AMUG Awards 6 DINO Honors to Members

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) presented its prestigious DINO (Distinguished INnovator Operator) Award for additive manufacturing expertise and service to six individuals. These new DINOs received their awards at the 37th annual AMUG Conference that took place in early April in Chicago.

AMUG representatives presented the DINO Awards in recognition of tenure in the additive manufacturing industry, years of service, contributions to the industry, and active support of AMUG and its conference.

"The DINO Committee gets to see, in great detail, the contributions candidates make in our industry," says Bruce LeMaster, co-chair of the DINO Selection Committee and AMUG's director at large. "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.

The newly named AMUG DINOs are: Amy Alexander, Mayo Clinic; Dan Braley, Boeing Global Services; Patrick Gannon, Ricoh USA; Ryan Kircher, rms Co.; Dallas Martin, Toyota; and Brennon White, General Motors.

"When considering a DINO recipient, we are looking more at the character traits than the resume," says Shannon VanDeren, DINO Selection Committee co-chair and AMUG president. "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."

AMUG's selection committee cited the key activities for which the DINO Awards were presented.

Amy Alexander's accomplishments have led to her sharing her experiences to encourage awareness and adoption.

"Amy has told me that her career was built on the shoulders of wonderful mentors and teachers," VanDeren says. "She now provides the shoulder for new engineers to stand upon." VanDeren shared that Alexander now encourages the next generation of biomedical engineers to advance their careers by taking on the speaking roles that otherwise would be offered to her.

Of DINO winner Dan Braley, DINO Selection Committee member Carl Dekker says, "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."

Regarding Ryan Kircher, Dekker says, "His leadership in prior and current positions has led to organizations that have grown their footprint and success in additive manufacturing. Ryan's efforts to share these advancements in conference presentations, standards developments, and open discussions help people advance their skills."

Of DINO winner Dallas Martin, Jason Lopes, a member of the DINO Selection Committee, says, "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."

Of another DINO winner, Patrick Gannon, VanDeren says, "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."

Of yet another winner, Brennon White, Tom Sorovetz, AMUG's director of event & hospitality, says, "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."

Over its 38-year history, AMUG has awarded only 199 DINOs. LeMaster notes that 69 DINOs spanning 24 years were present at AMUG 2025, representing 35% of all who have received this recognition.

Nominations for 2026 DINO candidates will be accepted, beginning October 1, 2025.

2025_AMUG_DINOs.jpg: 2025 DINO Award recipients (from left): Patrick Gannon, Brennon White, Dallas Martin, Amy Alexander, Ryan Kircher, and Dan Braley.