Tim Thacker

Tim Thacker is a Research Associate Professor at the Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES) at Virginia Tech. He previously worked as Chief Engineer at VPT Energy Systems (PowerHub Systems) and Director of Engineering & Research and Development at Motion Control Systems, Inc. His academic journey began at Virginia Tech, where he earned his BSEE in 2003, followed by MS and PhD degrees in 2005 and 2009.

• Virginia Tech: Research Associate Professor (2024–present)
• VPT Energy Systems: Chief Engineer
• Motion Control Systems, Inc.: Director of Engineering & R&D

Research Interests: Dr. Thacker's work spans the design and control of power electronics systems, with a focus on renewable energy integration, energy storage, and advanced motor drives. His expertise includes:

• Grid-interfaced power converters for renewable energy systems
• Control algorithms for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications
• Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) design and drive electronics
• Use of SiC technology for improved efficiency and reliability
• EMI/EMC mitigation and power quality analysis

Scientific Awards:

• NSF PhD Fellowship
• GE PhD Fellowship
• VPTES (PowerHub Systems) PhD Fellowship

Contributions: He holds a patent, developed proprietary technologies in industry, and has extensive experience in hardware development, software implementation, and team leadership. At CPES, he contributed to the Student Council as Vice President and co-chaired the Center's Annual Conference in 2007.