Hong (2021), Ann Sam (2020), Jessica Dykstra Steinbrenner (2019), Irina Mokrova (2018), and Kara Hume (2017). 

We’re pleased to announce that the 2025 award goes to FPG Technical Assistance Specialist Jessica Amsbary.

In a letter of support, Ann Sam, a senior research scientist at FPG, discussed how instrumental Amsbary was in the development of the AFIRM for Toddlers modules, a groundbreaking online resource designed to support early intervention (EI) providers, early childhood educators (ECE), and caregivers that is used by more than 450,000 individuals worldwide.

“As someone who led the development of the original AFIRM modules,” says Sam, “I fully recognize the importance of Dr. Amsbary’s contributions and the promise of her leadership in the next generation of EI research. Her methodological rigor, thoughtful dissemination strategies, and authentic partnerships with community providers are hallmarks of a scholar who is not only advancing the field but transforming it.”

Sam also remarked that Amsbary is an exceptional collaborator, saying she is compassionate, driven, and deeply committed to improving the lives of children and families. “She leads with humility and purpose, always centering the voices of practitioners and families in her work. Her passion is contagious, and her colleagues often remark on her ability to bring people together around a shared vision for equitable, evidence-based early intervention.”

We recently spoke with Amsbary to ask about her work at FPG and what the Abecedarian Award means to her. Here's what she had to say.

What does the Abecedarian Award mean to you?

To me, this award means that even in the first few years of a research career, what we are doing matters. It is an honor to be awarded the Abecedarian award this year, and I am beyond excited to use the funds to further my professional development!  

What motivates your research?

Honestly, I am motivated to research to best support children with disabilities and their families. I want to be a part of ensuring that educators, early intervention providers, children, and families can access and use evidence-informed practices in meaningful ways for optimal outcomes. Since I was a graduate student, I’ve been focused on using research to close the “research-to-practice gap,” and I continue to focus much of my work on that aspect. 

Can you tell us about what you’re currently working on and what work/projects are on the horizon?

I have a couple of projects happening right now. One is working with young children and their caregivers in inclusive STEM playgroups in partnership with a local children’s museum. Also, we’re (the Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules; AFRIM team) finishing up work on an online module for families of toddlers with autism participating in the early intervention (EI) system. We know that EI is supposed to be family-centered and that families should be partners with providers throughout the process, and this module (to be available in English and Spanish) can help families understand their important role in EI. 

Can you share with us how you plan to use the award funds?

The majority of the award funds will be going toward my attendance at the International Society for Early Intervention conference to be held this September in Lisbon. I had a conference presentation accepted there, focused on the AFIRM Toddler modules (for supporting EI providers to use evidence-informed practices in partnership with families in EI), including the new family module. I am excited to share this work and meet like-minded professionals, potentially building collaboration opportunities to support all children and families in EI. 

What do you look forward to about the future of the work you do?

I definitely want to continue working in the realm of research related to optimal outcomes for children and families in EI. We’re actively seeking funding to further research the AFIRM Toddler modules paired with coaching support from our research team, measuring child, family, and provider outcomes at the individual and implementation level. I’d also love to expand research related to inclusive STEM playgrounds, partnering with additional museums, preschools, and community centers, eventually building a “model” that can be adopted and used by all. 

To learn even more about Amsbary and her work, read the articles listed below:

Recipients of FPG Next pilot funding announced
Lim and colleagues receive UNC Rural Research and Engagement Award
New project focuses on supporting early autism interventions for toddlers