Mr. Richardo Khonasty is a Senior Research Engineer at the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He has held appointments at UTS since 2019, including roles at the Centre for Autonomous Systems and Robotics Institute. He also serves as a Tutor since 2016. PhD in Robotics (2020), UTS B.Eng. in Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering (2014), UTS Khonasty's research focuses on robotics and human-robot collaboration, with applications in surgical robotics (total hip replacement), industrial automation (abrasive blasting), and green wall inspection systems. His work emphasizes kinematic accuracy, adaptive control schemes, and cost-effective robotic solutions. His recent publications explore robotic-assisted burring for orthopedic surgery, damping strategies for singularity management, and exoskeleton design frameworks. Khonasty is currently involved in funded research related to hydraulic tooling safety under the BTP - Stage 2 - IntelliForce Tooling grant.
Luca Peretti is an Associate Professor in Electric Machines and Drives at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, affiliated with the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Electrical Engineering, Division of Electric Power and Energy Systems. He works as a researcher in the EMD (Electric Machines and Drives) group and serves as Partner Director for KTH's strategic partnership with ABB. Education: M.Sc. in Electronic Engineering (2005) from University of Udine, Ph.D. from University of Padova (2008) Professional Experience: Postdoc at University of Padova (2009-2010), Principal Scientist at ABB Corporate Research (2010-2018), Associate Professor at KTH (2018-present) His research focuses on: Automatic parameter estimation in electric machines Multiphase drive systems Sensorless control algorithms Loss segregation in drive systems Condition monitoring of industrial and transportation applications Recent publications demonstrate expertise in variable phase-pole machines, harmonic plane decomposition, predictive control algorithms, and advanced modeling of permanent magnet motors. Key application areas include transportation electrification, wind energy systems, and industrial drive technologies. Scientific roles include: Associate Editor, IET Electric Power Applications Journal (2019-present) Theme Co-Leader, Swedish Electromobility Center (2020-present) Member, IEEE (2021-present) and IET (2006-present) He leads the strategic partnership with ABB and contributes to doctoral program committees at University of Padova.
Marko Hinkkanen is a Professor at Aalto University's Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, affiliated with the School of Electrical Engineering. His research focuses on electric drives, power electronics, and control systems, with a strong emphasis on sensorless control, grid converters, and motor drives. He has received numerous awards, including the IEEE Fellow distinction and multiple best paper awards for contributions to sensorless control and grid integration. Research interests span advanced control algorithms, power converter design, and renewable energy systems. His work addresses challenges in grid stability, motor drives under weak grid conditions, and energy-efficient control strategies. Notable achievements include innovations in bearingless motor systems and grid-forming converter control frameworks. His awards reflect impactful contributions: the Aalto ELEC Supervisor Award (2023) highlights exceptional mentorship, while the IEEE Fellow (2023) and numerous paper awards underscore technical excellence. Key publications include advancements in grid-forming control, sensorless techniques, and electromagnetic damping for aircraft systems. He has advised doctoral students such as F. M. Mahafugur Rahman and Hafiz Asad Ali Awan, whose theses won top awards. His labs and collaborations focus on cutting-edge topics like virtual air gap reactors and six-phase machine dynamics.
Dr. Iqbal Husain is the Director of the FREEDM Center and an ABB Distinguished Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University. Previously, he served at the University of Akron for 17 years before joining NC State. He holds a Ph.D. (1993), M.S. (1989), and B.S. (1987) in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, respectively. His research focuses on power electronics, electric drives, and renewable energy systems, with applications in transportation, automotive, and aerospace. Notable contributions include advancements in electric machine design, inverter controls, and grid synchronization. He authored the textbook *Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Design Fundamentals*, now in its third edition. Dr. Husain’s awards include the NSF CAREER Award (1997), SAE Vincent Bendix Award (2006), and IEEE Fellow (2009). His recent work includes developing AI-enabled tools for power grid cybersecurity and medium-voltage solid-state transformers for EV fast charging. He leads interdisciplinary projects at the FREEDM Systems Center, addressing challenges in clean energy and smart grid technologies.
