Award recognizes those whose offerings and expertise complement Aptima’s innovations, technical insight, and operational experience

Woburn, MA – March 17, 2025 – Aptima, Inc., a leader in human-centered engineering and performance optimization, is proud to announce the recipients of its prestigious 2024 Partner of the Year Award: Dr. Janelle Ward of BRIO Solutions, LLC, and Dr. Nancy Cooke of Arizona State University. This award honors individuals who have significantly contributed to Aptima’s mission by fostering innovation, facilitating impactful transitions, and complementing Aptima’s technical strengths with their own expertise.

The awardees were selected by a team of Aptima employees (“Aptimists”) who recognized the exceptional contributions of both Ward and Cooke.

Dr. Janelle Ward

Janelle Ward was nominated for her outstanding role in driving strategic insight and operational effectiveness across multiple Department of Defense efforts, where she provides invaluable operational connections, real-world use cases, and relevant datasets. Ward’s deep understanding of operational environments and her ability to seamlessly integrate these insights into Aptima’s work have greatly enhanced the relevance and success of each initiative. Her contributions not only strengthen Aptima’s projects but also foster a culture of collaboration, ensuring that every effort is strategically aligned with mission-critical objectives. Ward’s commitment and partnership make her an indispensable asset to Aptima and a deserving recipient of this award.

Dr. Nancy Cooke

Nancy Cooke was nominated for her close collaboration with Aptima on multiple key projects, significantly increasing the innovation and rigor of our work. Despite her stature as a giant in her field, Cooke consistently works alongside her team of student and faculty researchers and with Aptima’s team, embodying the spirit of an “Aptimist” scientist. Her dedication to excellence is evident in her support during critical customer briefings and her efforts to ensure the entire project team shines. Cooke’s contributions have been instrumental in presenting high-quality products to DARPA and potential transition partners, making her a vital partner to Aptima.

“We are thrilled to recognize Janelle Ward and Nancy Cooke as our 2024 Partners of the Year,” said Shawn Weil, Chief Growth Officer of Aptima, Inc. “Their exceptional contributions have not only advanced our projects but have also exemplified the collaborative spirit and innovative drive that define Aptima. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to continued success together.”