Awards & Recognitions
Individual Member Awards
AFS annually honors and recognizes individual members who have made significant contributions to the AFS Society and the filtration and separation industry at large through the following awards.
Frank Tiller Award
For Leadership in Engineering and Education
Named in honor of Dr. Frank Tiller, the internationally acclaimed “Father of Modern Filtration Theory” and a founding member of the American Filtration and Separations Society, the Frank Tiller Award recognizes individuals whose lifetime scientific and engineering achievements have significantly advanced the technology of fluid-particle separation.
As one of AFS’s highest technical honors, the award celebrates individuals whose research, innovation, and leadership have had a lasting impact on the filtration and separations profession.
AFS will present one award each year when a candidate meets the standards established for this recognition.
Past Recipients:
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Chris Wallace
2026
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Tom Ramsey
2023
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Wenping Li
2021
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Christine Sun
2019
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Ken Rubow
2017
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Mark Willingham
2016
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Kyung-Ju Choi
2012
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Peter Tsai
2011
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Wu Chen
2010
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George Chase
2009
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Wallace Leung
2008
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Norman Lifshutz
2007
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Tadeusz Jaroszczyk
2006
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Ed Gregor
2001
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Bernie Scheiner
2000
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Ernest Mayer
2000
Wells Shoemaker Award
For Service and Leadership in Action
Established in 1989, the Wells Shoemaker Award honors the legacy of Mr. Wells Shoemaker, a founding member of the American Filtration and Separations Society who exemplified exceptional leadership, volunteerism, and service to the Society.
The award recognizes individuals whose sustained leadership and dedicated service have significantly strengthened AFS and created lasting value for its members and the filtration and separations profession.
Beginning with the 2027 Awards Program, recipients of the Wells Shoemaker Award will also be designated as AFS Fellows, recognizing their exceptional and sustained record of leadership and service to AFS.
AFS will present one award each year when a candidate meets the standards established for this recognition.
Past Recipients:
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James Walker
2026
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Saravanan Andan
2025
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Chris Wallace
2024
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Sneha Swaminathan
2023
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Rob Bender
2021
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Ray Collins
2014
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Jerry Lynch
2010
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Lew Osterhoudt
2009
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Don Olds
2008
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Scott Yaeger
2007
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Wallace Leung
2006
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Kenneth Rubow
2002
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Les White
2000
Past AFS Fellow Designations:
The standalone Fellow Member Award was incorporated into the Wells Shoemaker Award in 2026. Individuals previously recognized as AFS Fellows retain their Fellow designation.
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Rigoberto Advincula
2026
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Eunkyoung Shim
2025
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Tinoush Dinn
2024
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Peter Cartwright
2023
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Martin Lehmann
2021
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Wallace Leung
2015
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Wenping Li
2014
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Barry Verdegan
2013
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Christophe Peuchot
2011
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Gerhard Kasper
2010
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Ray Collins
2009
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Jerry Liu
2008
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K.J. Choi
2007
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Tadeusz Jaroszczyk
2006
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B.K. Parekh
2004
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George Chase
2003
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Wu Chen
2002
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Richard Hogg
2001
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Mopei Shirato
2000
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Ernest Mayer
1996
Young Scientist Award
For Important Contributions to the Technology of Filtration and Separation
Established in 1999, the Young Scientist Award recognizes early-career professionals who have made significant technical contributions to the science and technology of filtration and separation.
The award celebrates emerging researchers and engineers whose work demonstrates exceptional promise and encourages continued innovation, professional development, and engagement within the American Filtration and Separations Society.
AFS will present one award each year when a candidate meets the standards established for this recognition.
Past Recipients:
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Sreevalli Bokka
2026
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Jianyu "Jerry" Zhou
2025
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Harshal Gade
2024
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Ashish Gadhave
2023
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Lin Zhao
2021
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Ashish Bandekar
2019
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Dinesh Lolla
2018
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Sarfarez Patel
2017
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Goutham Viswanadam
2016
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Prashant Kulkarni
2015
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Sneha Swaminathan
2014
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Shagufta Patel
2013
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Mathias Stolarski
2012
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Michael Doby
2011
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Saru Dawar
2010
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Martin J. Lehmann
2007
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Benjamin Fuchs
2006
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Chandrashekar Venkataraman
2001
Senior Scientist Award
For Significant Contributions to the Technology of Filtration and Separation
Established in 1999, the Senior Scientist Award recognizes experienced professionals who have made significant and sustained technical contributions to the science and technology of filtration and separation.
