Sara Ahmed

Sara Ahmed serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Her work bridges power systems engineering with transportation electrification, focusing on grid integration challenges posed by emerging technologies. With a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech (2011), she maintains active research in electric vehicle infrastructure and smart grid resilience.

Education

• Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2011

Dr. Ahmed's research program confronts critical gaps in modern energy infrastructure through three interconnected pillars: electric vehicle charging ecosystems, inverter-based resource integration, and novel sensing technologies. Her methodology combines stochastic programming for fleet operations, deep reinforcement learning for dynamic control systems, and hardware-in-the-loop validation for grid protection schemes. Key innovations include self-powered weigh-in-motion systems using piezoelectric harvesting and adaptive inverter control for weak grid conditions, addressing both urban and rural infrastructure needs through cross-disciplinary approaches spanning power electronics, transportation engineering, and machine learning.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strategic concentration on commercial fleet electrification challenges, with 60% of works addressing depot charging optimization and grid impacts. A parallel theme explores protection coordination in inverter-dominated distribution systems, where 40% of recent papers develop solutions for sympathetic tripping and fault ride-through. Her methodology consistently integrates AI-driven approaches (35% of publications) with physical system validation, demonstrating a commitment to practical implementation through hardware-in-the-loop testing and roadway-embedded prototypes.

Scientific Awards

No specific awards were documented in the provided materials.

Advising and Grants

Dr. Ahmed's 2022 publication 'Closing the Loop: A 10-year Follow-up Survey for Evaluation of an NSF REU Site' confirms sustained mentorship of undergraduate researchers through National Science Foundation funding. While specific grant amounts remain undisclosed, her research trajectory indicates continuous federal support for electric vehicle-grid integration studies. Her advising extends to REU participants across electrical engineering disciplines, with emphasis on power systems and transportation electrification projects. Current work shows progression toward larger-scale infrastructure implementation, particularly in medium/heavy-duty fleet electrification and rural roadway monitoring systems.