Our Team
We are here to support you, whether you’re submitting your first grant or are a seasoned pro. Feel free to reach out with questions or to schedule a meeting to brainstorm grant ideas, talk about your budget, or learn more about the grant submission process.
Ritu Aneja, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Research & Innovation
WEBB 624
205-934-2277
My role in SHP-R&I is to support you on your research journey. My joy comes from helping you find success. I would love to brainstorm ideas with you, talk about your research challenges and goals, and help you forge a path to get where you want to go. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned researcher, I’m here to help you with anything and everything. Please, come knock on my door, schedule a time to chat, or shoot me an email.
Vinitha Ganesan, Ph.D.
Program Director
Contact Vinitha for research development resources or if you need one-on-one consultation.
Patrick Singer
Pre-Award Grant Administrator
Contact Patrick with questions about the grant submission process.
Rachel Sparkman
Financial Officer
Contact Rachel with questions about the grant submission process.
Yang Wang
Grants Administrator
Contact Yang with questions about managing your award.
SHP Office of Research and Innovation
In the SHP Office of Research & Innovation, we are dedicated to providing you the resources you need to successfully produce and submit a winning grant application. If you are ready to start the process, click on the "Declare Your Intent to Submit" button below and fill out the intent to submit form.
If you are just starting out, click on the "Learn About Grant Development" button below. You’ll find information about our REACH program for junior and early-career research faculty, a step-by-step guide to starting the grant submission process, available faculty grants and travel awards, upcoming events, helpful OSP links, and more. We also invite you to schedule an appointment with us to brainstorm grant ideas, talk about collaborations, learn about available editorial help, discuss your budget, or address other research-related questions.
If you’ve successfully submitted a grant proposal and received your Notice of Award, congratulations! Click on the "Managing Your Award" button below for information about what comes next.
Ritu Aneja, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research and Innovation
For booking meetings with anyone in the R&I team,
Research Spotlights
Welcome to the 3rd annual SHP Research Day. Each year we have seen substantial growth in abstracts submitted, people in attendance, and now the event itself. The 2024 version is two days, spanning from April 4 - 5.
The 2024 event will include a "Fireside Chat" with director-level scientists, presentations from some of our top researchers, student poster presentations and much more.
Click to RegisterOpens an external link.
Click to JudgeOpens an external link.
Keynote Address
Billy Oglesby, PhD, MBA, MSPH, FACHE
Thomas Jefferson University
Humana Dean of the College of Population Health
Dr. Oglesby will be highlighting his thoughts on “Better Health for All” focusing on his work on social determinants of health, health care reform and improving population health outcomes.
Agenda
*Coffee served all day!
Thursday, April 4
LRC 235
10:00 a.m.
Keynote, Billy Oglesby, PhD, MBA, MSPH, FACHE
11:15 a.m.
“Fireside Chat and Reflections of Keynote Lecture:”
- Moderator: Ria Hearld, PhD
- Billy Oglesby, PhD, MBA, MSPH, FACHE
- Larry Hearld, PhD
- Barbara Gower, PhD
- Hon Yuen, PhD, OTR/L
- Keith McGregor, PhD
- William Reed, DC, PhD
12:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m.
Senior Presentations
- 1:00 - 1:20 Jessica Williams, PhD, MPH: "A computer-based health equity simulation for health care practitioners and students”
- 1:20 - 1:40 Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, PhD, RD: "Developing and Testing Diet and Exercise Interventions for Cancer Prevention and Control"
- 1:40 – 2:00 Mohammad Maqbool, PhD, MS, MSc: "Physical and optical biomarkers for detecting and measuring radiation damage to blood"
Friday, April 5
Events/Awards LRC 210, Poster Sessions LRC 235, 249 and Lobby
8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
8:30 a.m.
Lightning Round
- 8:30-8:45 Jason Vice, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV
- 8:45-9:00 Terra Webb, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM, PhD
- 9:00-9:15 Joshua Lee, PhD
- 9:15-9:30 Christine Ferguson, PhD, RD, CSG
- 9:30-9:45 Harsh Singh, PhD
10:00 a.m.
Posters: Two, 1.5 hour sessions with lunch served at 11:30 a.m.
Click for Poster Session A InformationOpens an external link.
Click for Poster Session B InformationOpens an external link.
1:15 p.m.
