2026 Awards and Honors

Rich Holden, PhD​
Professor and James A. Caplin, M.D. Chair of Evidence-Based Public Health​
Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health​

Dr. Rich Holden is recognized for applying human factors and ergonomics to advance health equity through programs that support patients, caregivers, health systems and communities. His research addresses critical issues, including food insecurity, medication safety, dementia care and accessibility, with a focus on sustainable, real-world impact. Through inclusive hiring and mentoring initiatives, he also supports early- and mid-career faculty, including scholars from underrepresented groups.

Brandon Pitts, PhD​
Associate Professor​
Purdue University​

Dr. Brandon Pitts is recognized for his work advancing inclusion in human factors and ergonomics by engaging older adults and people with disabilities in research and the design of emerging technologies. His contributions include EASI RIDER, an accessible autonomous-vehicle platform that won the 2022 U.S. Department of Transportation Inclusive Design Challenge and helped establish Purdue University’s Center for Inclusive Design. Through his research on intelligent systems, voice interfaces, and mobility, Dr. Pitts promotes safer, more accessible technologies for populations often underrepresented in technology design.

Ninica Howard, Dr. Mike Rayo, Dr. Myounghoon (Philart) Jeon and Dr. Sabina Patel are recognized for their leadership in developing the Inclusive HFE (iHFE) program, which expands access to human factors and ergonomics education and professional opportunities for students and faculty from underrepresented communities.

Since 2022, the program has supported scholars through sponsored conference attendance, mentoring, networking, and hands-on experiences, building a more inclusive and accessible pathway into the field and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Paul Milgram, PhD​
Professor Emeritus​
University of Toronto​

Dr. Paul Milgram is recognized for inventing and refining the PLATO visual occlusion spectacles, advancing the study of visual sampling and human performance across transportation, medicine, sports, and other fields. His pioneering research in human factors, stereoscopic displays, and augmented and mixed reality has shaped how researchers and designers develop and evaluate augmented-reality systems.

Sheila “Charlie” Klauer, PhD​
Research Scientist/Associate Professor​
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute​

Dr. Sheila “Charlie” Klauer is recognized for her pioneering naturalistic driving research, which has transformed the study of driver behavior and crash risk. Her work on distraction, fatigue, and novice drivers has informed transportation laws, international standards, and vehicle-safety technologies, advancing human factors research and helping reduce risky driving behaviors to improve roadway safety.

Yordán Rodríguez, PhD​
Professor of Ergonomics and Human Factors​
University of Antioquia​

Dr. Yordán Rodríguez is recognized for his contributions to advancing human factors and ergonomics research, education, and professional practice, particularly in Latin America. He developed ERIN (Individual Risk Assessment), a practical ergonomic method used in dozens of countries to assess workplace risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Through his research, international outreach, and leadership in ergonomics education, Dr. Rodríguez has advanced the field globally.

Anthony D. Andre, PhD​
Director
Interface Analysis Associates LLC​

Dr. Anthony “Tony” D. Andre is recognized for his lasting contributions to human factors and ergonomics education. During his 33 years at San Jose State University, he co-founded the graduate Human Factors/Ergonomics program, educated more than 1,000 students, supervised over 80 theses and projects, and supported students’ professional development through applied learning, mentorship, and leadership.

Denny Yu, PhD​
Professor​
Purdue University​

Dr. Denny Yu is  recognized for his innovative work in biobehavioral sensing and modeling, particularly his use of computer vision to analyze facial expressions and infer force exertions. His research introduces novel approaches to assessing workplace safety and advancing the field of human factors and ergonomics.

Vickie D. Nguyen, PhD​
Consultant
Human Factors and UX Research ​

The award recognizes Dr. Vickie D. Nguyen for her sustained service and leadership within the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and her efforts to extend human factors and ergonomics to healthcare, industry, professional, and student communities. Through communications, mentoring, outreach, health informatics, workplace education, and STEM engagement, she has strengthened HFES and expanded awareness of the field beyond the Society.

Dr. Kermit Davis, PhD
Professor, Graduate Program Director of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Ergonomics​
University of Cincinnati​

Dr. Kermit Davis is recognized for his sustained, multisector outreach efforts to broaden awareness of human factors and ergonomics and its benefits to society. His contributions extend beyond individual activities to include outreach integrated into Human Factors and Ergonomics Society  programs, creating lasting capacity and impact for both the field and the Society. Through his personal engagement and programmatic leadership, Dr. Davis exemplifies the purpose of this award.

Ashley Hughes, PhD​
Research Informaticist, Associate Professor​
Case Western Reserve University​; MetroHealth Medical Center​

Dr. Ashley Hughes is recognized for her impactful, collaborative research advancing patient safety and quality of care. Her work spans diverse clinical settings and translates research into practice through innovative, externally funded projects focused on improving healthcare outcomes.

Andrew Imada, PhD​
Macroergonomics Consulant​

This award commemorates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the human factors profession and HFES over the length of their full career.