The award honors individuals whose research, innovation, and professional accomplishments have advanced the field while demonstrating continued leadership within the profession.
AFS will present one award each year when a candidate meets the standards established for this recognition.
Past Recipients:
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Jianyu “Jerry” Zhou
2026
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Kaiyi Liu
2025
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Ashish Bandekar
2024
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Lin Zhao
2023
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Rahul Bharadwaj
2019
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Swarna Agarwal
2018
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Shagufta Patel
2017
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Saru Dawar
2015
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Ruijun Chen
2013
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Christine Sun
2012
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Ted Yang
2011
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Wenping Li
2011
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Hooman Tafreshi
2010
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Dan Japuntich
2009
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Pedro Bastias
2008
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Ali Chamkha
2007
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Evan Koslow
2004
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Wallace Leung
2002
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George Chase
2001
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B.K. Parekh
2001
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K.J. Choi
2000
Professor George Chase Award
For Excellence in Academic Research
Established in honor of Professor George Chase, this award recognizes faculty members whose mentorship of student research has advanced the science and technology of filtration and separation.
The award celebrates educators whose teaching, mentorship, curriculum development, and commitment to student success have made a lasting impact on both their students and the profession.
AFS will present one award each year when a candidate meets the standards established for this recognition.
Past Recipients:
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Hooman Tafreshi
2026
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Sneha Swaminathan
2025
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Pratik Gotad
2024
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Mohammad Jamali
2023
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Ashish Gadhave
2021
Lifetime Achievement Award
For Exceptional Career and Valuable Contributions to the Filtration and/or Separations Industry
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose career has been distinguished by exceptional and sustained contributions to the filtration and separations profession. This prestigious honor celebrates a lifetime of leadership, innovation, service, and dedication that has significantly advanced the profession and left a lasting legacy.
AFS may present the Lifetime Achievement Award when the Society identifies an individual whose career and contributions meet the exceptional standards established for this recognition.
Recipients identified by AFS; nominations are not accepted.
Past Recipients:
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Dr. Wu Chen
2024
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Norm Lifshutz
2011
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George Chase
2010
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Ed Gregor
2009
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Tadeusz Jaroszczyk
2008
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Shiao-Hung Chiang
2007
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Wells Shoemaker
2004
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Warner H. Stahl
2004
AFS Legacy Award
For Enduring Impact Through Mentorship and Community Building
The AFS Legacy Award recognizes individuals who have fundamentally shaped the filtration and separations community through mentorship, knowledge transfer, and the development of future leaders.
The award honors those whose influence extends beyond their own accomplishments and is reflected in the people they have trained, the professional culture they have fostered, and the continued advancement of the filtration and separations profession.
AFS may present the AFS Legacy Award when the Society identifies an individual whose enduring influence through mentorship, knowledge transfer, or community building warrants exceptional recognition.
Recipients identified by AFS; nominations are not accepted.
Past Recipients:
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Dr. George Chase
2026
Corporate Member Awards
AFS annually honors and recognizes corporate members who have made significant contributions to the AFS Society and the filtration and separation industry at large through the following awards.
New Product of the Year
The AFS New Product of the Year Award recognizes an innovative filtration or separation product introduced within the previous 12 months that demonstrates technical advancement, commercial potential, and meaningful value to the filtration and separations industry.
The award showcases innovation across the industry while providing companies with recognition for products that advance filtration technology and address real-world challenges.
AFS will present one award each year when a deserving product is identified.
