Lew Allen Award. Lew Allen Award for Excellence is a medal of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Established in 1986 as the Director’s Research Achievement Award; it was then renamed in honor of JPL's Director Lew Allen when he retired in 1990. This award recognizes significant accomplishments or leadership early in an individual's professional career at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Lew Allen Award for Excellence Recipients 
 1990
 Robert W. Fathauer and True-Lon Lin, Development of Si-based MWIR and LWIR detectors
 Randall R. Friedl, Kinetics and photochemistry of Earth’s stratosphere and the phenomenon of polar ozone depletion
 Brian D. Hunt, Thin film deposition technology and high-temperature superconductors
 William R. McGrath, Submillimeter wave superconductor-insulator-superconductor tunnel junction heterodyne receivers
 1991
 Michael H. Hecht, Photovoltaic effects in metal-semiconductor systems
 Kevin J. Hussey, Computer animation of remotely sensed data
 Randy D. May, Computer animation of remotely sensed data
 David P. Miller, Artificial intelligence for microrobotics and planetary rovers
 1992
 Lloyd D. Bell II, Scanning tunneling microscopy-related technologies
 Edward T. Chow, Sequence alignment coprocessors Biological Information Signal Processor
 James L. Fanson, Articulating Fold Mirrors for the Wide Field/Planetary Camera-II
 Eric R. Fossum, Focal Plane Signal Processing and High Performance Image Sensors
 1993
 Pierre F. Baldi, Theory and Applications of Artificial Neural Systems
 Usama M. Fayayad, Pioneer work in machine learning/advanced S/W technology to support development of scientist-trainable automated image analysis systems
 Seth R. Marder, Science of organic materials for nonlinear optics
 Patrick J. Smyth, Pattern recognition, learning and classification for the analysis of planetary images
 1994
 Rajiv S. Desai, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Technology
 Sarath Gunapala, QWIP Long Wavelength Focal Plane Arrays
 David C. Redding, Complex Optical Systems
 1995
 Steve A. Chien, Computer Science
 George A. Hajj, Theoretical Physics
 Michael E. Hoenk, Physics
 Gloria L. Manney, Atmospheric Physics
 1996
 Yi Chao, Ocean Circulation model and in situ and satellite observations
 Alexander S. Konopliv, Innovative gravity data analysis techniques and creation of high-resolution gravity field models for the Moon, Mars, and Venus
 W. Thomas Pike, Development of the microseismometer for planetary exploration
 1997
 Shouleh Nikzad, Fundamental understanding and development of advanced scientific low-energy particle detectors
 Bedabrata Pain, Maintaining and expanding JPL’s lead role in advanced solid state imagers, particularly the Active Pixel Sensor
 Paul Stolorz, Data mining, image analysis, and massively parallel computing for the automated analysis of very large scientific data sets, and in the pioneering of concepts for onboard analysis of science data
 1998
 Michael E. Ressler, Scientific utilization of satellite radar interferometry to study the stability and mass balance of the great polar ice sheets at their junction with ocean waters
 Eric J. Rignot, Satellite radar interferometry to study the stability and mass balance of the great polar ice sheets at their junction with ocean waters
 Simon H. Yueh, Research of passive microwave polarimetric remote sensing to Earth Science investigations
 1999
 James Bock, Low-background SPIDER bolometer arrays, whose extremely low noise characteristics and large array sizes enable a significant step forward in submillimeter astronomy
 Son van Nghiem, Polarimetric scatterometry for Earth science remote sensing investigations and contributions to future spaceborne advanced instrument concepts
 Adrian Stoica (researcher), Evolvable hardware & for creating a world-class research center in this rapidly emerging field
 2000
 Richard Dekany, Development of the Palomar Adaptive Optics System which provides a dramatic new capability for the 5-m telescope & opens new areas of astrophysical research such as the search for planets
 Andrea Donnellan, New computational methods in the field of scientific data understanding systems, with applications to complex & varied natural phenomena in numerous scientific fields
 Sabrina M. Grannan (Feldman), MECA Wet Chemistry Laboratory and the development of critical microfluidics technologies, which are enabling important new in situ measurement capabilities for NASA
 2001
 Ayanna Howard, Autonomous systems development, including innovative real time software tools for spacecraft precise and safe entry descending and landing applications
