Todd Petersen

Todd Petersen is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), where he has held academic roles since 2009. He previously earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Kansas State University (2000–2009). His research focuses on electromagnetics, instrumentation, materials science, and renewable energy systems, with notable contributions to wireless sensor networks and hydrokinetic device durability. Petersen holds a patent for long-lifespan wireless sensors (2016) and has advised projects like the SAE Baja team. He actively serves on committees, including the CoEng Computers and Software Committee and ACDLITe.

His teaching spans foundational electrical engineering courses (EE A203/A204) to advanced topics like electromagnetics (EE A314/A324), instrumentation (EE A308), and communication systems (EE A462). Petersen’s work bridges theoretical research and applied engineering, demonstrated through collaborative projects like acoustic salmon tracking and snowplow real-time monitoring. His publications span journals (Renewable Energy, IEEE Transactions) and conferences, emphasizing practical solutions for energy systems, materials performance, and environmental monitoring.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, Kansas State University, 2009
  • M.S. Electrical Engineering, Kansas State University, 2003
  • B.S. Electrical Engineering, Kansas State University, 2000

Petersen’s research interests include sensor networks, tribology in renewable energy components, and precision engineering systems. His funded projects at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (2005–2008) and Honeywell (2004) highlight expertise in defense technology and industrial applications. Future work includes developing in-situ resistivity probes and advancing hydrokinetic device reliability.