Research publicist recognized by Colo. Press Association

  • Published
  • By Don Branum
  • Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  If you feel a little smarter about the Air Force Academy's ongoing research after reading the Academy Spirit, chances are you can thank Amy Gillentine.

Gillentine, who started working for the Academy's Office of Research last year and has written in-depth pieces about studies on bird strikes, fuel-saving patents and physical therapy, received four awards last month at the Colorado Press Association's convention in Denver.

"Ms. Gillentine has quickly proven herself a tremendous addition," said Col. Robert Kraus, the Academy's chief scientist and director of research. "She embodies myriad intangibles that make her truly unique and valuable. Her stories don't just present the news - they establish and instill a culture through rigorous thought and dialog."

Gillentine was recognized with awards for best agriculture story, best health enterprise story, best health feature story and best business feature story while working as the associate editor at the Colorado Springs Business Journal.

Gillentine's work at the Office of Research here "influences decision calculus," Kraus said, helping the Academy's senior leaders make better-informed choices.

"The Office of Research couldn't be more proud of her initial contributions and impact," he said. "Whether through social media, local or national press, TV, radio or simply walking through Fairchild Hall, Amy is 'telling our story' in a tremendously effective matter."

Other Dean of Faculty Highlights
· The Academy's Cyber Competition Team won the 2014 Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, held Feb. 28 - March 1. The competition involved securing and defending an unfamiliar business network, performing customer service and computer forensics, and responding to requests from a chief executive, according to the Dean of Faculty's weekly situation report. Cadets on the team include Cadets 1st Class Ryan Zacher, Chase King, Keane Lucas and Chad Speer and Cadets 2nd Class Kevin Cooper, Bill Parks, Josh Hayden and Justin Niquette. Other competing colleges included the University of Colorado, BYU, Regis University, Colorado State, New Mexico, Fort Hays State University and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

· The Faculty and Cadet Speakers Program will receive a $35,000 grant for the 2014-2015 academic year by way of retired Gen. Ron Fogleman. Fogleman, the first Academy graduate to become an Air Force chief of staff, won the Anschutz Award, which provides $100,000 to be donated toward Academy programs of his choosing.

Visit www.usafa.edu/df/dfe/dfer for Academy research information.