About
Leon Tolbert is a Chancellor’s Professor and Min H. Kao Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT). He holds a PhD (1999), MS (1991), and BS (1989) in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech. He joined UT in 1999 after working at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and is a Fellow of the IEEE. Tolbert serves as a deputy editor-in-chief for IEEE Power Electronics Magazine and has held leadership roles in IEEE societies. His research focuses on power electronics, microgrids, wide bandgap devices, and renewable energy integration.
He is a founding member and thrust leader of CURENT, an NSF/DOE Engineering Research Center for future electric grid technologies, and part of the Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research. He has received numerous awards, including the NSF CAREER Award and multiple IEEE prizes. Tolbert is also a registered professional engineer in Tennessee and leads the Min H. Kao Department as a former department head (2013–2018).
His research spans power electronics applications, multilevel converters, electric vehicles, and grid stability. Key projects include cryogenically-cooled inverters for aircraft, SiC/GaN device characterization, and resilient microgrid control systems. Tolbert collaborates with ORNL and industry partners, emphasizing hands-on education in wide bandgap devices.
- Education:
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Georgia Tech (1999)
- MS in Electrical Engineering, Georgia Tech (1991)
- BS in Electrical Engineering, Georgia Tech (1989, with highest honors)
Research Interests: Tolbert’s work centers on advancing power electronics for grid modernization, with emphasis on wide bandgap semiconductors (SiC, GaN), microgrid control, high-power converters, and renewable energy integration. His teams develop technologies for efficient power conversion, grid resilience, and sustainable energy systems. Recent projects include cryogenic inverter systems for aerospace and modular multilevel converters for medium-voltage grids.
Grants & Awards: Over 20 years, he has secured NSF/DOE funding through CURENT and individual grants. His awards include UT’s Charles Ferris Faculty Award (2019), Moses Brooks Distinguished Professorship (2010), and multiple Chancellor’s Citations for research excellence.
Labs & Teams: Leads CURENT and collaborates with the PEEMRC at ORNL. His lab focuses on high-power converter design, cryogenic testing, and microgrid emulation platforms. Active in OpenFMB initiatives for grid communication standards.
