From Delaware, Ohio, Clifford "Cliff" Kigar is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), located in Troy, New York. Cliff Kigar attended the program while on scholarship, graduating last year in December with a degree in mechanical engineering. In August, the engineering department at RPI announced the launch of the Constellation Prize, recognizing the work of engineers for their contributions to social and environmental justice. The engineering school has been a place where innovation and discovery are appreciated, and this prize recognizes the importance of both in advancing not only the field but also human existence. According to the scholars who organized the prize, engineers hold a lot of power. Much of their discoveries lead to new advances, which usually lead to an improvement in the quality of life. However, the prize seeks to recognize engineers who have expanded the usual scope of engineering to see its potential uses in social and environmental justice. The team who devised the award come from academia and socially-minded engineers, and of course, the two scholars who developed the scholarship. The prize is open to engineers and their teams, and winners do not necessarily have to work in academia either. This year’s nominations were accepted until September 30 with winners to be announced later this fall.

1. Rensselaer Scholars Promote Social and Environmental Justice
Cliff Kigar

2. Introduction
From Delaware, Ohio, Clifford "Cliff" Kigar is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
(RPI), located in Troy, New York. Cliff Kigar attended the program while on scholarship,
graduating last year in December with a degree in mechanical engineering.

3. In August, the engineering department at RPI announced the launch of the Constellation
Prize, recognizing the work of engineers for their contributions to social and
environmental justice. The engineering school has been a place where innovation and
discovery are appreciated, and this prize recognizes the importance of both in advancing
not only the field but also human existence.

4. According to the scholars who organized the prize, engineers hold a lot of power.
Much of their discoveries lead to new advances, which usually lead to an improvement
in the quality of life. However, the prize seeks to recognize engineers who have
expanded the usual scope of engineering to see its potential uses in social and
environmental justice.

5. The team who devised the award come from academia and socially-minded engineers,
and of course, the two scholars who developed the scholarship. The prize is open to
engineers and their teams, and winners do not necessarily have to work in academia
either. This year’s nominations were accepted until September 30 with winners to be
announced later this fall.