Past Recipients:
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Atmus Filtration Technologies - NanoNet® N3 Filter Media Technology
2026 New Product for 2025
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H&V - Nanowave ESA®
2025 New Product for 2024
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GKD-USA - Filter Concept Using VORTEX
2024 New Product for 2023
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MayAir - Constant-Efficient Intelligent HEPA Box and Return Air Inlet
2024 Engineering Merit Award of 2023
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Ahlstrom, Ahlstrom ECO
2023 New Product Award for 2022
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Spectubular Technologies - Precision Micro-Cut Filter Tubes
2023 Engineering Merit Award for 2022
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Parker Hannifin Corp, BHA® Wicked High Temp™ Pleated Filter
2023 Engineering Merit Award for 2022
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Porometer, Porolux™ 50
2021 New Product Award for 2020
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Dorstener Wire, RoSL 700 - Assonic DST
2021 Engineering Merit Award for 2020
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Filtration Technology Corp., Invicta®
2020 New Product Award for 2019
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Ahlstrom-MunksjÖ, Extia®1000
2018 New Product Award for 2017
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Croft Filters, Quick Release Filter
2018 Engineering Merit Award for 2017
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GKD, Porometric Woven Wire Mesh
2017 New Product Award for 2016
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Cummins, Fleetguard® Centrifuge Rotor, Part Number CS41018
2017 Engineering Merit Award for 2016
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Parker Hannifin, Parker Zander OFAS Dryer
2017 Engineering Merit Award for 2016
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Hollingsworth & Vose, FS6786, FS 6783, FS6781 High Efficiency Fuel Media
2017 Engineering Merit Award for 2016
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BHS Sonthofen, BHS Concentrating Filtration System
2017 Engineering Merit Award for 2016
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Delta Pure, Delta Pure Filtration FF Series
2017 Engineering Merit Award for 2016
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Hollingsworth & Vose, FS6786, FS 6783, FS6781 High-Efficiency Fuel Media
2017 Engineering Merit Award for 2016
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AAF, ePTFE Technology
2015 New Product Award for 2014
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Parker Hannifin, Zander HDK-CNG Dryer
2015 Engineering Merit Award for 2014
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Parker Hannifin/Hiross Zander Division, Biogas Filtration and Cooling System
2014 New Product Award (Filtration System) for 2013
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GKD-USA,Inc., Volumetric Woven Wire Mesh
2014 New Product Award (Filtration Media) for 2013
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Parker Hannifin, HarvestClear Filtration System
2014 New Product Award (Biotechnology) for 2013
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Clarcor/Purolator, Poroplate® MaxPore™
2013 New Product Award (Liquid Filter Element) for 2012
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Cummins, Fleetguard NanoNet® Media
2013 New Product Award (Filter Media) for 2012
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Parker Hannifin, Anteras Tandem Technology ATT
2013 New Product Award (Filter System) for 2012
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WL Gore, Gore(R) V-Panel Filters
2013 New Product Award (Air Filter Elements) for 2012
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Parker Hannifin, Parker Zander GL Filter Series
2011 New Product Award for 2010
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WL Gore, Turbine Filters
2010 New Product Award for 2009
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Pall Corp, FlexBowl Pressure Vessel System
2010 Engineering Merit Award for 2009
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Porex/Filtration Division, Tubular Membrane Module
2008 New Product Award for 2007
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Donaldson Company, Torit WSO Mist Collector
2008 Engineering Merit Award for 2007
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Dana Corporation, Multiwister Crankcase Ventilation System
2007 New Product Award for 2006
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Cummins Filtration, Inc., Cummins Filtration Crankcase Ventilation System
2007 Engineering Merit Award for 2006
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KX Industries, LLC, Microbiological Barrier Filter
2004 New Product Award for 2003
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Donaldson Company, PowerCore™ Technology Power Intake Filter Kit
2004 Engineering Merit Award for 2003
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Pall Corporation, New Magnum high capacity filtration systems
2003 New Product Award for 2002
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Baker Hughes Corp., Bird Machine Company for its Ultradry Centrifuge
2003 New Product Award for 2002
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U.S. Filter, Haynes HR-160 New Alloy Filtration Media
2002 New Product Award for 2001
Industry Innovation & Impact Award
Beginning in 2027, the AFS Industry Innovation & Impact Award recognizes an organization whose filtration or separation innovation has produced significant, demonstrable benefits beyond the organization itself. The award celebrates technologies, projects, processes, initiatives, and solutions that improve outcomes for customers, communities, public health, the environment, or the broader filtration and separations profession.