 Ian Joughin, Interferometric SAR for polar ice sheet topography and motion; development of remote sensing techniques for vector measurement of ice flow; contributions to Earth Science missions
 Victoria S. Meadows, Bringing to JPL an important new research endeavor in the now-evolving area of detection of biosignatures from extrasolar planets by spectroscopic observations with space-based astronomical instruments
 Juergen Mueller, Development of miniaturized thrusters and feed system components, a new area of propulsion engineering which is critical to the development of highly capable microspacecraft
 2002
 Serge Dubovitsky, Interferometric & formation flying technologies & space missions, and developing highly innovative optoelectronic concepts including dual target metrology and the Modulation Sideband Technology for Absolute Range (MSTAR) sensor
 Andrew Edie Johnson, Machine vision algorithms for safe and precise landing
 Dmitry Strekalov, Quantum Lithography, and creating the quantum internet tested and the single-photon quantum optics technology capabilities at JPL, which form the keystone for the larger JPL quantum Technologies, thrust area
 Daniel Wilson, Fabrication of diffractive optics by electron beam lithography, particularly as applied to convex gratings for imaging spectrometers
 2003
 Jennifer Dooley, Singularly responsible for establishing a significant new area of nanolaminate reflector technology at JPL and is now leading the technology effort on the large aperture technology development
 Christophe Dumas, In the application of adaptive optics to astrophysical problems. Effectively combined the techniques of diffraction-limited imaging and infrared spectroscopy to provide multispectral views of small bodies in the solar system and nearby young stars at high spatial resolution
 Eui-Hyeok Yang, Developed several significant areas of research in MEMS-based actuators for space applications, utilizing MEMS actuators for the development of high-pressure, low leak-rate microvalves, continuous membrane deformable mirrors and inch-worm devices for segmented mirror assembly and control for large aperture, space-based telescopes
 2004
 Andrey Matsko, For seminal and unique theoretical contributions in quantum optics, in particular the nonlinear interactions of crystalline whispering gallery mode resonators
 Alina Moussessian, Outstanding leadership and technological innovation that has enabled a new capability using lightweight active membrane antennas for space-based radar and for helping build a strong technology program
 Charles Norton, For demonstration of unique talents as a technical leader in the field of advanced parallel computing which has enabled high fidelity, efficient simulations of physical systems
 Michael Seiffert, Leadership in establishing dark energy as a new field of research at JPL and for breakthrough developments in mass-producible cryogenic radiometer arrays
 2005
 Daniel Stern (aka Stevens), For revealing the early history of the Universe. Finding one of the most distant galaxies known, he inferred that the Universe remains ionized to an earlier epoch than previously believed
 Linda del Castillo, For the work in development of high temperature resistant electronics and the associated electronic packaging to be used in hostile environments such as encountered on the surface of the planet Venus
 Lorene Samoska, For the development and fostering of millimeter-wave power amplifier technology. This technology has become mission enabling for passive and active science observations in the frequency range 90–2500 GHz
 2006
 Amanda Hendrix, For outstanding scientific leadership and major contributions to the field of ultraviolet spectroscopic research of planetary bodies
 Harish Manohara, For advancing the performance of carbon nanotube-based field emitters and Schottky diode high-frequency detectors as enabling technologies for miniature science instruments and nanoelectronics
 Adrian Ponce, For pioneering work on chemical and biological detection and instrumentation, which meets critical needs in astrobiology, planetary protection and national defense
 2007
 Jason Rhodes, For outstanding scientific leadership in the field of weak lensing which enabled the first large-scale measurement of the three-dimensional distribution of dark matter in our universe
 Paul Johnson, For research in the areas of atomic and molecular physics, physics and chemistry of planetary ices, and instrument development
 2008
 Pekka Kangaslahti, For demonstrating world leadership in the fields of monolithic microwave integrated circuit design and millimeter-wave component development, capabilities