Student Presentations
- 1:15-1:30 Undergraduate/Masters Presentation
- Title: Effects of Spinal Mobilization on Muscular Low Back Pain in an NGF-Induced Animal Model A Non-Pharmacological Approach to Low Back Pain
- Student: Mahaley Mann, Biomedical Sciences
- Student Mentor: William Reed, DC, PhD
- 1:30-1:45 Early Career PhD/Clinical Doctorate Student Presentation
- Title: Does Accelerometer-Determined Physical Activity Change in Patients with Acetabular Dysplasia 1-Year after Surgery?
- Student: Hadeel Alghanim, OT
- Student Mentor: Matthew Ithurburn, PT, DPT, PhD
- 1:45 - 2:00 Late Career PhD/Postdoctoral Trainee
- Title: Association between insulin sensitivity and lean mass loss during weight loss
- Student: Ciera Bartholomew, PhD in Nutrition student
- Student Mentor: Barbara Gower, PhD
2:00 p.m.
Awards
Click for Printable Agenda (PDF)Opens an external link.
Questions?
For more information, please contact Samantha Giordano-Mooga, Ph.D., director of SHP Undergraduate Research, at
Past Research Day Winners
2023
PhD and Postdoc
- Outstanding Abstract: Shanequa Roscoe
- Outstanding Poster: Marian Yurchishin
Master's and Clinical Doctorates
- Outstanding Abstract: Sadie Hare
- Outstanding Poster: Kylie Blue
Undergraduates
- Outstanding Abstract: Natalie Moon, Khai Thompson, and Yesenia Villanueva
- Outstanding Poster: Lauren Briggs
2022
Best Abstract
- Doctoral: Katie Couch
- Masters: Jackson Pettus
- Undergraduate: Kylie Blue, Zoe Koppersmith
Best Posters: Doctoral
- First Place: Saleh Alhirsan
- Second Place: Leandra Durham
Best Posters: Master's
- First Place: Rachel Adams, Dana Quintero-Rodriguez
- Second Place: Zainab Bhagat
Best Posters: Undergraduate
- First Place: Morgan Skye Sutton, Mackenzie Street
- Second Place: Steve Otero
Give the Gift of Blazer Spirit!
Surprise someone special this holiday season with a one-of-a-kind UAB holiday ornament.
For only $20, you will receive a custom UAB ornament AND support the SHP Scholarship Fund. But you need to hurry because the offer is only good while supplies last.
Order Deadline
Your order must be received by December 10, 2025.
Any questions?
Ready to order? Use the button below.
SHP Faculty Grants
The SHP Faculty Grant call for applications is open!
Submit an Application
Submit an application, as a single PDF, via email with a subject line: SHP RESEARCH PILOT or SHP EDUCATION INNOVATION GRANT – (PROJECT LEADER LAST NAME) to
Thank you,
Office of Associate Dean for Research and Innovation
Available Grants
Research Pilot Grant
This grant will provide an award of up to $25,000 for up to two years. Award recipients will be faculty from SHP departments with new research ideas, those establishing new collaborations, and/or those needing more preliminary data to be competitive for externally funded grants. Faculty are expected to be working toward an identified externally funded grant mechanism.
Education Innovation Grant
This grant will provide an award of up to $15,000 for one year. Award recipients will be SHP faculty who are developing new approaches, strategies, technology, and student experiences to enhance student learning, creativity, productivity, and cognitive skills.
2025 Winners
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Monica Aswani (Research Pilot)
Monica Aswani
One of the winners of the 2025 SHP Research Pilot award was Monica Aswani, DrPH, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Services Administration. Her project is titled: “Effects of Section 1115 Waivers to Eliminate Retroactive Medicaid Eligibility.” The total award is $20,000.
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Cátia Martins (Research Pilot)
Cátia Martins
One of the winners of the 2025 SHP Research Pilot award was Cátia Martins, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences. Her project is titled: “Ketogenic diets for weight loss maintenance: Impact on energy expenditure and appetite in individuals with obesity.” The total award is $20,000.
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Laurie Malone (Research Pilot)
Laurie Malone
One of the winners of the 2025 SHP Research Pilot award was Laurie Malone, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy. Her project is titled: “Exploring Perspectives of Adults After Stroke Regarding Access to and Engagement in Community Greenspace Using Photovoice Methodology Guided by the Social Ecological Model.” The total award is $20,000.
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Jessica Denton (Education Innovation)
Jessica Denton
One of the winners of the 2025 SHP Education Innovation Grant is Jessica Denton, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences. The title of her project is “Development of a Novel Virtual, Case-based Shadowing Experience for Prospective Genetic Counseling Students.” Total amount of the grant is $7,500.
