America Makes, the national innovation institute for additive manufacturing (AM), announced the recipients of the 2024 Ambassador Awards and the Distinguished Collaborator Award at its annual Members Meeting and Exchange (MMX) in Youngstown, Ohio. These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing additive manufacturing and supporting the mission of America Makes.
Established in 2017, the Ambassador Award Program honors individuals whose work has significantly contributed to the advancement of additive manufacturing technologies. The honorees of the Class of 2024 represent a broad spectrum of the industry. They have not only driven technological advancements, but also fostered the resilience and growth of the AM community. This year’s honorees include leading professionals from a variety of fields, including aerospace, research and industrial manufacturing.
Special mention was made of the work of Mark D. Benedict, Ph.D., who was honored with the Distinguished Collaborator Award. Benedict, Senior Scientist at Convergent Manufacturing at the Air Force Research Laboratory, has played a central role in the Institute’s strategic planning during his nearly six years as Chief Technology Advisor at America Makes. His efforts to foster collaborations between academia, government and industry have helped take additive manufacturing to a new level.
“The Institute has been pivotal in forming a Joint Services community focused on additive manufacturing and connecting that community with the companies and universities looking for problems to solve,” stated Mark D. Benedict, Ph.D. “There has always been such positive energy in this ecosystem. I am fortunate to have played a small part in connecting Department of Defense stakeholders with enthusiastic technical teams working to mature this technology. It is an honor to be recognized by the Institute for helping to make progress in this important technology.”
Recognizing these experts underscores the progress that has been made in additive manufacturing and incentivizes future innovation. America Makes continues to be an important catalyst for the advancement of this key technology by promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing between different industries.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