Recognition is based on implemented innovation and demonstrated results. Eligible achievements may include new applications of existing technologies, research translated into practice, technical collaborations, or process improvements that address real-world challenges. AFS will present one award each year when a nomination meets the standards established for this recognition.
Sustainability Leadership Award
Beginning in 2027, the AFS Sustainability Leadership Award recognizes an organization whose filtration and separation technologies, practices, initiatives, or operations have demonstrated meaningful environmental benefits. The award celebrates measurable achievements in energy efficiency, emissions reduction, water conservation, waste reduction, material efficiency, product lifecycle improvement, circularity, resource recovery, or other environmental outcomes connected to filtration and separation.
AFS will present one award each year when a nomination meets the standards established for this recognition.
Corporate Partnership Award
The AFS Corporate Partnership Award recognizes a Corporate Member whose active engagement and sustained participation have strengthened the American Filtration and Separations Society and contributed to the advancement of the filtration and separations community.
The award celebrates organizations that put their AFS membership into action by engaging employees in Society programs, contributing expertise, supporting education and industry knowledge, participating in volunteer leadership, and connecting with the broader AFS community.
AFS may present the Corporate Partnership Award when a Corporate Member demonstrates an exceptional level of engagement across the Society. Recipients identified by AFS; nominations are not accepted.
Competitions
AFS annually hosts the following compeitions.
FILTCON Student Poster Competition Awards
Each year, students are invited to participate in FILTCON by submitting a poster abstract for presentation in the Student Poster Competition.
The first-place, second-place, and third-place winners receive a scholarship and certificate, with additional honorable mention certificates awarded when competition results warrant them.
Past Recipients:
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2026
1st Place: Mattie Brock, University of Kentucky
2nd Place: Komal Yadav, University of Hawaii at Manoa
3rd Place: Mostafa Jafari Gildeh, North Carolina State University
Honorable Mentions: Catarina Bejarano, University of Hawaii at Manoa and Odianosen Ewah, University of Kentucky -
2025
1st Place: Moni Mahesh Ghosh, The University of Akron
2nd Place: Pranto Paul, University of Kentucky
3rd Place: Youngwoo Hwang, North Carolina State University and Cecilia Abella, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honorable Mentions: Mara Baughman-Leach, University of Kentucky, Sam Thompson, University of Kentucky, and Usman Yousef, University of Kentucky -
2024
1st Place: Isabella Kotsol, The University of Hawaii
2nd Place: Tong Zhang, East China University of Science and Technology
3rd Place: Rana Bachnak, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Honorable Mention: Genhui Jing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Guangyao Lin, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, and Michal Stor, Warsaw University of Technology -
2023
1st Place: Moni Mahesh Ghosh, University of Akron
3rd Place: Leyao Wu, University of Akron
Honorable Mention: Pratik Gotad, The University of Akron -
2021
1st Place: Rana Bachnak, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
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2020
3rd Place: Sina Yousefi, Virginia Commonwealth University
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2019
1st Place: Mohammad Jamali, Virginia Commonwealth University
2nd Place: Harshal Gade, University of Akron
3rd Place: Emrah Sozumert, Loughborough University and Sina Yousefi, Virginia Commonwealth University -
2017
1st Place: Joseph Lavoie, North Carolina State University
2nd Place: Emrah Sozumert, Loughborough University
3rd Place: Seungkoo Kang, University of Minnesota and Maryam Razavi, University of Waterloo -
2016
1st Place: Mana Amrei, Virginia Commonwealth University, Masoume Davoudi, University of Akron and Yalong Li, University of Akron
2nd Place: Peng Cheng, Auburn University and Ashish Bandekar, University of Akron
3rd Place: Seungkoo Kang, University of Minnesota, Stuti Rajgarhia, University of Akron, and Ahmed Saleh, Virginia Commonwealth University