Dean presents Annual Research Awards

Cadets and faculty gather in Polaris Hall for the Dean’s Annual Research Awards presentations at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., March 20, 2023. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Justin Pacheco)

U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Research is an integral part of a cadet’s experience at the U.S. Air Force Academy, giving cadets ample opportunity to tackle tough topics and solve real-world issues.

Each year, some of the most innovative and inspiring projects are recognized at the Dean’s Annual Research Awards. These awards acknowledge the work of both cadets and faculty across many disciplines.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

Frank J. Seiler Awards

Research Excellence in the Basic Sciences: Maj Danielle O’Keefe
Research Excellence in Engineering: Dr. Ioan Feier

Robert F. McDermott Award Winners

Research Excellence in the Social Sciences: Dr. Kelly Piazza
Research Excellence in the Humanities: Dr. Thomas McGuire
Immediate Impact in Research: Lt. Col. William Atkins and Capt. Damon Kirkpatrick
Research Excellence in Technology Transfer: Dr. Michael Anderson

Martinson Award  Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Dr. Joel Coffman

Dean of the Faculty Award – Research Team of the Year

Human-Autonomy Teaming Capstone Team

Thomas D. Moore Award Outstanding Cadet Summer Research

Basic Sciences Division: C1C Hannah Martinez
Humanities Division Winner: C1C Rachel Price
Engineering Division Winner: C1C Mathew Core
Social Sciences Division Winner/Overall Winner: C1C Gabrielle LaRochelle

Dean of the Faculty Award – Outstanding Cadet Research

Individual: C2C Isobel Dernlan
Team: DFME Senior Design Capstone
2d Lt Blake Armour, 2d Lt Mark Humphries, 2d Lt Adam Moeller, 2d Lt Devin Schwindt, 2d Lt Chris Voegele

To learn more about the research projects and winners, check out our YouTube 2023 Research Awards playlist. Also, more photos from the awards ceremony are available on our Flickr page.