Mohsen Ghafouri is an Associate Professor at the Concordia Institute for Information Systems Engineering (Concordia University). His research focuses on cybersecurity, smart grids, and cyber-physical systems with emphasis on securing energy infrastructure against cyber-attacks. Key areas include detection and mitigation of false data injection attacks, grid resilience against load-altering threats, and secure transactive energy markets. Research interests include wide-area monitoring systems (WAMS), microgrid control, and integration of renewable energy sources. He has developed frameworks for real-time anomaly detection in power systems, blockchain-based security solutions, and machine learning approaches for cyber threat identification. His work addresses vulnerabilities in smart grid components like IEC 61850 substations and EV ecosystems. Recent publications (2024-2025) highlight advancements in securing FACTS controllers, EV charging systems, and distributed energy resources. He has proposed novel mitigation strategies using reinforcement learning, graph neural networks, and federated learning. No scientific awards or grant details are provided in the source text. No advising relationships or lab affiliations are explicitly stated.
Claudio Canizares is a University Professor and Hydro One Endowed Chair in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo. He also serves as Executive Director of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE). With a career spanning over 30 years, his research focuses on power systems stability, smart grids, microgrids, and renewable energy integration. He has secured nearly $118 million in grants and supervised 180+ researchers/students. Education: PhD (1991) and MSc (1988) in Electrical Engineering from University of Wisconsin-Madison; Electrical Engineering Diploma (1984) from Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ecuador. Research Interests : Nonlinear systems theory, FACTS/HVDC applications, energy storage systems, microgrid stability/control, renewable integration in remote communities, and smart grid analytics. His work emphasizes bridging academic research with industrial applications through collaborations with utilities and tech firms. Key Achievements : IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid Editor-In-Chief; multiple IEEE Fellowships (IEEE, Royal Society of Canada, Canadian Academy of Engineering); 2017 IEEE PES Outstanding Educator Award; 2016 IEEE Canada Electric Power Medal. His publications (370+) include landmark papers on microgrid stability definitions and control frameworks, cited over 29,000 times. Teaching: Recently taught ECE 140 (Linear Circuits), ECE 467 (Power Systems Analysis), and graduate courses ECE 6601PD/ECE 6613PD on power systems modeling and analysis.
Sahar Pirooz Azad is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo. She holds a PEng designation and specializes in power systems engineering, particularly in HVDC systems and grid stability. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta (2015–2017) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Toronto’s CAPE Centre and KU Leuven in Belgium. Her research focuses on enhancing power grid stability through advanced control schemes for HVDC grids, converter modeling, and fault protection mechanisms. Dr. Azad’s work addresses challenges in multi-terminal HVDC systems, offshore wind grid integration, and multi-vendor system compatibility. She has taught courses like Power System Protection and Relaying (ECE 765) and Electromechanical Energy Conversion (ECE 260), reflecting her expertise in both theoretical and applied electrical engineering. Her recent publications emphasize innovative protection schemes for HVDC grids, fault detection algorithms using signal processing (e.g., Hilbert-Huang Transform), and robust controller designs for multi-vendor VSC systems. These contributions aim to improve grid reliability, fault resilience, and renewable energy integration efficiency. Dr. Azad is actively recruiting graduate students and holds Sole-Supervisory Privilege Status (SSPS) at Waterloo. Her research has been supported by European Commission-funded projects like MEDOW and leverages interdisciplinary approaches to tackle modern grid challenges.
Xilin Liu is an Assistant Professor at the Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (University of Toronto) and the Center for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA) . He obtained his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and previously worked at Qualcomm Inc. in California. Expertise in integrated circuits and systems for brain-machine interfaces , neuromodulation , and edge AI Published in top venues including Nature Electronics , IEEE JSSC , and ISSCC Recipient of multiple best paper awards and IEEE Senior Member His research spans three main themes: High-speed data converters for wireless/wireline communication IC design for neural interfacing Accelerating machine learning via hardware Recent publications focus on closed-loop neuromodulation , ultra-wideband transceivers , and flexible biomedical sensors . These works integrate analog IC design , edge AI , and real-time neural interfacing across medical rehabilitation , parkinson's monitoring , and memory research . Awards include: IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society Predoctoral Achievement Award (2016) Best Paper Award at BioCAS (2015) ECE Department Teaching Award (2022) Multiple conference best paper finalists His lab collaborates with UHN , EMBS , and global institutions while maintaining strong commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research practices.
