William B. Mark
History
William B. Mark was an engineer by training who, along with his wife, Caroline, formed the A. Ward Ford Foundation, named in honor of Caroline’s grandfather, Austin Ward Ford, who was a pioneer in the early business machine industry.
After attending an industrial laser conference, Bill Mark became interested in the possible medical use of lasers. With the foundation’s medical director, Dr. Ellet Drake, a number of other like-minded individuals, and a generous grant from Caroline and the A. Ward Ford Foundation, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) was founded with the first annual meeting in 1981. The Society had a unique concept where all interested parties including physicians, nurses and other clinicians, researchers, and industrial and government representatives could meet and share their research and teaching for the benefit of medical care.
Bill Mark died in 1980, but under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Drake, the Society grew and developed into the premier organization it is today.
If Bill Mark was the brains and Ellet Drake the heart of the Society, Caroline Mark was the soul. She was a lady of significant means, which she used wisely and generously, but she was also a lady of intelligence and integrity. She believed in the value of education and the benefit of research, which she supported throughout her lifetime. She gave encouragement and formed many lasting friendships in her continued support of the Society.
Research, education, and the friendship of sharing was the nature of Caroline Mark, and this is, and continues to be, the basis of the Society. The A. Ward Ford Memorial Research Grant is the continued legacy of Bill and Caroline Mark and their contribution to the laser medical field.
Support for this project is provided by the A. Ward Ford Memorial Institute Fund of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin.
Application Process
The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin serves as administrators of the endowed A. Ward Ford Memorial Institute Fund. Applications are accepted through the ASLMS Research Grant application. To complete your application, fill out the Standard Pre-Application or Student Application.
Research Grant Awards: Grants up to $70,000 may be awarded annually
Application Deadline: Student and Pre-Applications are due January 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST
Notification: Successful applicants will be notified by the end of March
Project Completion: The grants are available for projects to be completed in the following year. Applicants may receive an extension to complete the research if requested and approved by the grant review committee. Submit your formal letter of request to information@aslms.org
Guidelines: A. Ward Ford Grant Guidelines (pdf)
Questions or requests for further information can be directed to:
715-845-9283 | information@aslms.org
2025 Grant Recipient
Nathaniel M. Fried, PhD
University of North Carolina, Physics and Optical Science
Supporting ASLMS Member: Boris Majaron, PhD
“Infrared Laser Sealing of Vascular Tissues Using a Transparent Laparoscopic Device”