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. Kaushik Rajashekara is a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at the University of Houston, affiliated with the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. He holds leadership roles in academic and industry research, including prior positions at the University of Texas at Dallas, Rolls-Royce, and Delphi Corporation. His expertise spans power electronics, transportation electrification, and renewable energy systems. Education: MBA, Indiana Wesleyan University, 1992 Ph.D., M.S., B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, 1984, 1977, 1974 B.S. in Science & Maths, Bangalore University, 1971 Research Interests: Power electronics and drive systems, subsea electrical systems, electric/hybrid vehicles, aircraft electrification, renewable energy, and microgrids. His work emphasizes sustainable energy solutions and advanced propulsion technologies. Awards: 2022 Global Energy Prize (highest international energy award) Member of U.S. National Academy of Engineering (2012) IEEE Medal for Environmental and Safety Technologies (2021) Multiple fellowships from IEEE, NAI, and SAE Grants & Advising: Extensive industry collaborations, including roles as Chief Technologist at Rolls-Royce and Chief Scientist at Delphi. His research focuses on cutting-edge technologies like flying cars and subsea power systems. Labs/Teams: Active in the PEMSEC lab at UH, advancing power electronics and energy systems. Collaborates globally on projects like offshore renewable energy integration and aircraft electrification.
Marta Molinas is a Professor at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics within the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Her research spans multiple interdisciplinary domains with a focus on EEG technology and brain-computer interfaces. She actively supervises numerous Master's projects and maintains extensive international collaborations with institutions including Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, University of Tsukuba, Juntendo University, and several European universities. Professor Molinas' research interests center on developing innovative EEG technologies, particularly her FlexEEG concept for reduced-channel EEG systems with brain imaging capabilities. Her work integrates signal processing, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience to create practical applications in mental health, sleep research, neurorehabilitation, and human-computer interaction. She specializes in EEG source imaging, machine learning for brain signal analysis, and the development of brain-computer interfaces for various applications including locked-in syndrome communication, ADHD treatment, and driver monitoring systems. Her publication portfolio demonstrates strong trends in interdisciplinary research combining neuroscience with electrical engineering and artificial intelligence. The work shows particular emphasis on developing practical EEG-based systems that minimize invasiveness while maintaining analytical power, with applications spanning healthcare, rehabilitation, and human augmentation. Her research bridges theoretical signal processing with real-world implementations through numerous student projects and international collaborations. Professor Molinas actively supervises a large team of Master's and PhD students across multiple projects, with each project typically requiring two students working collaboratively. Her research is supported through numerous international collaborations with institutions in Japan, India, and Europe, indicating substantial research funding and project leadership. She has developed a pipeline of student projects that build upon previous work, creating a cumulative knowledge base within her research group. She leads the EEG ITK research team at NTNU, which focuses on developing the FlexEEG headset prototype featuring flexible, wireless, dry electrodes designed to move across the scalp. This team works at the intersection of neuroscience, electrical engineering, and computer science, developing applications for sleep research, mental health monitoring, neurorehabilitation, and brain-computer interfaces. The team collaborates extensively with international partners including the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, the International Institute of Integrative Sleep Medicine at University of Tsukuba, and several engineering departments across Europe and Asia.
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.
Christoforos Mavrogiannis is an Assistant Professor of Robotics at the University of Michigan, leading the Fluent Robotics Lab within the Department of Robotics. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from Cornell University and a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens. His research focuses on enabling robots to seamlessly integrate into dynamic, unstructured environments through advancements in human-robot interaction, shared autonomy, multiagent systems, and navigation algorithms. Education: Ph.D. and M.S., Cornell University Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens Research Interests: His work spans human-robot interaction , shared autonomy , and multiagent systems . He develops algorithms for navigating dynamic environments , decentralized control , and behavior prediction , with applications in robotic manipulation and collaborative transport . Recent projects include the HOUND off-road robot and pixel-art generation with mobile robots. Awards: Best paper award at the RSS Social Navigation Workshop (2024) Grants & Advising: He advises the Fluent Robotics Lab and contributes to organizing conferences like ICRA and HRI. His lab focuses on human-centered robotics and socially competent navigation . Labs & Teams: Fluent Robotics Lab at the University of Michigan, collaborating on projects like the HOUND platform and electrostatic brake systems for manipulation.
