Cadets Covet Esteemed Awards For Innovation, Research

WEST POINT, N.Y. – The U.S. Military Academy is proud to announce the recipients of two distinguished awards that highlight the pinnacle of cadet innovation and interdisciplinary research. These accolades were presented during the 25th annual Projects Day Research Symposium on May 1 and 2.  

The Scott R. Clark, Class of 1985, Innovation for Soldiers Award goes to the Automated Breach Team from the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Their project, in partnership with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center, focuses on developing robotic breach capabilities that enhance safety and efficiency on the battlefield. This pioneering technology reduces the need for soldier involvement in high-risk breaching operations, marking a significant leap forward in both military and civilian applications. 

The Dean of the Academic Board’s Inter-Departmental Project Award has been awarded to the Sustainable Infrastructure, Resilience, and Climate Consortium (SIRCC). This group represents a coalition of four academic departments that have collaborated on a series of energy-focused projects aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of Army installations. The research is done in partnership with the Assistant Secretary of the Army's Installations, Energy and Environment, United States Army Installation Management Command, and the Department of Defense's Waste-to-Energy Working Group. This year’s work under the theme "Resilient West Point" has significantly advanced the Army's capability to manage energy independently and sustainably, aligning closely with DoD climate goals and the Army's energy and water resilience policies. 

Both teams have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the academy’s goals for technological advancement and strategic innovation. The Automated Breach Team’s project will notably improve operational safety and efficiency, with implications that reach beyond the military sphere into civilian sectors. Meanwhile, SIRCC’s interdisciplinary approach has produced a comprehensive model for energy management while also serving as an educational platform for cadets, preparing them to tackle critical challenges at the Army and national levels. 

“The mentorship of superb faculty and dedication of incredibly motivated Cadets to work towards developing innovative solutions for ill-defined problems is at the heart of what these awardees have demonstrated,” said Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering Col. Benjamin Wallen. “They worked to address Army needs through innovation and collaboration resulting in impactful solutions and highlighting the intellectual capital and significant internal and external partnerships at West Point.” 

The awards underscore West Point’s dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among its cadets, who continue to impress with their ability to address the Army and nation's problems through cutting-edge research and development. 

About West Point  
The U. S. Military Academy at West Point is a four-year, co-educational, federal service academy located 50 miles north of New York City. It was founded in 1802 as America's first college of engineering and continues today as the world’s premier leader-development institution, consistently ranked among top colleges in the country. Its mission is to build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation. For more information, go to www.westpoint.edu.