Dr. Majid Pahlevani is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen's University, affiliated with the Smith School of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. from Queen's University (2012) and has prior roles as an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary (2016–2019) and Chief R&D Engineer/VP of Technology at SPARQ Systems, Inc. (2011–2016). His research focuses on power electronics, renewable energy systems, smart grids, and energy storage, with a lab environment emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. He has authored over 130 publications, holds 50 U.S. patents, and serves as an Associate Editor for the IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics. Education: Ph.D. (2012) – Queen's University; B.Sc./M.Sc. (2002) – Isfahan University of Technology. Research Interests: Power Electronics Technology, Renewable Energy Systems, Micro-Grids, Smart-Grids, Electric Vehicles, Energy Storage Systems, Solar Technology, LED Technology. His lab, ePOWER Lab, engages in industrial projects across these domains, fostering teamwork and cross-disciplinary innovation. Scientific Awards: Includes the Early Research Excellence Award (Alberta), Research Achievement Award (University of Calgary), Teaching Achievement Award, and IEEE Canada's Research Excellence Award. Current Supervision: Postdoctoral Fellows Laleh Saleh Ghadimi, Sergey Dayneko, and Pavel Linkov (2022). He leads the ePOWER Lab, collaborating with industry partners like Freescale Semiconductor and SPARQ Systems. Affiliations: Member of the IEEE Power Electronics Society and the Queen's Centre for Energy and Power Electronics Research.
Dr. Chunyan Lai is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University. Her research focuses on electric drives, motor control, power electronics, electrified vehicles, and vehicle-to-grid solutions. She contributes to both graduate and undergraduate education through courses such as Controlled Electric Drives and Hybrid Electric Vehicle Power Systems . Research Emphasis : Electric motor drives and control systems, electrified transportation, power electronics innovations, and energy management strategies. Publications : Specializes in sensorless control techniques for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), thermal management in electric machines, and advanced energy trading frameworks for smart grids. PhD Opportunities : The Power Electronics and Energy Research (PEER) Group under Dr. Lai offers positions for developing efficient motor drives for EVs and grid-connected power converters. Collaboration : Industry-adjacent research with requirements for professional communication, patent development, and technical dissemination.
Dr. Mohamed Youssef is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering at Ontario Tech University. He holds a PhD (Electrical and Computer Engineering) from Queen’s University (2005). His primary affiliation is the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, with research focusing on propulsion systems, power electronics, railway systems, and renewable energy technologies. Education: PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen’s University (2005) MSc, Power Electronics, Concordia University (2001) MSc, Electric Power and Machines, Ain Shams University (1999) BSc, Electric Power and Machines, Ain Shams University (1995) Research Interests: Dr. Youssef’s expertise spans propulsion systems for automotive and hyperloop technologies , power electronics for IoT and renewable energy , railway electromagnetic compatibility , and power system stability . His work emphasizes practical applications in electric vehicles, smart grid integration, and sustainable energy systems. He leads the PEDAL (Power Electronics and Drives Laboratory) at Ontario Tech. Awards and Recognition: Recipient of the NSERC Post-doctorate Scholarship (2006) Best Paper Award at IECON 2004 Award of Merit from Ontario Center of Excellence (2006) Nominated for the Howard Alper Prize (2007) Professional Activities: He serves as a reviewer for IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics , IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics , and others. He has held roles as Technical Chair at IEEE SEGE 2015 and Track Chair at IEEE SEGE 2016. Current affiliations include Senior Member of IEEE and Chair of the IEEE Power Electronics Chapter in Toronto. Labs and Teams: He directs the PEDAL Lab , focusing on advanced power electronics and electric vehicle technologies. Collaborations include Bombardier Transportation and Armstrong Pumps.
