At the 37th AMUG Conference, held from March 30 to April 3, 2025, in Chicago, six professionals were honored with the DINO Award (Distinguished INnovator Operator) for their long-standing contributions to the field of additive manufacturing. Presented by the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG), the award recognizes both technical proficiency and voluntary service within the AM community.
Bruce LeMaster, co-chair of the DINO Selection Committee and AMUG’s director at large, said, “The DINO Committee gets to see, in great detail, the contributions candidates make in our industry. Candidates tend to be very humble individuals, but when we receive their nominations, we learn about their involvement with STEM initiatives and industry organizations, as well as how they answer questions from those in the industry and how they are willing to make introductions and connections that help others. Those who are ultimately selected for a DINO Award exemplify a ‘giving’ attitude that complements their knowledge of additive manufacturing.”
Shannon VanDeren, DINO Selection Committee co-chair and AMUG president, said, “When considering a DINO recipient, we are looking more at the character traits than the resume.” She added, “Watching the recipients of this year’s DINOs make their way to the stage to accept the award, followed by the flood of joy from the additive manufacturing family who knows them, is so endearing.”
The 2025 honorees are Amy Alexander (Mayo Clinic), Dan Braley (Boeing Global Services), Patrick Gannon (Ricoh USA), Ryan Kircher (rms Company), Dallas Martin (Toyota), and Brennon White (General Motors).
Amy Alexander’s accomplishments and recognitions are plentiful, and she has graciously shared her experiences to encourage awareness and adoption. VanDeren said, “Amy has told me that her career was built on the shoulders of wonderful mentors and teachers. She now provides the shoulder for new engineers to stand upon.”
DINO Selection Committee member Carl Dekker said, “Dan Braley’s participation in numerous events, including AMUG Conferences, highlights his commitment to advancing our technologies. Continually participating to promote knowledge and awareness, Dan demonstrates the charter we crafted for those deserving of a DINO.”
Jason Lopes, a member of the DINO Selection Committee, said, “Dallas Martin is what a DINO is all about—whether it be advancing technology, educating, or bringing his team together to learn from others and those in different industries. Dallas has truly moved our industry in many positive directions.”
This year’s awardees have contributed through technical presentations, standardization efforts, and development of new technologies. Alexander is known for her work in biomedical applications and mentoring young engineers. Kircher is recognized for implementing AM processes across organizations, while Martin has driven industrial applications of 3D printing through multiple patents.
VanDeren highlighted Patrick Gannon’s dedication: “Patrick Gannon exemplifies the traits of a DINO with his efforts to encourage new talent, assist customers so they can be successful, and support the AMUG team.”
Tom Sorovetz, AMUG’s director of event & hospitality, said, “Brennon White’s passion for the AM industry has incited him to become a presenter, panelist, author, and subject matter expert in additive manufacturing. All of these contributions are for the purpose of disseminating what he has learned.”
With only 199 DINO Awards presented in AMUG’s history, the honor remains rare and prestigious. It reflects the organization’s philosophy of being a user-driven network dedicated to knowledge sharing in additive manufacturing. The next nomination round begins in October 2025, underscoring the continued importance of sustained commitment within the AM community.
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