AMUG Honors Six Members with DINO Awards

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) presented its DINO (Distinguished INnovator Operator) Award for additive manufacturing expertise and service to six individuals. The new DINOs received awards at the 37th annual AMUG Conference in mid-March 2026, in Reno, NV.

AMUG representatives presented the DINO Awards, honoring tenure in the AM industry, years of service, industry contributions, and active support of AMUG and its conference.

"DINO Committee members are DINO recipients committed to recognizing other AMUG members who have made significant contributions to the organization and the industry," says Bruce LeMaster, DINO Selection Committee chair and AMUG's director at large. "We evaluate each nominee based on their tenure in the industry, commitment to promoting additive manufacturing, and support for AMUG. Those who are ultimately selected for a DINO Award exemplify a 'giving' attitude that complements their knowledge of additive manufacturing."

This year's AMUG DINOs are:

• Olga (Dr. O) Ivanova, Mechnano
• Daniel Landgraf, 3D Spark
• Brian Post, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Chris Prue, IperionX
• John Thiell, Beehive Industries
• Annie Wang, Senvol

The selection committee cited the key activities for which the 2026 DINO Awards were presented.

"This year's DINO recipients come from a broad range of industries, government labs, equipment and material OEMs, and additive manufacturing service providers," says LeMaster. 

Olga Ivanova, Ph.D., has led an active career in AM since her time at the University of Louisville and Virginia Tech. Jason Lopes, DINO Selection Committee Member, notes, "If you've ever been to an AMUG Conference, you've probably met Dr. O and been drawn into deep discussions spanning all things additive." 

Carl Dekker, DINO Selection Committee member, refers to Danial Landgraf as the consummate professional. "Daniel has served on the AMUG Board and the International Committee. He's never met a stranger and is always happy to talk about additive manufacturing," Dekker says.

According to Alex Roschli, AMUG director of Education & Conference, "Brian Post is a huge proponent of additive manufacturing and the AMUG organization. He is always willing to help others with additive projects, answering their questions or referring them to other SMEs [subject matter experts]."

Shannon VanDeren, AMUG President, said that Chris Prue is "the guy who is always willing to help!" He has been volunteering at AMUG Conferences for years.

John Thiell was president of AMUG in 1996 (then known as 3DSNASUG) and served on the board for four years. Because of a shift in work responsibilities, he was unable to attend AMUG Conferences for years, but upon his return, he served on several AMUG committees.

"Annie Wang is one of those people that you want on your team," according to Kevin Ayers, 2004 DINO Award Recipient. "She always has a smile and is always willing to lend a hand." Annie volunteers at AMUG Conferences and helps connect AMUG members.

Over its 38-year history, AMUG has awarded 205 DINOs. LeMaster noted that 59 DINOs were present at AMUG 2026, representing 29% of all that have received this recognition.

Nominations for 2027 DINO candidates will be accepted beginning October 1, 2026.

ABOUT ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING USERS GROUP (AMUG)

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG), a 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation, is committed to encouraging and coordinating exchange of technical information among those who use additive manufacturing. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.