The International Society of Automation (ISA), the foremost organization in the field of automation, has proudly announced the elevation of eight remarkable individuals to the distinguished title of ISA Fellow in 2026. This prestigious honor is bestowed upon Senior Members who have made exceptional contributions to the automation profession, whether in practice or academia.
The honor recognizes outstanding achievements from various sectors within automation, demonstrating significant advancements and contributions that directly impact the field. Here is a closer look at this year's esteemed inductees:
1.
John Cusimano (Armexa): Recognized for his innovation in integrating cybersecurity within industrial automation, John has been instrumental in leading the ISA/IEC 62443 standards. His community leadership has played a crucial role in advancing education and best practices in control systems and cybersecurity.
2.
Sarah Fluchs (Admeritia GmbH): Sarah has made strides in merging cybersecurity with industrial automation engineering. Her influential work in developing standards, along with groundbreaking research that bridges control engineering and cybersecurity, has garnered her a spot among this year's elite.
3.
Ramachandra Kerur (Sunlux Technovations Pvt Ltd): Recognized for his pioneering efforts in developing high-reliability automation and fault-tolerant control systems applicable in critical environments such as defense and space, Ramachandra has positively influenced over 100 significant space and industrial missions.
4.
Rao Mannepalli (Leidos): With a focus on advanced aerospace technologies, Rao's contributions to the development of missiles, launch vehicles, and weapon systems have considerably enhanced national defense capabilities and supported space exploration initiatives.
5.
Andrew McDonald (FutureofManufacturing LLC): Andrew is acclaimed for his work in creating a standardized communication language for packaging machinery, fostering innovation in manufacturing's digital transformation by utilizing advanced technologies.
6.
Glenn Anthony Merrell (Industrial Control Systems Security): His commitment to enhancing industrial control systems security has led to global recognition and exceptional contributions in training and critical infrastructure protection, thereby advancing industry standards and workforce development.
7.
Eloise L. Roche (SIS-TECH Solutions, LP): Eloise's vast contributions to implementing functional safety in process industries have been profound. Through her development of guidance, training, and standards, she has made significant impacts in safety instrumented system technology.
8.
Constantino Seixas Filho (Accenture): Hailing from Brazil, Constantino has advanced control and automation engineering education, spearheading initiatives that have significantly improved the professionalization of the automation field in Latin America.
ISA President Ashley Weckwerth expressed gratitude to those who submitted nominations, highlighting, "We are honored to recognize these outstanding achievers whose contributions have remarkably advanced the automation industry." The council notes that nominations for the 2027 class will open in June 2026, signaling their ongoing commitment to celebrating professional excellence in automation.
Founded in 1945, the ISA has been championing the automation community by creating standards and sharing knowledge vital to progressing the industry. By empowering professionals through certifications, education programs, publications, and events, the ISA aims to foster a better world through automation. The organization invites all to learn more about their mission and explore their resources at
www.isa.org.
In summary, the elevation of these eight members reflects not only their personal journeys but the collective spirit of innovation and excellence within the automation sector. As technology continues to evolve, such recognition plays a pivotal role in inspiring future advancements and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.