The AUVSI Foundation seeks to acknowledge and award outstanding individuals working to advance the unmanned systems industry. In 2011, the following awards were presented:
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AUVSI Member of the Year Award – Mark R. Patterson, Ph.D. Director, Autonomous Systems Laboratory, Virginia Institute of Marine Science - Hampton Roads Chapter
This award recognizes an exceptionally dedicated AUVSI member who has made a significant contribution to the goals and objectives of AUVSI. Whether through industry innovation or member recruitment, the recipient has demonstrated his/her commitment to advancing unmanned systems through the promotion of AUVSI's programs and member services in support of the unmanned systems community.
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AUVSI Chapter of the Year Award – PATHFINDER Chapter
The AUVSI Chapter of the Year Award recognizes excellence in chapter management, membership growth and retention, educational programming, innovative programs or projects and member participation in AUVSI activities.
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Academic Champion Award – Jonathan Fiene, University of Pennsylvania
The Academic Champion Award honors an individual or institution whose activities encourage students’ interests in the area of robotics and provides them with opportunities for hands-on experience developing robotic technology. |
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Outstanding Contributor Award – Colonel Karl Rozelsky, USAF and Captain Bob Dishman, USN
This award recognizes an AUVSI member who plays a pivotal role in the advancement of unmanned vehicle systems through promoting innovative ideas, creating new concepts, directing programs or being directly involved in unmanned vehicle systems development and operation. The recipient should be a leader in his/her industry and be dedicated to the promotion of unmanned technologies. |
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Pioneer Award - Joseph J. Lusczek, Jr., USAF
This award distinguishes an AUVSI member or nonmember whose innovative ideas and groundbreaking research have contributed to the development of outstanding unmanned systems. The recipient's dedication to the advancement of unmanned systems is evident through his/her perseverance from the initial concept and design, through advanced testing and production, to the final delivery phase.
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Operations Award - Andrew Thurling, AeroVironment
This award distinguishes an AUVSI member or nonmember directly involved in the testing, evaluation and/or operational deployment of unmanned systems. Through directing operations for test programs or mission accomplishments and maintenance, the recipient should have an expertise in unmanned systems hardware such as vehicles, propulsion systems, guidance/control, electro-optics and launch and support equipment.
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