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Leandra Celaya (Education Innovation)
Leandra Celaya
One of the winners of the 2025 SHP Education Innovation Grant is Leandra Celaya, MSc, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Services Administration. The title of her project is “Developing a high reliability certificate program to expand interprofessional continuing education offerings in SHP.” Total amount of the grant is $7,500.
2024 Winners
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Harshavardhan Singh (Research Pilot)
Harshavardhan Singh
The winner of the 2024 SHP Research Pilot award was Harshavardhan Singh, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. His project is titled: “Feasibility and response of loaded high intensity circuit training (LOHIC) on dynamic balance in adolescents with cerebral palsy.” The total award is $25,000.
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Erin Blanchard (Education Innovation)
Erin Blanchard
One of the winners of the 2024 SHP Education Innovation Grant is Erin Blanchard, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Services Administration. The title of their project is “Examining stress response in Physician Assistant students using virtual reality simulation.” Total amount of the grant is $6,800.
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Samantha Giordano-Mooga (Education Innovation)
Samantha Giordano-Mooga
One of the winners of the 2024 SHP Education Innovation Grant is Samantha Giordano-Mooga, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences. The title of her project is “Developing undergraduate resilience to increase retention of future healthcare workers.” Total amount of the grant is $5,900.
2023 Winners
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Alexandra Evancho (Junior Faculty Grant)
Alexandra Evancho
Co-Investigators: Keith McGregor and Jamie Tyler
Title: Enhancing Neurorehabilitation with Neuromodulation for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
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Seung-Yup (Joshua) Lee (Interdisciplinary Collaborative Grant)
Seung-Yup (Joshua) Lee
Co-Investigators: Bunyamin Ozaydin, Leslie Hayes, Steven Howard, Jane Banaszak-Holl
Title: Data-Driven Decision Support to Proactively Prioritize Diabetes Cases in the Face of a Staffing Shortage
-
Megan Carpenter (Education Innovation)
Megan Carpenter
Title: Preparing Students for Interprofessional Service Learning for Clients with Traumatic Brain Injury
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Elizabeth Wylie (Education Innovation)
Elizabeth Wylie
Title: Preparing Students for Interprofessional Service Learning for Clients with Traumatic Brain Injury
2022 Winners
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Abdulaziz Ahmed (Junior Faculty Research)
Abdulaziz Ahmed
The winner of the 2022 SHP Junior Faculty award was Abdulaziz Ahmed, PhD. Assistant Professor in Health Services Administration. Dr. Ahmed’s project is titled: “A machine learning framework for addressing emergency department over-crowding problem”. The total award is $25,000.
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Wei Li (Outstanding Collaborative Unit)
Wei Li
One of the winners of the 2022 SHP Outstanding Collaborative Unit award is Wei Li, PhD. Associate Professor in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences' Physician Assistant Studies program. The title of their project is “Differentiating Alzheimer’s disease from healthy subjects using plasma elemental profile.” Total amount of the grant is $25,000.
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Muhammad Maqbool (Outstanding Collaborative Unit)
Muhammad Maqbool
One of the winners of the 2022 SHP Outstanding Collaborative Unit award is Muhammad Maqbool, PhD. Associate Professor in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences' Health Physics program. The title of their project is “Differentiating Alzheimer’s disease from healthy subjects using plasma elemental profile.” Total amount of the grant is $25,000.
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Tino Unlap (Outstanding Collaborative Unit)
Tino Unlap
One of the winners of the 2022 SHP Outstanding Collaborative Unit award is Tino Unlap, PhD. Associate Professor in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences' Biotechnology program. The title of their project is “Differentiating Alzheimer’s disease from healthy subjects using plasma elemental profile.” Total amount of the grant is $25,000.
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Valley McCurry (Education Innovation)
Valley McCurry
One of the winners of the 2022 SHP Education Innovation Grant is Valley McCurry, PhD, MBA, OTR/L, Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy. The title of their project is “Interprofessional acute care hospital simulation-based learning activity.” Total amount of the grant is $16,000.
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Tara Pearce (Education Innovation)
Tara Pearce
One of the winners of the 2022 SHP Education Innovation Grant is Tara Pearce, PT, DHS, Associate Professor in Physical Therapy. The title of their project is “Interprofessional acute care hospital simulation-based learning activity.” Total amount of the grant is $16,000.
