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Grad School recognizes Class of 2023 student & faculty achievements

Posted Thursday, April 20, 2023

 

The Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management recognized 28 students with awards earned during their time as master’s students at a ceremony on 23 March. Awards for faculty members recognized their outstanding support to student success.

AFIT and Graduate School leadership praised the accomplishments of the graduates.

“I am always proud of all of our graduates, but I am particularly proud of our award winners today,” said Walter Jones, AFIT director and chancellor. “Proud of what you have accomplished here at AFIT and also excited to see what you will do in your next assignments. You have exceeded our expectations while you studied here at AFIT and your future organizations are lucky to have you join their teams.”

“It is always a delight to see the fruits of our year-long academic labor come together at graduation,” said Dr. Adedeji Badiru, dean of the Graduate School of Engineering and Management. “Students make a rapid transition from aspiration to actualization as they move on to serve the various technical needs of the Air Force. I have mixed feelings about graduation. One feeling is of a high level of joy, as I witness students graduating. The other feeling is some sort of separation anxiety, as I watch our best students move on to other things. I want them to go, but then, I don’t want them to leave. Congratulations to all the students for earning the right to move on.”

Dr. Alan Lair, professor of mathematics and department head of mathematics and statics, provided the closing remarks at the ceremony.

“Perhaps the greatest thing about your AFIT degree is that you have learned how to analyze and move logically toward a solution and then write it out clearly so that others can understand how you came to the solution,” Lair said. “This is very important and will serve you well in whatever you do next. You are to be commended for it.”

Awards Selected by the Students


The Ivan B. Thompson Award recognizes the member of the graduating class who has shown exceptional service to the class, school, community, and Air Force. The 2023 winner was MAJ Andrew Nesbitt, U.S. Army (M.S. Nuclear Engineering).
 


Dr. Juan Manfredi, Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering in the Department of Engineering Physics won the Dr. Leslie M. Norton Teaching Excellence Award. This award is given to a faculty member in honor of commitment and service to the graduating class.
 


The Beta Chapter of the Sigma Iota Epsilon Professional Management Fraternity awarded the Dr. Anthony D'Angelo Award for Student Leadership to 1st Lt Emily Frahm (M.S. Engineering Management). This award recognizes the Sigma Iota Epsilon student who demonstrated excellent leadership and teamwork.
 


Dr. Christopher Chini, Assistant Professor of Engineering Management within the Department of Systems Engineering and Management received the Beta Chapter of the Sigma Iota Epsilon Management Professor of the Year Award for outstanding contributions to the understanding of management sciences.



The Ohio Eta Chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honor Society, sponsored two awards. The Tau Beta Pi Best Thesis Award recognizes the master’s student whose thesis was judged to make a significant contribution to the engineering community. The 2023 winner was Mr. Richard Nyquist (M.S. Aeronautical Engineering). 
 


The Tau Beta Pi Thesis Advisor of the Year was given to Lt Col Michael Zollars, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, for his outstanding support to students during the thesis process.


Association and Society Awards


The Dayton Chapter of the International Society of Logistics (SOLE) sponsored the Jerome G. Peppers Jr., Outstanding Student Award. This award is given to a member of each graduating class whose academic record and research contributions to the field of logistics are judged to be superior. The 2023 winner was 2d Lt Camryn Deames (M.S. Operations Research). 
 


The Dayton/Miami Valley Chapter of the Project Management Institute sponsored the Dr. Martin D. Martin and Dr. John Adams Thesis Award given to the author of the thesis that best addresses a project management topic and is judged to be an outstanding research effort in terms of its contribution to the project management body of knowledge. The 2023 winner was Capt Kayla Vogler (M.S. Cost Analysis).
 


The Dr. James T. Moore Graduate Research Prize, sponsored by the Military Operations Research Society, is named after Dr. Moore who served for 21 years at AFIT as a Professor and head of the Department of Operational Sciences. This award is given to the author of a thesis judged to demonstrate the best application of operations research methodology or theory development to a military problem. Key elements considered for this award include the applicability and impact of the research, the originality and scope of the research effort, and the overall quality of the written presentation. The 2023 winner was Capt Nathan Johnston (M.S. Data Science). 
 


The National Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT) Committee Academic Excellence Award is given to the author of a master’s thesis judged to best exemplify research and analysis of a measurement and signature intelligence subject. The MASINT discipline is technically derived intelligence that allows detection, tracking, identification, or signature characterization of fixed or dynamic target sources. The award is sponsored by the MASINT Committee, a technical coordination office within the Defense Intelligence Agency with government representatives from the intelligence community and the Department of Defense. The 2023 winner was Capt Bret Wagner (M.S. Electrical Engineering).
 


