AMUG Awards 2026 Scholarships to Li Yang and Abby Stamper

Why It Matters

The scholarships spotlight emerging talent and academic leadership that accelerate additive manufacturing adoption across education, research, and healthcare sectors, strengthening the industry’s future workforce.

Key Takeaways

• Li Yang receives Randy Stevens educator scholarship.
• Abby Stamper wins Guy E. Bourdeau student scholarship.
• Both will present at AMUG 2026 conference in Reno.
• Scholarships funded by Formnext, GreatAmerica, In’Tech Industries.
• Highlights growing focus on AM in education and prosthetics.

Pulse Analysis

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) has long positioned itself as a catalyst for knowledge exchange in the 3‑D printing ecosystem. By awarding the Randy Stevens and Guy E. Bourdeau scholarships, AMUG not only honors individual achievement but also reinforces its commitment to nurturing a pipeline of educators and students who can translate rapid‑prototype technologies into scalable solutions. Financial backing from industry partners such as Formnext, GreatAmerica, and In’Tech Industries underscores a broader corporate strategy to embed additive manufacturing into curricula and professional development programs.

Dr. Li Yang’s research bridges a critical gap between digital design and the physical realization of lightweight structures. Over a 19‑year academic career, he has shifted focus toward optimizing topology‑optimized components for real‑world applications, a pursuit that aligns with aerospace and automotive sectors seeking weight‑reduction without compromising strength. His presence at the conference offers attendees actionable insights into integrating simulation tools with material science advances, accelerating the transition from prototype to production.

Abby Stamper exemplifies the new generation of maker‑entrepreneurs leveraging additive manufacturing for human‑centric solutions. From founding a niche 3‑D‑printed cookie‑cutter business to interning with Western Prosthetics & Orthotics, she demonstrates how digital fabrication can directly improve mobility and quality of life. Her upcoming presentation on orthotic and prosthetic design highlights the growing relevance of AM in personalized healthcare, signaling opportunities for startups and established firms to collaborate with academic talent on patient‑specific devices.