2021 Winners
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Haiyan Qu (Outstanding Collaborative Unit)
Haiyan Qu
The winner of the 2021 SHP Outstanding Collaborative Unit Grant Award was Dr. Haiyan Qu from the Department of Health Services Administration. Dr. Qu’s project is titled “Development of a Home-Based Multimodal Prehabilitation Program for Potential Liver Transplant Candidates.” Dr. Qu will provide an update of her progress at a spring, 2022 SHP Town Talk.
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Matthew Ithurburn (Junior Faculty Research)
Matthew Ithurburn
The winner of the 2021 SHP Junior Faculty Research award was Dr. Matthew Ithurburn from the Dept. of Physical Therapy. Dr. Ithurburn’s project is titled: “Temporal Associations Between Daily Physical Activity and Daily Pain in Individuals with Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Pilot Study.” Dr. Ithurburn recently accepted a position as Director of Clinical Research at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham and was unable to complete the project at UAB. However, we know he will be doing great research in his new position.
Meet Us at the 2020 University of Georgia Health Professions Fair
If you are attending the 2020 University of Georgia Health Professions Fair we look forward to meeting you and telling you more about our excellent graduate programs in the UAB School of Health Professions.
The UAB School of Health Professions is the fastest growing school at UAB and one of the largest health professions schools in the nation. With 20+ programs and 40+ offerings at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels, our students have the opportunity to develop skills and expertise in some of healthcare’s most challenging and rewarding fields. Our programs are ranked among the best in the nation, including our #1 ranked Master of Science in Health Administration Program according to U.S. News & World Report.
Featured SHP Programs
-
SHP Graduate Programs
UAB offers Master and Doctorate level studies in all five departments of the UAB School of Health Professions. Find more information about our departments:
-
SHP Undergraduate Programs
Biomedical Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (BMD) program prepares you for health-related graduate and professional study, or for entry into one of the fastest growing occupational sectors. The program includes coursework in physiology, pharmacology, clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology and immunology, plus the pathological basis of disease, includes six elective courses that you choose based on your individual health-related educational track.
Healthcare Management
The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management will prepare you to make a difference in the health care delivery process. Our program has four tracks: Clinical Manager, General Manager, Pre-Professional, and Long-Term Care Administration, that will provide you vital industry knowledge and job skills that are critical to work as a mid-level manager in all types of health care organizations.
This degree is available through traditional (on-campus), online, and blended (online and on-campus) offerings
-
SHP Minors
The UAB School of Health Professions offers four minors that can complement and enhance what you will learn in your major courses. We offer minors in the following areas:
-
Biomedical Sciences Minor
The Minor in Biomedical Sciences is ideal for students outside of the BMD major who are interested in preparing for future study in medicine and the health professions.
-
Healthcare Management Minor
The minor in Health Care Management UAB will prepare you with the knowledge to understand the U.S. healthcare delivery system.
-
Health Information Management Minor
The minor in Health Information Management helps prepare students for this aspect in a health-related career by providing a broad overview of health informatics and health information technology (IT).
-
Nutrition Minor
The minor in Nutrition Sciences from UAB will give you an understanding of health education, nursing, public health, medical research, and community health.
-
Biomedical Sciences Minor
Connect With Us Today
If you are interested in learning more about programs in the UAB School of Health Professions please contact Wendy Scripps at 205-934-5974 or
Meet Us at the 2020 Georgia State University Health Professions Fair
If you are attending the 2020 Georgia State University College of Arts & Sciences Pre-Medical Program's Health Professions Fair we look forward to meeting you and telling you more about our excellent graduate programs in the UAB School of Health Professions.
The UAB School of Health Professions is the fastest growing school at UAB and one of the largest health professions schools in the nation. With 20+ programs and 40+ offerings at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels, our students have the opportunity to develop skills and expertise in some of healthcare’s most challenging and rewarding fields. Our programs are ranked among the best in the nation, including our #1 ranked Master of Science in Health Administration Program according to U.S. News & World Report.
Featured SHP Programs
-
SHP Graduate Programs
UAB offers Master and Doctorate level studies in all five departments of the UAB School of Health Professions. Find more information about our departments:
-
SHP Undergraduate Programs
Biomedical Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (BMD) program prepares you for health-related graduate and professional study, or for entry into one of the fastest growing occupational sectors. The program includes coursework in physiology, pharmacology, clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology and immunology, plus the pathological basis of disease, includes six elective courses that you choose based on your individual health-related educational track.
