Who Are We?

Ashley Sweeney '15, M'19, Director of Ignite

With 12 years of dedicated service at Clarkson, Ashley Sweeney brings seasoned leadership and vibrant energy to Ignite, steering its activities while inspiring and empowering others.

Demetrius Boone '21, M'26, Program Coordinator

Part of the inaugural winning President’s Challenge team, Demetrius Boone’s experience at Clarkson provides him with important insight into leadership and achievement.

Miles Compani '23, M'25, Executive Fellow

As the very first Ignite Presidential Fellow, Miles Compani is celebrated for his remarkable talent for driving meaningful change and cultivating impactful opportunities for all.

Kelsey Hamilton '24, M'26, Graduate Fellow

The latest addition to the leadership team, Kelsey Hamilton draws on her Ignite Presidential Fellow experience while enhancing critical opportunities for students across campus.

Peter Nekos '22, M'25, Professional Assistant

Since joining Ignite in 2018, Peter Nekos has become the unit’s longest-serving member, leveraging his extensive expertise to drive innovation and success in everything he undertakes.

Amanda Polarolo '25, CUSTOM Manager

A veteran Maker Mentor, Amanda Polarolo demonstrates exceptional computer science skills while leading a new and pivotal student-run business with precision.

Outstanding Achievement

At Ignite, leadership isn’t just a action - it’s a natural outcome of the incredible talent within our family. That said, there’s nothing more rewarding than having our hard work recognized and celebrated in front of the entire Clarkson community, especially for our most dedicated members.

Each year, the Levinus Clarkson Award is presented to the top student of the graduating class. In 2024, this honor was earned by none other than Executive Fellow Miles Compani (E&M ‘23, MSEM ’25, EngSci P’27), who was recognized for his exceptional scholarship and outstanding potential for future success.

Hailing from the Capital Region, Miles is the go-to expert on all things Ignite. Whether overseeing Ignite Project Expo, RAPS, and Business Plan Competition events, or guiding Ignite Presidential Fellows and Young Innovators & Entrepreneurs, his influence is wide-ranging and transformative.

Now pursuing a PhD, Miles’ time at Clarkson has been defined by extraordinary leadership roles within a variety of organizations, including Ignite and the Honors Program. Beyond his impressive achievements, he’s known for unwavering reliability and genuine kindness at all times.

Miles’ advice for exceptional students interested in attending Clarkson? “Don’t be afraid to step outside the boundaries of your local community. By coming to campus, you’ll be joining a whole new world - a world where you can stand out like never before, and a world that will define the rest of your life.”

A table is filled with Clarkson Ignite water bottles of various colors

August 2017

Clarkson Ignite is launched as a forward-thinking integration of the innovation resources found across the Clarkson community.

Clarkson staff and students pose for a photo during an awards ceremony on a stage

April 2018

Immaterial Industries, a team of E&M freshmen, becomes the champion of the inaugural President’s Challenge.

A group of Clarkson students learn how to use tools in Clarkson's Makerspace on a table

March 2019

Containing only a few 3D printers, hand tools, and other creation equipment, the Dorf Makerspace opens its doors for public use.

Three Clarkson students test our Clarkson's media production center. One student uses a microphone, while another works on a computer and keyboard, and a third wears headphones.

August 2019

The Media Production Center, a state-of-the-art facility for all kinds of digital content creation, is launched in the ERC.

A group of Clarkson Ignite students post outside for a photo all wearing matching grey t-shirts with trees in the background

February 2020

Fifteen students are deemed the first class of Ignite Presidential Fellows, giving the full-tuition scholarship a strong start.

Students stand at a table and make houses out of sticks and marshmallows as part of a Clarkson Ignite event in the Educational Resources Center.

October 2021

During Ignite Fest, the Clarkson community is invited to learn about everything Ignite has to offer, including microcredentials.

Three students sit inside the Clarkson Ignite Cube conference room. Two sit at a table with their laptops open, the other sits across from them.

February 2022

The Shipley Center spins off, with Ashley Sweeney joining Ignite as its newest Director. Ignite retains the Cube during this transition.

Clarkson President Emeritus Tony Collins wears regalia and speaks at a lectern during Clarkson's annual Commencement Ceremony in Cheel Arena

May 2022

Following 40 episodes across a four-year run, the Ignite Podcast concludes with a farewell address from outgoing President Tony Collins.

A large number of students pose together on a small stage while holding up signs for the prizes they won during the Annual President's Challenge

November 2023

An overhauled President’s Challenge encourages the entire student body to develop unique Clarkson collectibles.

Two Clarkson Ignite students sit at a desk and use tools while working on a large computer screen.

March 2024

Alongside the Dorf Makerspace receiving 18 new 3D printers, the Media Production Center is revamped into the Makers’ Loft.

A Clarkson student uses a hockey stick to hit a puck towards Clarkson's golden knight mascot in front of a group of onlookers.

September 2024

Ignite hosts New Knights Expo, a collaborative event introducing freshmen to the amazing resources found on campus.

Clarkson Ignite director Ashley Sweeney poses with three students, including one who is holding up a large fake check for winning an award during the Ignite Project Expo

November 2024

The inaugural Ignite Project Expo is held, seeing nearly 350 students present 93 distinct projects during an exciting day of events.

Learn More About Ignite

What’s next for Ignite? A bright future filled with innovation, entrepreneurship, and all things creativity. Stay tuned!

The Makerspace Student Entrepreneurship Ignite Project Expo Scholarships with Ignite