Boston Children's Hospital named Catherine Rose, PhD, MBA, from Philips Healthcare as the recipient of its Rising Star Award.

Recognizing the outstanding achievements of an up-and-coming innovator in the field of pediatric healthcare, the award was presented during the hospital's Global Pediatric Innovation Summit on Oct. 31. 

Rose was chosen from a pool of basic scientists, researchers, clinicians, informaticists and businesspeople for her interactive light product for children with disabilities. As recipient of the Rising Star Award, Rose will receive $25,000 to advance her project, LightAide.

“Dr. Rose could be commended if she had only developed a tool that helped her daughter interact more capably with the world, but she did so much more,” said Sandra L. Fenwick, Boston Children’s president and CEO. “She’s given hope for the future to other disabled populations and stood up for all parents who want to build a better world for their children.”

LightAide began when Rose noticed that LED lighting used in a Philips showroom could capture the attention of her deafblind daughter, Alexis. Realizing that the interactive displays of colored light could be a powerful learning tool, Rose suggested developing an interactive light product for children with disabilities; one that would significantly outperform what schools were currently using and still be affordable.