Who Are We?
Our Leadership Team
At its core, Ignite is an amazing and storied community of talented, versatile, and innovative people. Without the hard work, collaboration, and creative thinking of our leadership team, none of what we do would be possible!
Kelsey Hamilton '24, M'26, Graduate Fellow
Kelsey Hamilton draws on her Presidential Fellow experience while enhancing critical opportunities for students across campus.
Santino Martinelli '25, M'26, Professional Assistant
As Ignite's go-to guy on all things digital content creation and drones, Santino leverages his extensive expertise to drive innovation and success everywhere he goes.
The Entire Ignite Family
At Ignite, leadership isn't about the role you hold, but rather your impact as an innovator and entrepreneur. That's why all members of the Ignite family play a key role in forging our path forward.
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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ community, especially for our most dedicated members.
Each year, the Levinus Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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’26), 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, guiding Presidential Fellows and Young Innovators & Entrepreneurs, or leading CUSTOM Lab, his influence is wide-ranging and transformative.
Now pursuing a PhD, Miles’ time at Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ? “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.â€
A Brief History
As students come and go, Â鶹ÊÓƵ evolves - and so does Ignite! Here’s your chance to learn a bit more about us over the years.
August 2017
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ignite is launched as a forward-thinking integration of the innovation resources found across the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community.
April 2018
Immaterial Industries, a team of E&M freshmen, becomes the champion of the inaugural President’s Challenge.
March 2019
Containing only a few 3D printers, hand tools, and other creation equipment, the Dorf Makerspace opens its doors for public use.
August 2019
The Media Production Center, a state-of-the-art facility for all kinds of digital content creation, is launched in the ERC.
February 2020
Fifteen students are deemed the first class of Presidential Fellows, giving the full-tuition scholarship a strong start.
October 2021
During Ignite Fest, the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community is invited to learn about everything Ignite has to offer, including microcredentials.
February 2022
The Shipley Center spins off, with Ashley Sweeney joining Ignite as its newest Director. Ignite retains the Cube during this transition.
May 2022
Following 40 episodes across a four-year run, the Ignite Podcast concludes with a farewell address from outgoing President Tony Collins.
October 2022
To celebrate the inauguration of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s 17th President, students across campus construct a gigantic Rube Goldberg machine.
November 2023
An overhauled President’s Challenge encourages the entire student body to develop unique Â鶹ÊÓƵ collectibles.
March 2024
Alongside the Dorf Makerspace receiving 18 new 3D printers, the Media Production Center is revamped into the Makers’ Loft.
September 2024
Ignite hosts New Knights Expo, a collaborative event introducing freshmen to the amazing resources found on campus.
November 2024
The inaugural Ignite Project Expo is held, seeing nearly 350 students present 93 distinct projects during an exciting day of events.
January 2025
North Country Launch Day is introduced, with local student entrepreneurs teaming up for rapid venture development.
April 2025
With Ignite now at RAPS’ helm, the Spring 2025 occasion is the largest yet, seeing over 550 students present innovative work.
Learn More About Ignite
What’s next for Ignite? A bright future filled with innovation, entrepreneurship, and all things creativity. Stay tuned!