Rajendra Singh, who earned a PhD in Physics from McMaster in 1979, was recently named one of 10 Champions of Change: Solar Development by the White House.

White House officials described Singh as a “visionary leader” in the field of photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing.

In order to help transform global electricity infrastructure, he is providing leadership to use PV as the source of local direct current electricity in United States, as well as emerging economies around the world.

He is also actively involved with various civic groups to bring legislation and regulations in South Carolina that will lead to the growth of solar-generated electricity, and regularly mentors students at all levels in his area of expertise.

Singh currently serves as the D. Houser Banks Professor in the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina.

“We are grateful for the education Dr. Singh received at McMaster University,” wrote James Clements, president of Clemson University, in a letter addressed to McMaster provost David Wilkinson.

“Our nation, our university and our students have benefited tremendously from the knowledge and expertise he brought with him.”

A letter to Singh from White House officials praised his ongoing efforts in solar research:

“President Obama realizes how important it is to utilize solar and other renewable energy in order to cut carbon pollution and advance the clean energy economy, and he is dedicated to building on the progress made in solar in the past few years … We are thrilled you were able to be part of this significant event, and are committed to continuing the Administration’s important work in solar deployment.”