AMUG Awards 2026 Scholarships to Educator and Student Pioneers in Additive Manufacturing

Two AM Advocates Receive Scholarships to Present at AMUG 2026

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) has announced the recipients of its student and educator-focused scholarships for 2026. Dr. Li Yang has been awarded the Randy Stevens Scholarship for educators in AM, while Abby L. Stamper receives the Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship for students in AM.

Both recipients will take to the main stage at this year's AMUG Conference in Reno, Nevada to present their work.

Dr. Li Yang: Bridging Design and Lightweight Structures

Dr. Yang has served the educational space for almost two decades, having started with doctoral work in industrial and system engineering at North Carolina State University and then University of Louisville.

Yang's work is currently focused on bridging the knowledge gap between design and the realisation of lightweight structures for real-life applications.

"I am working towards an integrated design framework that employs an analytical approach for the multi-scale design relationship of lightweight structures, while utilising both process physics and experimentation to capture the compound geometry-process-property relationships of lightweight features," Yang said.

Abby Stamper: 3D Printing Prosthetics Pioneer

Abby Stamper is pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at Boise State University and is also the founder of Brown Box Cookie Cutters, which uses 3D printing to create original confectionary designs.

Stamper's work primarily centres on orthotics and prosthetics, including two completed internships with Western Prosthetics & Orthotics.

"I want to solve problems related to biomechanical efficiency, durability, and accessibility in prosthetic and orthotic systems, particularly where device performance, cost, and coverage limit real-world use," Stamper said.

AMUG 2026: March 15-19 in Reno

The scholarships are designed to recognise students and educators who demonstrate a passion and vision for AM while working towards advancing education and industry.

The 2026 AMUG Conference will take place on March 15-19 in Reno, Nevada. The conference will feature nearly 150 presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and hands-on training sessions.

The all-inclusive conference registration fee includes meals, drinks, networking receptions and special Wednesday evening event.