The worldwide, volunteer-driven group Additive Manufacturing Customers Group (AMUG) hosted its thirty seventh annual AMUG Convention in Chicago, the place six people have been awarded the DINO (Distinguished Innovator Operator) Award. This recognition highlights their contributions, lasting influence, and assist of AMUG and the additive manufacturing group.
Bruce LeMaster, AMUG’s Director at Massive and co-chair of the DINO Choice Committee, emphasised the rigorous analysis course of. “The DINO Committee will get to see, in nice element, the contributions candidates make in our business. Candidates are typically very humble people, however after we obtain their nominations, we find out about their involvement with STEM initiatives and business organizations, in addition to how they reply questions from these within the business and the way they’re prepared to make introductions and connections that assist others. Those that are finally chosen for a DINO Award exemplify a ‘giving’ angle that enhances their information of additive manufacturing,” LeMaster concluded.
2025 DINO Award Winners Acknowledged for Their Business Contributions
Shannon VanDeren, DINO Choice Committee co-chair and AMUG president, defined the qualities the committee seems to be for in honorees. “When contemplating a DINO recipient, we’re wanting extra on the character traits than the resume.”
“This yr’s DINO recipients have a depth of expertise in additive manufacturing and have given their time and efforts again to the business as volunteers. I’m very impressed with the broad vary of skills every brings to the business,” stated LeMaster.
Among the many honorees was Amy Alexander, Unit Head and Mechanical Improvement & Utilized Computational Engineering at Mayo Clinic, who was recommended for her dedication to mentoring early-career professionals. “Amy has instructed me that her profession was constructed on the shoulders of fantastic mentors and academics,” stated VanDeren. “She now gives the shoulder for brand spanking new engineers to face upon.”
Dan Braley, Senior Technical Fellow at Boeing International Providers, was acknowledged for his sustained involvement in business occasions—notably the AMUG Convention—and his ongoing efforts to advance additive manufacturing.
From rms Firm, Ryan Kircher, Principal Additive Manufacturing Engineer, stood out for his management in scaling AM operations and his dedication to knowledge-sharing, making him a key driver of progress inside the discipline. “Ryan’s efforts to share these developments in convention displays, requirements developments, and open discussions assist individuals advance their abilities. These are examples of the traits we search for when evaluating DINO candidates,” stated Dekker.
At Toyota, Dallas Martin, Additive Manufacturing Engineer, was acknowledged for his position in fostering collaboration and advancing new applied sciences. “Dallas Martin is what a DINO is all about—whether or not it’s advancing know-how, educating, or bringing his crew collectively to be taught from others,” stated choice committee member Jason Lopes. Dekker added, “His ardour has led to quite a few AM patents—not for private acquire, however to learn the broader business.”
Patrick Gannon, Director of Manufacturing-Additive Manufacturing at Ricoh USA, Inc., was honored for his sturdy dedication to mentorship, supporting each college students and professionals navigating the evolving panorama of AM.
Lastly, Brennon White, Know-how Specialist – Additive Manufacturing Design and Manufacturing, at Basic Motors, was celebrated for his instructional outreach and advocacy for AM within the automotive sector. “Brennon’s ardour for the AM business has incited him to change into a presenter, panelist, creator, and material knowledgeable—all to share what he has realized,” famous Tom Sorovetz, AMUG’s director of occasion and hospitality.
Over the course of its 38-year historical past, AMUG has offered the DINO award to 199 people. Nominations for the 2026 DINO Awards will open on October 1, 2025.
DINO Winners in 2024
In 2024, AMUG honored different 5 distinguished people with DINO Awards for his or her business contributions: Jamie Cone, Steve Grundahl, Thomas Murphy, Vadim Pikhovich, and Bob Renella. Gary Rabinovitz from Reebok was additionally offered with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, making it solely the second time in AMUG’s 36-year historical past that this award has been bestowed.
Previous to the convention, Alex Campbell and Phil Rufe have been named recipients of the AMUG 3D Printing Scholarships. Each people have been acknowledged for his or her excellent dedication to advancing additive manufacturing in each instructional and industrial settings. Campbell, an aerospace engineering scholar at Ohio State College, obtained the Man E. Bourdeau Scholarship, whereas Rufe, an Assistant Professor at Japanese Michigan College, was awarded the Randy Stevens Scholarship.
Who gained the 2024 3D Printing Business Awards?
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Featured picture six individuals obtained the celebrated DINO award. Photograph AMUG.