Kamal Al Haddad is a Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering at École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS). He holds a Doctorate from INTP, Toulouse, and advanced degrees from UQTR. His research focuses on power electronics, renewable energy integration, and smart grid technologies. He leads the GREPCI research group, specializing in Power Electronics and Industrial Control. Education: B.Eng., M.Sc.A. (UQTR), Doctorate (INTP, Toulouse). Research interests span energy conversion, industrial electronics, power quality, and electromagnetic interference. He emphasizes sustainable energy solutions, electric traction systems, and high-efficiency power sources. His work includes developing advanced power electronic converters and grid stability solutions. Recent articles highlight advancements in modular converters for STATCOM, AI-driven fault detection in hydrogenerators, and renewable energy policy frameworks. He has received notable awards, including the 2014 IEEE Eugene Mittelmann Prize and Fellowships from IEEE and other institutions. Supervised over 60 students, including doctoral theses on topics like hydrogenerator diagnostics, EV charging systems, and renewable energy integration. His research also involves real-time simulation of power systems and FPGA-based implementations. Labs/Teams: GREPCI – Power Electronics and Industrial Control Research Group, leading projects on smart grids and energy efficiency.
Travis Wiens is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. His research focuses on fluid power systems, acoustic sensing, dynamic modeling, mining mechatronics, and artificial intelligence applications in engineering. He holds a B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution, completed in 2002, 2004, and 2008 respectively. His research interests emphasize innovative solutions for hydraulic control systems, pipeline resonance reduction, and mining safety through acoustic technologies. He has developed low-cost electrohydrostatic actuators and explored additive manufacturing in valve design. Notable contributions include vibrational data communication tools for extractive industries and machine learning models for mine roof stability assessment. Dr. Wiens teaches ENGC 01A - Introduction to Fluid Power Components . His work bridges theoretical fluid dynamics with practical applications in energy efficiency, structural health monitoring, and biomimetic systems. Ongoing research trends include integrating AI with hydraulic systems and advancing non-destructive testing methods for infrastructure integrity. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining mechanical engineering principles with computational modeling, neural networks, and mechatronics. Collaborative efforts focus on mining safety, oil and gas infrastructure, and sustainable hydraulic technologies.
Louis-A. Dessaint is a Professor at the Département de génie électrique at École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS). He holds B.Ing., M.Sc.A., and Ph.D. degrees from Polytechnique Montréal. His research focuses on power electronics, renewable energy integration, and smart grid technologies, with affiliations to the GREPCI research group. He has supervised numerous theses and projects, addressing topics like microgrid optimization, energy storage, and voltage stability. Education: B.Ing., M.Sc.A., Ph.D. (Polytechnique Montréal). Research interests include electric machines, power network dynamics, hybrid energy systems, and sustainable development. His recent work emphasizes real-time control of power systems, renewable energy integration, and smart building energy management. Publications highlight advancements in microgrid topology optimization, battery storage systems, and ADRC-based control strategies. Awards include IEEE Fellow (2013) and membership in the Canadian Academy of Engineering (2012). He has advised over 50 students and contributed to projects on smart grids, energy storage, and grid stability. His lab, GREPCI, focuses on power electronics and industrial control.
Ignacio Galiano Zurbriggen is an Assistant Professor in the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering at Simon Fraser University (SFU), holding a P.Eng. license. His expertise spans power electronics, energy systems integration, and sustainable energy engineering. He completed his Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering at UBC (2020), followed by M.Sc. degrees from UBC (2013) and SFU (2012), and a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the National University of Córdoba (2010). His research focuses on power converter modeling/control, energy systems optimization, and multi-domain systems. Notable projects include ultra-fast MPPT algorithms for PV systems, LVRT improvements for wind turbines, and GaN-based PFC design. He teaches advanced courses like SEE 895 Special Topics III and serves as an Associate Editor for the IEEE Open Journal of Power Electronics. Recent work emphasizes grid-connected converter dynamics, microgrid optimization, and adaptive control strategies for renewable energy systems. His publications span IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, Smart Grid, and leading conferences like APEC and ECCE.