Remus Teodorescu is a Professor at AAU Energy , Aalborg University , specializing in Power Electronics System Integration and Materials . His work bridges Lithium-Ion Batteries , Modular Multilevel Converters , and Smart Battery Systems . Education : Not explicitly mentioned in the text. Research Interests focus on Battery Management Systems , AI-Driven Energy Optimization , and Power Electronics for renewable energy integration. Key projects include Digital Twin for Lithium-Ion Batteries and BMS-DC for Data Centers . Recent Publications (2025) emphasize Finite Set MPC , Gradient Descent Optimization , and AI in Battery Parameter Estimation . His 2024 work explores Physics-Informed Neural Networks and Fault-Tolerant Converters . Scientific Awards : Villum Foundation Grant (313 million kroner, 2021) Named world's best in electrical engineering (2023) Advising includes supervising PhD projects on AI-Accelerated Battery Twins and Data-Driven SOH Estimation . Collaborations span Energy Cluster Denmark and Villum Fonden .
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Weihan Li is a Junior Professor at RWTH Aachen University, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization for Batteries. He is affiliated with the Institute for Power Electronics and Electrical Drives (ISEA) and the Center for Ageing, Reliability, and Lifetime Prediction of Electrochemical and Power Electronic Systems (CARL). His research bridges informatics, electrochemistry, and power electronics to advance battery technology through AI. B.Sc. in Automotive Engineering (Tongji University, 2014) M.Sc. in Automotive Engineering and Transport (RWTH Aachen, 2017) Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (RWTH Aachen, 2021, summa cum laude) Prof. Li’s research focuses on AI-driven battery modeling, diagnostics, and optimization. Key areas include digital twin technology, electrochemical parameterization, and lifetime prediction using field data. He explores multi-scale kinetic processes, thermal management, and mechanical-electrochemical coupling effects in battery systems. The articles listed reflect his leadership in AI-powered battery analytics, spanning degradation prediction, fast charging, failure mode analysis, and grid-scale storage. His work emphasizes both theoretical innovation (e.g., diffusion models, physics-informed neural networks) and practical applications (e.g., second-life battery screening, automotive integration). Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher 2024 BMBF BattFutur Research Group (€2M+) German Thesis Award (Körber Foundation) Reichart Prize vgbe Innovation Prize Battery Young Research Award Umbrella Award RWTH Innovation Award Prof. Li leads an interdisciplinary research group with over €6 million in grants from BMBF, BMWK, BMDV, European Commission, and industry partners. His teams focus on battery informatics, AI-driven diagnostics, and digitalization of testing processes at CARL and ISEA.
Professor Antonio Griffo holds the position of Professor of Power Electronics and Electric Drives at the University of Sheffield's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He leads the Electrical Machines and Drives Research Group and is involved in the High Reliability Drives Group. His academic journey includes a MSc (2003) and PhD (2007) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Naples, followed by research roles at Bristol and Sheffield Universities before becoming a Lecturer in 2013 and later a Professor. His research focuses on advanced control of electric drives, SiC-based power electronics for aerospace/renewables, fault detection in machines, and thermal management. Key projects include modeling hybrid AC/DC power systems for 'More Electric Aircraft', sensorless control techniques, and real-time simulation methodologies. He has pioneered work on SiC converter reliability, insulation monitoring, and condition-based maintenance systems. Publications (15+ in top journals like IEEE Transactions) emphasize innovative solutions for power electronics challenges, including voltage stress mitigation, thermal modeling, and fault tolerance. His work bridges theory and application, addressing critical issues in aerospace, renewable energy, and electric vehicle systems. Griffo also contributes to educational advancements through modular training platforms for power electronics education. Labs/Teams: Active in the Electrical Machines and Drives Research Group, focusing on high-reliability drive systems and sustainable energy technologies. Collaborates with industry on projects like the EPSRC Offshore Wind Prosperity Partnership.