Healthcare Management
The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management will prepare you to make a difference in the health care delivery process. Our program has four tracks: Clinical Manager, General Manager, Pre-Professional, and Long-Term Care Administration, that will provide you vital industry knowledge and job skills that are critical to work as a mid-level manager in all types of health care organizations.
This degree is available through traditional (on-campus), online, and blended (online and on-campus) offerings
-
SHP Minors
The UAB School of Health Professions offers four minors that can complement and enhance what you will learn in your major courses. We offer minors in the following areas:
-
Biomedical Sciences Minor
The Minor in Biomedical Sciences is ideal for students outside of the BMD major who are interested in preparing for future study in medicine and the health professions.
-
Healthcare Management Minor
The minor in Health Care Management UAB will prepare you with the knowledge to understand the U.S. healthcare delivery system.
-
Health Information Management Minor
The minor in Health Information Management helps prepare students for this aspect in a health-related career by providing a broad overview of health informatics and health information technology (IT).
-
Nutrition Minor
The minor in Nutrition Sciences from UAB will give you an understanding of health education, nursing, public health, medical research, and community health.
-
Biomedical Sciences Minor
Connect With Us Today
If you are interested in learning more about programs in the UAB School of Health Professions please contact Wendy Scripps at 205-934-5974 or
Meet us at the 2019 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students
If you are attending the 2019 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) we look forward to meeting you at exhibit booth #521 to tell you more about our excellent graduate programs in the UAB School of Health Professions.
The UAB School of Health Professions is the fastest-growing school at UAB and one of the largest health professions schools in the nation. With 20+ programs and 40+ offerings at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels, our students have the opportunity to develop skills and expertise in some of healthcare’s most challenging and rewarding fields. Our programs are ranked among the best in the nation, including our #1 ranked Master of Science in Health Administration Program according to U.S. News & World Report.
Featured SHP Programs
-
Graduate Programs
UAB offers Master and Doctorate level studies in all five departments of the UAB School of Health Professions. Find more information about our departments:
-
Undergraduate Programs
Biomedical Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (BMD) program prepares you for health-related graduate and professional study, or for entry into one of the fastest growing occupational sectors. The program includes coursework in physiology, pharmacology, clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology and immunology, plus the pathological basis of disease, includes six elective courses that you choose based on your individual health-related educational track.
Healthcare Management
The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management will prepare you to make a difference in the health care delivery process. Our program has four tracks: Clinical Manager, General Manager, Pre-Professional, and Long-Term Care Administration, that will provide you vital industry knowledge and job skills that are critical to work as a mid-level manager in all types of health care organizations.
This degree is available through traditional (on-campus), online, and blended (online and on-campus) offerings
-
Minor Programs
The UAB School of Health Professions offers four minors that can complement and enhance what you will learn in your major courses. We offer minors in the following areas:
-
Biomedical Sciences Minor
The Minor in Biomedical Sciences is ideal for students outside of the BMD major who are interested in preparing for future study in medicine and the health professions.
-
Healthcare Management Minor
The minor in Health Care Management at UAB will prepare you with the knowledge to understand the U.S. healthcare delivery system.
-
Health Information Management Minor
The minor in Health Information Management helps prepare students for this aspect in a health-related career by providing a broad overview of health informatics and health information technology (IT).
-
Nutrition Minor
The minor in Nutrition Sciences from UAB will give you an understanding of health education, nursing, public health, medical research, and community health.
-
Biomedical Sciences Minor
Connect With Us Today
If you are interested in learning more about programs in the UAB School of Health Professions please contact Wendy Scripps at 205-934-5974 or
New Space Request Form
Space is an important and valuable resource at the UAB School of Health Professions that helps us deliver our mission and serve our students. We currently offer office and lab space in the School of Health Professions Building (SHPB), the Susan Mott Webb Nutrition Sciences Building (WEBB), the Center For Biophysical Sciences and Engineering (CBSE) and the Wellness, Health And Research Facility (WHARF).
Our space is allocated to best serve the needs of the entire school, thus space will be re-allocated at the school-level. All space requests will be submitted using the form below and will be reviewed by the SHP Space Committee and the Dean's Executive Leadership Team.
*Please note, all questions are required. Type N/A if the question is not applicable to you.
New Student Survey
Welcome to the UAB School of Health Professions!
Did you know that we will look at your transcripts and responses to the survey below to create a curriculum plan that works best for you?
Your answers give your advisor information and insight into how we can best prepare you for orientation. It is important to fill out this survey before orientation at your earliest convenience.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at
See you soon, Blazers!
*Please note, all questions with asterisks are required.