CSNK2A1 Foundation Awards

Each year, the CSNK2A1 Foundation recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond for the OCNDS community. These awards honor people who embody our core values of hope, community, collaboration, understanding, and cure. They’ve shown up when it mattered most, leaned in with compassion and courage, and made a lasting difference for families and for the future of OCNDS research.

Below, you’ll find what we look for in recipients of each award: leaders, volunteers, and partners whose dedication strengthens our mission and inspires us all.

Researcher of the Year

This award recognizes a scientist whose impact reaches far beyond the lab. The recipient not only advances groundbreaking OCNDS research but also engages deeply with our community. They collaborate openly, share their expertise generously, and create opportunities that accelerate progress. By championing partnership alongside scientific excellence, this researcher helps bring hope and momentum to families worldwide.

Volunteer of the Year

Volunteers are the driving force behind our foundation, and this award honors an individual who embodies that spirit of service. This person shows up with consistency, dedication, and courage, bringing exceptional organizational skills and a willingness to take on challenges. Their efforts strengthen our mission, uplift families, and remind us of the incredible impact one person’s commitment can have on an entire community.

Intern of the Year

Our internship program thrives because of the energy, curiosity, and talent of students and young professionals who step into it. The Intern of the Year is someone who not only brings new ideas and fresh perspectives but also demonstrates initiative, empathy, and hard work. Their contributions make a lasting difference in how we understand OCNDS, while their compassion ensures that science is always connected back to the families it serves.

Scientific Advisory Board Member of the Year

This award honors a board member whose dedication goes far beyond their professional expertise. The recipient provides steady, thoughtful, and impactful guidance that helps our foundation grow stronger. Their willingness to share time, insight, and support reflects a deep commitment to both the science of OCNDS and the families at the heart of our mission.

2025 Researcher of the Year

Dr. David Litchfield has spent decades studying protein kinase CK2, long before most of us had ever heard of it. His work has laid a critical foundation for understanding the biology behind OCNDS. But what makes him truly stand out is not just his scientific expertise, it’s his willingness to engage, collaborate, and lift up our community.

After offering thoughtful feedback at the CK2 conference in Germany last year, Dr. Litchfield immediately began exploring ways to partner with our foundation. Since then, he's taken real action: writing grants focused on OCNDS, involving us in the process, and generously opening his network to help build momentum behind this research.

Dr. Litchfield is enthusiastic, encouraging, and deeply committed to advancing progress in science and in partnership. We are incredibly fortunate to have him in our corner.

2025 Volunteer of the Year

Claire Whitehill believed in the CSNk2A1 Foundation's mission, in the community, and in the power of showing up. And since then, she's poured her heart into everything she does. Even when something feels intimidating, she steps forward with quiet courage. She is organized beyond belief. Truly, her worst notes are better than most people’s best.

For several years now, Claire has taken on the monumental task of applying for landmark light-ups across the UK to raise awareness for OCNDS. This year alone, she submitted 47 applications—an incredible feat. She’s organized four regional meetups, led calls, and consistently looked for ways to represent OCNDS on councils and platforms across the UK. And she does it all while raising four children and holding down a demanding full-time job. Claire is a force. She is a mom, a leader, a friend, and frankly, an organizational guru.

We are so honored to present Claire with our 2025 Volunteer of the Year award. Thank you, Claire, for sharing your family’s journey, for continuing to serve on the Parent Advisory Board, and for reminding us all what true leadership looks like.

2025 Intern of the Year

Elena Bagatelas joined us last spring with an initial six-month commitment, and never left. She stayed on to complete a major project that will make a lasting impact on our understanding of OCNDS. Along the way, she has been motivated, enthusiastic, empathetic, and incredibly hardworking. She takes initiative, offers support to others without being asked, and genuinely cares about translating science into something meaningful for families.

She is currently completing her Ph.D. in neuroscience at Vanderbilt University, and her research focuses on synaptic mechanisms in rare neurodevelopmental disorders. She recently co-authored a publication with our team analyzing Simons Searchlight data to refine genotype-phenotype correlations in OCNDS, an important step in pursuing personalized treatments moving forward.

We are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and heart she’s brought to our work.

2025 Scientific Advisory Board Member of the Year

Dr. Rachel Bailey is someone who has gone above and beyond for our foundation, offering not just her time and expertise, but a deep commitment to helping us grow.

When Dr. Rushing first reached out with a cold email inviting her to join the Scientific Advisory Board, she said yes immediately. Since then, she has reviewed many materials, presented at our virtual symposium, and met with Dr. Rushing twice at AES meetings, all while balancing a very full schedule. Additionally, she poured effort into submitting an NIH R13 grant on our behalf. Her support has been steady, thoughtful, and impactful. Thank you, Dr. Bailey!