Carl Ho (Ngai Man)

Dr. Carl Ho (Ngai Man) is a Full Professor and Canada Research Chair in Efficient Utilization of Electric Power at the University of Manitoba's Price Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Appointed Associate Head (Electrical Engineering) in July 2021, he leads the Renewable-energy Interface and Grid Automation (RIGA) Lab established with CFI funding in 2014.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Electronic Engineering (2007), City University of Hong Kong
• MEng in Electronic Engineering (2002), City University of Hong Kong
• BEng in Electronic Engineering (2002), City University of Hong Kong

Dr. Ho's research focuses on power electronics applications for sustainable energy systems, with particular expertise in power conversion technologies for electric vehicles, renewable integration, and smart grid infrastructure. His work bridges industrial application and academic innovation, evidenced by over 40 IEEE journal publications, 80 conference papers, and 20+ patents. Current research emphasizes wide-bandgap semiconductor applications, power hardware-in-loop validation, and DC microgrid architectures for remote communities.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward practical implementation of power electronics solutions, with increasing focus on GaN/SiC devices, grid-forming converters, and modular architectures for microgrids. His work consistently addresses real-world challenges in efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness across renewable integration, electric transportation, and power quality domains.

Notable awards include:

• Second Place Winner for 2018 IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics Prize Paper
• Multiple IEEE JESTPE Star Associate Editor Awards (2022-2023)
• IEEE TPEL AE Excellence Award (2023)
• Best Student Team Regional Award in IEEE Empower a Billion Lives 2019

As an active mentor, Dr. Ho supervises numerous graduate students across multiple cohorts and leads significant research initiatives including NSERC Discovery Grants, MITACS collaborations with Power Integrations Inc., Research Manitoba Innovation Proof-of-Concept Grants, and Natural Resources Canada projects on zero-emission heavy vehicles. His RIGA Lab serves as a hub for industry-academic collaboration with Manitoba Hydro and transportation sector partners.

The RIGA Lab, completed in 2016 and renovated in 2019, houses specialized equipment for power electronics prototyping, real-time simulation, and hardware-in-loop testing. Current projects include advanced wireless EV charging, GaN-based controller development, and DC microgrid solutions for remote communities, with recent recognition including a visit from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in April 2023.