Dr. Marjan Alavi is an Assistant Professor at McMaster University's W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology, affiliated with the Mechanical Engineering department as an Associate Member. She holds a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) license in Ontario and has over 15 years of academic and industrial experience in electrical engineering. Her research focuses on model-based and data-driven approaches for fault diagnosis, prognosis, and fault-tolerant control in hybrid systems, with applications in power electronics, energy systems, and smart infrastructure. Education: B.Sc. (2004) from K.N. Toosi University of Technology, M.Sc. (2007) from Sharif University of Technology, Ph.D. (2014) from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), and a Postdoc (2015) at the University of Toronto's Energy Systems Group. Teaching: Instructs courses on Real-Time Systems (SEP 6ES3, SFWRTECH 4ES3), Smart Cities and Communities (SMRTTECH 4SC3), integrating real-world engineering challenges with theoretical frameworks. She emphasizes hands-on learning through remote labs and experiential projects. Professional Contributions: Serves as IEEE Toronto Section Executive Member, Technical Reviewer for IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, and Vice Chair of IEEE Industrial Applications Society (2015). Founded Intelligent Diagnosis Corporations, a Canadian startup focused on research and innovation in diagnostics technologies. Key Projects: Developed fault diagnosis strategies for electro-hydraulic actuators, vehicle-mounted infrastructure monitoring systems, and remote laboratory platforms for emergency traffic control. Research spans predictive maintenance, smart city technologies, and railway systems certification benefits. Awards: Recipient of the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) 2010. Recognized for her work in bridging academic research with industrial applications, particularly in enhancing system reliability through advanced control methodologies.
Dr. Jennifer Bauman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at McMaster University. Her research focuses on the electrification of transportation, power electronic converters, vehicle design and control, and smart-grid integration of electric vehicles (EVs). She holds a B.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo and has 8 years of industry experience as Director of Research at CrossChasm Technologies. Her work spans three levels: low-level power electronics optimization, mid-level vehicle system design, and high-level EV-grid interaction analysis. Education: B.A.Sc. and Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Waterloo (2004, 2008). Professional registration: P.Eng. (Professional Engineer). Teaching: Instructors for ECE 724/MECHENG 721 on Modeling, Control, and Design of Electrified Vehicles. Research Interests: Development of efficient power electronic converters (e.g., using wide-bandgap devices), optimization of hybrid/electric powertrains, and analyzing EV impacts on smart grids. Notable contributions include a 65kW boost converter for fuel cell vehicles and studies on solar-charged EV architectures. Grants & Awards: Received $1.9M in CFI infrastructure funding (2017) as part of a team. Lab: Located in ITB A220, focusing on advanced vehicle electrification and grid-integrated systems.
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.
Dr. Vijay K. Sood is a Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering at Ontario Tech University. He holds a PhD in Power Electronics from Bradford University (UK), and has extensive experience in power systems, power electronics, and renewable energy integration. His research focuses on High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems, Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS), power electronics converters, and grid protection. He has received numerous awards, including Life Fellow of IEEE, Emeritus Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineers, and the 2000 IEEE Third Millennium Medal. Dr. Sood has authored/co-authored over 100 publications, including peer-reviewed articles in top journals like IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics and International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems. His work addresses challenges in grid stability, renewable energy integration, and advanced control strategies for power systems. Education: PhD (Power Electronics), Bradford University, UK (1977) MASc (Electrical Machines), Strathclyde University, Scotland (1969) BSc (Electrical Engineering), Nairobi University, Kenya (1967) Awards: IEEE Third Millennium Medal (2000) Canadian Pacific Railway Engineering Award (2002) IEEE Regional Activities Board Achievement Awards (2001, 2006) His research emphasizes practical solutions for modern power systems, including HVDC controller design, synthetic inertia control for renewable grids, and advanced fault detection techniques. He has collaborated internationally on projects like the Energy System Observatory of Honduras and grid architecture models for multi-terminal DC systems.
