people

Current PhD Students:

Abodh Poudyal (Ph.D., Fall 2020): I am fourth year Ph.D. student in Electrical Engineering in the school of EECS at Washington State University (WSU), Pullman. I completed my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University in 2016 and MS in Electrical Engineering from South Dakota State University in 2020. My research interest is focused on resilience enhancement of electric power systems against extreme weather events through mathematical modeling and optimization. I am also interested on data analytics, application of learning-based methods for power grids, and tool development for smart grid operations. website. github. E-mail.

Daniel Glover (PhD, Fall 2021) - received my B.S. in Electrical Engineering and an M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Oklahoma Gallogly College of Engineering in 2020 and 2021. I am currently a Ph.D. student at Washington State University in the school of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. My active research topic is the application of AI and deep reinforcement learning for grid-edge device coordination in distribution systems, with a focus on safety and robustness by examining methods to mitigate the simulation-to-reality gap and domain shift phenomena for improved policy transfer. I am also a National Intel Scholar, member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), Climate Change AI volunteer, and National GEM Fellow. LinkedIn. Email. GitHub.

Sajjad Uddin Mahmud (PhD, Spring 2022) - My current research focuses on devising efficient techniques and solutions to ensure the resilience of power grids and uphold the consistent delivery of energy, especially under severe weather conditions. Besides, I gained extensive experience in designing and implementing grid-integrated rooftop solar systems, solar irrigation systems, and solar home systems in Bangladesh. I obtained my Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh, in 2020 and 2015, respectively. Website. Email. GitHub.

Ninad Kiran Gaikwad (PhD, Spring 2022) - I am from Mumbai, Maharashtra, in India. I received my BTech in Electrical Engineering from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, Mumbai in 2012, my MTech in Power Electronics and Power Systems from Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Mumbai in 2016, and my MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida, Gainesville in 2021. I am currently a Research Assistant at the SCALE lab pursuing my Ph.D. in Electrical engineering and MS in Computer Science from WSU. My current research focuses on developing computationally efficient representations of building thermal models for intelligent control of networked buildings. Also, my other research interests include employing Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Reinforcement Learning (RL) techniques for optimal control of energy systems, and forecasting of renewable energy generation. I aim to work as a researcher at a national laboratory after graduation and get back into academia at some point. During my free time, I like to take long road trips and play table tennis and guitar. Email, Website, LinkedIn, GitHub.

Aryan Ritwajeet Jha (PhD, Fall 2022) - My current research focuses on Multi-Period Optimization in Power Distribution Networks with intertemporal constraints such as those introduced by energy storage systems. I put a strong emphasis on translating research into practical solutions through programming, mathematical modeling, and scientific computing. My aim is to empower power system engineers by simplifying complex analyses and facilitating the transformation of mathematical concepts into accessible, user-friendly tools. My academic background includes a BE in EEE from BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus in 2020 and graduate work in Power System Operation and Control at IIT Delhi between 2020-22. I love my colleagues, my course-mates and my professors, and I love working with people of diverse backgrounds and skill sets. If you’re looking to join a lab with excellent culture and competent lab-mates, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via any of the below avenues. Email. LinkedIn. GitHub.

Shishir Lamichhane (PhD, 2023), I’m working as a graduate research assistant at the Energy Systems Innovation Centre (ESIC) at WSU. My research interests include power system modeling, resilient power systems with changing climate, decisions under uncertainty, and system restoration. My main focus is on developing a scalable framework for planning and optimization of electric power systems. I love doing yoga and meditation during my spare time. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Pulchowk Campus, IOE in Nepal back in 2021.

Charlotte Wertz (PhD Student, Fall 2023) –I am a 1st year PhD student at Washington State University studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. My research interests are in the intersection of power system resiliency and energy equity. I am part of the Distinguished Graduate Research Program (DGRP), a fellowship that enables me to collaborate with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for my dissertation. I am currently funded by Graduate Assistance for Areas of National Need (GAANN) fellowship and being trained on applying computer science principles to power engineering. I received my bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power systems from Washington State University in May 2023. Github. LinkedIn.

