Gwyn Uttmark honored with 2026 Rising Star Researcher Award

By Theresa Barosh | May 2026

Deputy Project Manager and Scientific Python Developer Gwyn Uttmark was honored with the 2026 Walter Scott Jr., College of Engineering Rising Star Researcher Award. Uttmark’s work is key to achieving the goals of a multi-million-dollar CIRA project funded by the Office of Naval Research. 

“They consistently go far beyond what is asked of them and have already become an indispensable part of CIRA,” said the nominators. “They are also always looking for opportunities to contribute beyond CIRA through mentorship and service. They absolutely exemplify the Principles of Community and inclusive excellence.” 

Uttmark was nominated by CIRA researchers Jeremy Solbrig and Robert DeMaria, along with colleagues Melinda Surratt and Chris Camacho from the US Naval Research Laboratory. 

Working with Data 

Uttmark is part of a multi-institutional team developing an open source software package called GeoIPS. A system for processing geolocated data into useful imagery and data products, GeoIPS is used operationally by the US Navy. GeoIPS supports multiple projects at CIRA and helps deliver new scientific algorithms to operational centers. 

Uttmark leads the development of a new near real-time data processing system. “This software is a true achievement in that it is simple to use, easy to extend for new applications, and can drive any kind of processing pipeline, not just GeoIPS,” said Solbrig.  

Uttmark coordinates and hosts meetings with community members that use GeoIPS to share information and provide feedback. The team plans to release a new version of the software package with hopes that it will benefit the broader scientific community and facilitate multi-institutional collaboration.  

Beyond CIRA research 

Uttmark’s skills go beyond their technical work on CIRA software. With mentoring experience and education interests, they work with a first-generation college freshman through the Scott Undergraduate Research Experience program. 

On their own time, Uttmark conducts medical and historical research on queer and trans communities and often presents their findings. Their second book titled the The Encyclopedia of Nonbinary History and Culture will be coming out in early 2027 from Bloomsbury Academic.