A design competition from the Illuminating Engineering Society open to full-time students in ABET-accredited engineering and technology programmes, NAAB-accredited architecture programmes, FIDER-accredited interior design programmes and NAST-accredited theatre programmes. The winner receives $3,000 and a plaque; honourable mentions receive $1,000 and a certificate, with group entries splitting the money among team members. Named for lighting designer Howard Brandston. Judged on lighting design work rather than academic record, which makes it a realistic target for a student with a strong portfolio but an unremarkable GPA — the reverse of how most engineering scholarships are decided.