 Ioannis Mikellides, For the development of outstanding computational models of the plasma physics in electric propulsion hollow cathodes, and of their major wear mechanisms
 Hui Su, For major advances in the understanding of water vapor and cloud feedbacks on climate change
 Kiri Wagstaff, For advancing the performance and application of machine learning methods to onboard and ground-based space science, Earth science and spacecraft engineering
 2009
 Charles Matt Bradford, For the development of a novel design for a submillimeter/far infrared grating spectrometer being used for ground-based discoveries and future observation from space
 Cory Hill, For technical innovation and leadership in developing epitaxial growth processes for advanced Sb-based optoelectronics and long wave superlattice focal plane arrays for remote sensing systems
 Jeffrey Norris, For exemplary vision, innovation and leadership in fundamentally advancing the capabilities for scientific involvement in planning operations on NASA's missions
 Josh Willis, For fundamental contributions to the understanding of global ocean circulation and sea level change from analysis of satellite and in-situ observations
 2010
 Shannon Brown, For innovations in the field of microwave radiometry as demonstrated on Topex, Jason-I and II and the novel application of radiometers to measure climate change
 Julie Castillo-Rogez, For outstanding leadership in establishing the Planetary Tides Simulation Facility and exceptional scientific accomplishments in measuring fundamental ice physical properties under planetary conditions
 Amy Mainzer, For her knowledge of solar system minor bodies based on automated methods of analyzing space infrared observations
 Nathan Strange, For expertise and innovation in gravity-assist tour design, and for both leadership and creativity in the development of novel advanced mission concepts
 2011
 Ken Cooper, For the development and demonstration of the world's first THz imaging radar system
 Kevin Hand, For outstanding leadership in the field of Astrobiology
 Richard Hofer, For outstanding technical contributions and leadership in establishing JPL as a world leader in Hall thruster research and development
 Eric Larour, For outstanding accomplishment in developing the Ice Sheet System Model that significantly contributes to our knowledge of Global Change
 2012
 Marina Brozović, For her exceptional leadership and research roles in both satellite ephemeris development and near-Earth object radar research
 Ian Clark, For exceptional leadership and achievement in the development of advanced Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) technologies
 Baris Erkmen, For outstanding leadership and technical accomplishments in optical communications and imaging research, especially the establishment of computational ghost imaging as a significant new area of research at JPL
 Christian Frankenberg, For quantifying global plant photosynthesis from satellite chlorophyll fluorescence observations, enabling uniquely valuable unprecedented insights into the terrestrial carbon cycle
 2013
 Abigail Allwood, For geobiology research and scientific leadership in Mars Sample Return impacting direction of the Mars 2020 mission
 Carmen Boening, For performing fundamental interdisciplinary research in climate science and coordinating research on sea level rise prediction at JPL
 Michael Mischna, For leadership in Mars atmospheric science research that enables improved EDL precision and advances in knowledge of Mars’ climate history
 David Thompson, For leadership of machine learning by autonomous robots and intelligent onboard analysis of large datasets
 2014
 Rodney Anderson, For his exceptional discoveries and leadership in the development of new trajectory design techniques, particularly the lunar low-energy trajectory design
 Michelle Gierach, For expanding the scope of JPL oceanography research in marine biophysical interaction, ecosystem dynamics, and ocean salinity science
 Robert Hodyss, For pioneering studies of the properties of cryogenic hydrocarbon liquids and critical contributions to the development of the PIXL instrument
 Aaron Parness, for development of new climbing robots and robotic grippers with widespread application to space and terrestrial exploration
 2015
 Darmindra Arumugam, for inventing and developing Active and Passive Magneto-Quasi-Static Positioning for long-range near-field positioning for non-line of sight environments
 Sabah Bux, for leadership in the development of novel high performance high temperature nanocomposite bulk thermoelectric materials using advanced synthetic methods
 Damon Landau, for innovation in mission architecting and mission design, and for leadership and creativity in the development of advanced mission concepts