The Alpha Chapter of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) sponsored the ANS Thesis Award. This award is given to the author of a thesis judged to make the most significant contribution to the field of nuclear engineering and physics. Other key criteria for determining the winning thesis include originality, completeness, and level of difficulty. The 2023 winner was Capt Adam Card (M.S. Nuclear Engineering).
 


The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Graduate Student Award for Service Excellence is given in recognition of outstanding service to the aerospace profession in general, and the Dayton-Cincinnati Section of AIAA in specific. The 2023 winner was 2d Lt John Ursino (M.S. Aeronautical Engineering).
 


The Air Force Historical Foundation’s General Bryce Poe II Award is given to a student or group of students whose thesis contributes to an understanding of the historical factors affecting an Air Force or Department of Defense problem, event, or process. The 2023 winner was Capt Corey Mack (M.S. Acquisition and Program Management). 
 


The Society of American Military Engineers Kittyhawk Chapter sponsored the SAME Award. This award is given to the student in the engineering and environmental management program who demonstrates superior scholarship, outstanding leadership, character, and initiative. The award criterion also considers the student's overall performance and ability to work with faculty and fellow students. The 2023 winner was Capt Melissa Sallberg (M.S. Engineering Management).
 


The Society of American Military Engineers Kittyhawk Chapter sponsored the Office of the Air Force Civil Engineer, George K. Dimitroff Award. This award is presented annually to the author of the thesis judged to have made the most significant contribution to the Air Force civil engineering career field. The 2023 winner was Capt Anthony Brenes (M.S. Engineering Management).
 


The U. S. Cyber Command sponsored the Cyberspace Research Excellence Award given to the student whose master’s level research is judged the best in advancing Air Force capabilities in cyberspace. The 2023 winner was 2d Lt John Thebarge (M.S. Cyber Operations).


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The Dayton Section of the Institute of Navigation sponsored the Navigation Research Excellence Award given to the author of a master’s thesis reflecting the most exceptional research contribution to scientific or engineering knowledge in the navigation area. The 2023 winner was Capt Luke Bergeron (M.S. Electrical Engineering).

 


The Greater Dayton Chapter of the International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA), sponsored the ICEAA Thesis Award. This award is presented to the author of the thesis which best qualifies both as an outstanding research effort and as a significant contribution to the development and/or application of cost analysis or cost accounting. The 2023 winner was Capt Kyrie Rojo (M.S. Cost Analysis).
 


The International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE), presented the SPIE Best Light-Based Thesis Award. This award for excellence in optics and photonics research recognizes the best light-based thesis of a graduating master’s student. The 2023 winner was 2d Lt Braeden Ede (M.S. Atmospheric Science). 
 


The Dayton Area Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, presented the MOAA Outstanding Military Professor Award. MOAA is the nation’s largest veteran’s organization of retired, former, and currently serving uniformed officers. The Outstanding Military Professor Award is given in recognition of the military professor who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and service. The 2023 award winner was Lt Col Robert Bettinger, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering in the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics
 


The Cincinnati-Dayton Chapter of the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences, presented the Dr. George S. Parnell Military and Security Research Award. This award is given to the author of a thesis focused on a military or security problem that is judged to make a meaningful theoretical contribution to the discipline of operations research. The award is sponsored by the Military and Security Society of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences. The 2023 award winner was 2d Lt Caleb Taylor (M.S. Operations Research).


International Student Badge and Certificate Recipients

  
Capt Eidahn Eliash, Israeli Air Force and Flight Lt Jacob Morrison, Royal Australian Air Force, were presented with the Air University Certificate and Badge on behalf of Lt Gen Andrea Tullos, Air University Commander and President, and the Air University International Officers School.
 

Graduate School of Engineering and Management Awards


The Lieutenant Colonel Charles P. Brothers, Jr. Outstanding Volunteer Service Award recognizes an AFIT faculty or staff member who has established a record of sustained, significant volunteer service to organizations both on-base and in the local communities. At the time of his death, Lt Col Brothers was serving on the faculty of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. He believed that by donating one’s time and talents to the community, an individual truly demonstrates the qualities of character, integrity, and team spirit. We honor Lt Col Brother’s spirit of service through this award. The 2023 award winner was Maj Brigham Moore, Assistant Professor of Systems Engineering in the Department of Systems Engineering & Management.
 

In August 2002, under the leadership of Air Force Secretary James G. Roche, AFIT enrolled its first class of 16 non-commissioned officers into the Graduate School of Engineering and Management, and subsequently created a specific award to honor the top enlisted student. The Secretary James G. Roche Award is presented to the graduating enlisted student who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement through a combination of grade point average and outstanding research, as well as high qualities of character, initiative, leadership and service. The 2023 winner was SSgt Evan Lake (M.S. Applied Mathematics).
 


