Stephanie Clewer, chair, ITEA Professional Test and Evaluation Awards Committee, presented Dr. Darryl Ahner the International Test and Evaluation Association’s Allen R. Matthew’s Award; the highest award bestowed by ITEA in recognition of a distinguished and impactful career in the field of T&E. (Contributed photo)

By: Jessica Blevins, Air Force Institute of Technology

Dr. Darryl Ahner, dean for research, Air Force Institute of Technology, was given the honor of being awarded the International Test and Evaluation Association Allen R. Matthew’s Award in Virginia Beach, Va. on September 29, 2022.

ITEA exists to advance the field of test and evaluation worldwide in government, industry and academia by developing resources, best practices, networking and learning opportunities. The Matthew’s Award is the highest award bestowed by the organization and is granted to individuals in recognition of lasting and significant contributions which are in alignment with the mission and purpose of the ITEA as well as the cumulative effect of a distinguished and impactful career in the field of T&E.

ITEA recognizes that in the past 10 years of service to the T&E community, Ahner has impacted the field with founding the Scientific Test and Analysis Techniques Center of Excellence, his mentorship as a professor, and his commitment to the profession. Under Ahner’s leadership, the Center saved Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security organizations over $232 million in costs and trained over 1,000 professionals. Additionally, the Center published 102 best practices and case studies, many of which are publicly available and collectively have been downloaded over 5,000 times per month. Ahner also assisted with the Certified Test and Evaluation Professional credential, developing the framework and contributing numerous questions to the exam. His dedication to the test and evaluation community is the basis for this award by ITEA.

The recognition of AFIT’s own dean for research with this award highlights the relevant and ongoing impact that our faculty, staff, and student body continue to have in the highest echelons of mission-focused research and development.