 Jason Williams, for innovative research in ultra-cold atoms, atom interferometry, and fundamental physics
 2016
 Mathieu Choukroun, for pioneering studies of the physical properties of cryogenic materials and contributions to MIRO and the US Rosetta mission
 Andrew Klesh, for technical leadership of deep space smallsats and under-ice robotic rover technologies in support of terrestrial and outer planets exploration
 Boon Lim, for leadership and technological innovation in the emerging field of microwave remote sensing science on nanosatellites
 David Wiese, for exceptional leadership and research roles in GRACE data processing and Earth gravity science
 2017
 Piyush Agram, for major contributions to InSAR-based geodetic imaging and geophysical time series analysis
 Nacer Chahat, for demonstrated unique talent as a leader in rapid spacecraft antenna development and telecom systems engineering for CubeSats 
 Arezou Khoshakhlagh, for technical innovation in developing the novel Gallium-free antimonides superlattice epitaxial material system for advanced mid-wavelength and long-wavelength infrared detectors
 Sylvain Piqueux, for leadership in the study of surface thermal properties of terrestrial worlds, and support of JPL missions to these bodies
 2018
 Laura Barge, for pioneering research on the application of electrochemistry to studies of the origin and emergence of life.
 Alex Gardner, for establishing a new unified system architecture to process Cryosphere data, leading to new scientific discoveries related to the evolution of polar ice caps.
 Cecile Jung-Kubiak, for demonstrated excellence in the development of innovative silicon micromachining techniques that have enabled novel electromagnetic, mechanical, and propulsion devices.
 Jose Siles, for the development of high-power ultra-compact room-temperature multi-pixel terahertz sources and receivers for balloon-borne and space instruments.
 2019
 Davide Farnocchia, for exceptional leadership and research roles in orbit reconstruction and prediction of asteroids and comets.
 Marco Lavalle, for sustained leadership in creating and advancing new Earth-science applications of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar.
 Joseph Masiero, for his work in establishing the physical properties of near-Earth asteroids and the threats they pose to Earth.
 Maria Fernanda Mora, for excellence in the development and validation of chemical analysis methodology and electrophoresis instruments for future life detection missions.
 2020
 Brian Bue, For exceptional contributions to machine-learning for remote sensing systems. Morgan Cable, For exceptional contributions to our understanding of chemistry on Titan’s surface. Benjamin Hamlington, For exceptional contributions to understanding sea level change. Sidharth Misra, For exceptional contributions to digital microwave radiometry. 2021
 Ali-akbar Agha-mohammadi (Ali Agha), For exceptional leadership and technological innovation in the emerging field of AI in support of autonomous exploration of extreme terrains. Emmanuel Decrossas, For outstanding leadership and technological innovation advancing the field of low frequency antenna simulation and measurements. Jonathan Hobbs, For outstanding accomplishments in research and development of uncertainty quantification approaches for atmospheric retrievals. Laura Kerber, For exceptional scientific leadership and research on the geology and geophysics of the terrestrial planets and of the Moon. 2022
 David Bekaert, For his leadership in applying radar and optical remote sensing to societal needs, and for leading the OPERA Science Team. Tuan Vu, For his pioneering experimental work on the chemical composition and geological processes of icy worlds. Emma Wollman, For outstanding record of innovation in superconducting nanowire single photon detectors and their implementation in the DSOC project. 2023
 Scott N. Roberts, For outstanding intellectual leadership in printed porous materials technology foundational to advancements in thermal, structural and propulsion applications. James Sinclair, For exceptional leadership advancing outer-planet atmospheric research and our understanding of atmospheric-magnetospheric interactions. Jennifer Scully, For outstanding contributions to Dawn, Europa Clipper’s Reconnaissance Focus Group activities, and dedication to community service and inclusion. Rashmi Shah, For outstanding achievements and leadership spanning science and engineering in the emergent field of Signals of Opportunity remote sensing.''

See also 
 List of space technology awards
 List of awards named after people

References 

American awards
Jet Propulsion Laboratory