• During the Summer Institutes of 2005, Dr. Charles Nash was presented with the first Friend of AMSTI award for all he has done in support of the project since his original involvement as a member of the Blue Ribbon committee.

 

• Dr. Mary Jane Caylor, a state board member who worked diligently to secure the NASA funding for the first AMSTI site at UAH was also presented a Friend of AMSTI award.

 

• A third award was made to Mr. Paul Johnson, who helped secure the free use of a multimillion-dollar ALCOA building for the UNA site.

 

• Dr. John Wright, former president of UAH and founder of the Hands-On Activity Science Program (HASP) that pioneered hands-on science such as used by AMSTI was presented a Friend of AMSTI Award during the summer of 2006.

 

• Dr. Richard (Hugh) Comfort was awarded a Friend of AMSTI award in 2007 for his pioneering work with science education, including starting MG HASP and managing the HASP program. Dr. Comfort also served as principal investigator for the award of the first AMSTI site.

In 2008, the following were presented with the Friend of AMSTI award for their service:

• Dr. Neil Lamb, for support of the partnership between AMSTI and the Hudson Alpha Institute of Biotechnology, leading to the creation of an AMSTI genetics teaching module.

• Ms. Brenda Terry, AMSTEC Executive Director, for the support and involvement of the Alabama Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education Coalition (AMSTEC).

• Mr. Chris Erwin, for the support and involvement of the Alabama Forestry Association.