Dr. Prabodh Bajpai is a Professor in the Department of Sustainable Energy Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor at the same department from July 2022 to December 2022, and before that at the Electrical Engineering Department of IIT Kharagpur from July 2014 to June 2022. He began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at IIT Kharagpur from June 2008 to July 2014. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems) from IIT Kanpur (2008), M.Tech in Energy Studies from IIT Delhi (2001), and B.E. in Electrical Engineering from IIT Roorkee (1997). Dr. Bajpai's research spans renewable energy integration, power system operation and control, microgrid technologies, and smart grid applications. His work focuses on practical implementation of sustainable energy solutions with emphasis on power electronics, energy storage, and grid stability. He has made significant contributions to the fields of distributed generation integration, protection schemes for renewable-rich systems, and energy management in microgrids. His recent publications show a strong focus on DC microgrids, multi-port power converters, and advanced control strategies for renewable integration. The research demonstrates increasing sophistication in power electronics applications for sustainable energy systems, with particular emphasis on practical implementations for commercial and agricultural applications. Dr. Bajpai actively mentors graduate students, currently supervising seven students across PhD and M.Tech programs. His teaching portfolio includes core courses in electrical power engineering, renewables-integrated smart power systems, and energy systems modeling and analysis at IIT Kanpur, building on his extensive teaching experience at IIT Kharagpur where he developed several new courses in renewable energy systems. His research group maintains a Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid test facility and has developed a Renewable Hybrid Energy Power Plant for stand-alone applications, demonstrating his commitment to translating theoretical research into practical implementations.
Professor Lei Zhou is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with an affiliate appointment in Electrical & Computer Engineering. His research focuses on Precision Mechatronics, integrating precision mechanical design, electromagnetics, and control engineering to address challenges in electric machines, motion control, and precision systems. He holds a PhD from MIT (2019), an MS from MIT (2014), and a BE from Tsinghua University (2012). Research interests include: High-performance motion systems and electric motor design Control solutions for precision positioning and robotic actuation Magnetic levitation technologies for manufacturing and medical applications Recent work emphasizes magnetic levitation systems (e.g., LevCube nanopositioning stage) and over-actuated precision stages that break traditional performance trade-offs. His publications span 2020-2025, reflecting advancements in motor design, control algorithms, and mechatronics integration. Notable achievements include the 2023 ASPE Early Career Award and Meta Research Award. Teaching includes courses on mechatronics (ME 376), automatic controls (ME 577/ECE 577), and advanced research supervision (ECE 790/ME 890). He leads the FlexLab and LevLab, focusing on portable mechatronics education and precision motion systems. Current research explores lightweight stages for semiconductor manufacturing and magnetic catheter systems for medical treatments.
Daniel C. Ludois is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, College of Engineering, where he also serves as the Research & Innovation Director for the Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium (WEMPEC). He holds the distinguished title of Jim and Anne Sorden Professor and is an H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellow, reflecting his leadership in research and education. Dr. Ludois earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UW–Madison in 2012 and a B.S. in Physics from Bradley University in 2006. His research focuses on advancing power conversion technologies, particularly through electrostatic machines, capacitive wireless power transfer, wound field synchronous machines, and integrated power electronics. He teaches core courses such as ECE 411 (Introduction to Electric Drives), ECE 711 (Dynamics and Control of AC Drives), and ECE 713 (Electromagnetic Design of AC Machines). Power Electronics Wireless Power Transfer (Capacitive Coupling) Electrostatic Machines (Copper-Free, Steel-Free Motors) Sustainable Electric Machine Design High-Frequency and High-Voltage Power Conversion Brushless Excitation Systems Integration of Inductors and Capacitors His recent publications emphasize high-torque electrostatic machines using dielectric liquids, capacitive power transfer for aerial platforms and rotating machinery, and innovative inverter topologies. These works reflect a strong trend toward sustainable, high-performance electric machines that reduce reliance on rare-earth materials and traditional conductive components. Dr. Ludois has received numerous honors, including: NSF CAREER Award (2015) Moore Inventor Fellowship (2017) DOE InDEEP Competition Phase I & II Awards (2024) H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellow (2023) Vilas Faculty Early Career Investigator Award (2022) Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) Innovation Award (2012) He has mentored a highly entrepreneurial group of students, several of whom have founded startups such as H3X (Forbes 30 Under 30) and C-Motive Technologies, which he co-founded to commercialize electrostatic power conversion devices. His team has secured significant recognition, including multiple Grainger Power Engineering Fellowships and IEEE best paper awards. Dr. Ludois leads a vibrant research lab focused on next-generation power systems, with funding from federal agencies and industry partners, driving innovation in electric transportation, renewable energy, and industrial automation.