The Lieutenant Edwin E. Aldrin, Sr. Award is sponsored by the Wright Memorial Chapter of the Air Force Association and is named in honor of Lieutenant Edwin E. Aldrin, Sr.; a member of the institute’s first graduating class of 1920, who upon graduation became AFIT’s first Vice Commandant. This award recognizes the student who has displayed the most exceptional leadership characteristics while in the graduate program. The 2023 award winner was Capt Bret Wagner (M.S. Electrical Engineering).
 


The Louis F. Polk Award is sponsored by the National Defense Industrial Association and recognizes the student who has made an advanced contribution in their professional field. The winner of this award has exhibited the highest standards of academic and professional accomplishment, and through their research made a significant contribution toward strengthening the nation’s industrial defense base. The 2023 award winner was MSgt Benjamin Johnis (M.S. Logistics and Supply Chain Management).
 


The Mervin E. Gross Award is presented to the graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and high qualities of character, initiative, and leadership while in a master’s graduate program. Named in honor of Brigadier General Mervin E. Gross who, following World War II, was responsible for reorganizing the Air Corps Engineering School as the Air Force Institute of Technology. The 2023 award winner was Capt Linda Kuster (M.S. Engineering Management).

 

The Dean’s Award recognizes the most exceptional master’s thesis by a graduating student within each academic department. Award determination is based on the master’s thesis reflecting the most exceptional contribution to scientific, management, or engineering knowledge. Each individual was competitively selected by their respective academic department.


From the Mathematics and Statistics Department - SSgt Evan Lake (M.S. Applied Mathematics). Faculty advisor: Dr. Matthew Fickus.
 


From the Electrical and Computer Engineering DepartmentCapt Matthew Johnson (M.S. Electrical Engineering). Faculty advisor: Dr. Michael Havrilla.

 


From the Engineering Physics DepartmentTimothy Steimle (M.S. Nuclear Engineering). Faculty advisor: Dr. Darren Holland.

 


From the Operational Sciences Department2d Lt Nicholas Crino (M.S. Data Science). Faculty advisor: Dr. Bruce Cox.

 


From the Systems Engineering and Management DepartmentCapt Ryan Register, USMC (M.S. Environmental Engineering and Science). Faculty advisor: Dr. Willie Harper.

 


From the Aeronautics and Astronautics Department2d Lt Bailey Hopkins (M.S. Aeronautical Engineering). Faculty advisor: Lt. Col. James Rutledge.


From the collection of Dean’s Award recipients, one overall winner is chosen to receive the Chancellor’s Award. The Chancellor’s Award is presented to the graduating student who produced the most exceptional master’s thesis. The 2023 Chancellor’s Award and Russ Prize, sponsored by the AFIT Foundation, went to – Capt Matthew Johnson (M.S. Electrical Engineering).

 


The AFIT Chancellor is authorized to designate no more than 10 percent of each graduating class as Distinguished Graduates. The criteria for identifying DG achievement encompasses academic scores, the “whole person” concept based on professional qualities, and the recommendation of the department heads to ensure the students are deserving of the honor associated with DG. The DGs for the class of 2023 were:

  • Capt Trevor Bills (M.S. Cost Analysis)
  • Capt Alexandria Connelly, USSF (M.S. Space Systems)
  • 2d Lt Nicholas Crino (M.S. Data Science)
  • 2d Lt Alexandra Dobranski (M.S. Systems Engineering)
  • Capt Spencer Figge (M.S. Engineering Management)
  • 2d Lt David Howe (M.S. Applied Physics)
  • MSgt Michael Ingold (M.S. Electrical Engineering)
  • Capt Matthew Johnson (M.S. Electrical Engineering)
  • MAJ Olin Kennedy, U.S. Army (M.S. Operations Research)
  • SSgt Evan Lake (M.S. Applied Mathematics)
  • Chandler Moore (M.S. Nuclear Engineering)
  • MSgt Jonathan Moroz (M.S. Industrial Hygiene)
  • Capt Adam Nasi (M.S. Computer Science)
  • Capt Ryan Register, USMC (M.S. Environmental Engineering and Science)
  • Capt Zachary Ryan (M.S. Acquisition and Program Management)
  • Capt Eric Stubblefield (M.S. Aeronautical Engineering)
  • 2d Lt Caleb Taylor (M.S. Operations Research)
  • Capt Evan Threlkeld (M.S. Nuclear Engineering)
  • Capt Andrew Vogel (M.S. Astronautical Engineering)
  • Capt Bret Wagner (M.S. Electrical Engineering)

 

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