Athul Jose P (PhD, Fall 2023) - I am a first-year Ph.D. student in Electrical Engineering at the School of EECS at Washington State University. I received my Bachelor of Technology from Govt Engineering College Thrissur, India, and a Master of Technology in Power Systems from National Institute of Technology Calicut, India. My current research interests center around the flexibility and aggregation of Distributed Energy Resources, utilizing optimal control and reinforced learning for flexibility market applications. I am an enthusiastic badminton player during leisure. Email, Website, LinkedIn, GitHub.

Anup Parajuli (PhD, Fall 2023) - I am a Graduate Research Assistant in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at WSU, Pullman. I received my bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Institute of Engineering (I.O.E), Pulchowk Campus, Nepal in 2021. My research interests include Power System Optimization and Resiliency, Integration of DERs, etc. My current research focuses on multi-period optimal power flow (MPOPF) in distribution systems with battery energy storage. Email, GitHub.

Kunal Shankar (PhD, Spring 2024) - I am a first-year Phd student in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at WSU Pullman. I am from Kolkata India. I completed my Btech from Birla Institute of Technology Mesra in 2023. After that, I worked as a Deputy Manager Energy Analyst at Schneider Electrics. My current research interests are Integration of DERs, Optimisation, and Machine Learning. I love to sing songs and watch kdramas during my free time. Email, Website, LinkedIn, GitHub.

Current Masters Students:

Current Undergrad Students:

Kasey Dettlaff - I am a fourth-year undergraduate student studying electrical engineering at Washington State University. My research interests include the integration of renewables, smart-grid technology, and machine learning. I’m currently working on applying machine-learning concepts to building power consumption modeling. I also intern at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories with a focus on power system protection. My ultimate goal is to make power safer, more sustainable, and more equitable. I’m projected to graduate in Fall 2024, after which I plan to pursue a Master’s in electrical engineering. Email, LinkedIn, GitHub.

Current Post Doctoral Students:

Subho Paul (Postdoctoral Researcher, Oct 2022 - Present): I am a Post-doctoral Research Associate in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Washington State University, Pullman, USA. I received my M.E. degree in Electrical Engineering with Power systems specialization from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India, in 2016, and my Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India, in 2021. From October 2021 to September 2022, I worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate under the Indo-US UI-ASSIST project at IIT Roorkee. My research interest includes power system optimization, distribution network optimal power flow, microgrid energy management, and the application of deep learning techniques in power system. My current research work focuses on the impact analysis of communication and data issues on the performance of distribution network OPF analysis. I was the recipient of the University Gold Medal for standing first in order of merit in the M.E. degree from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India, in 2016. Email. Linkedin. Github

Past PhD and Masters students:

• Surendra Bajagain, Ph.D., Dec 2023, “Enhancing Distribution System Situational Awareness Using Smart Meters” (Power Engineer at Dominion Energy). LinkedIn
• Rabayet Sadnan, Ph.D., May 2023, “Distributed Computation and Optimization for Electric Power Distribution Systems,” (Research Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratories). LinkedIn
• Lusha Wang, Ph.D. May 2022, (co-advised with Dr. Noel Schulz), “Optimal Planning and Operation of Distribution Systems with Massive Electric Vehicles,” (Assistant Professor at University of Alabama). LinkedIn
• Gayathri Krishnamoorthy, Ph.D. May 2022, “Frequency regulation service provision from distribution Connected battery energy storage systems” (Research Engineer at National Renewable Energy Laboratories). LinkedIn
• Mohammad Ostadijafari, Ph.D. Dec 2021, “Coordination of Demand-side Flexibility in Power Distribution Systems,” (Power Systems Software Engineer at GE Digital). LinkedIn
• Rahul Jha, Ph.D. Dec 2020, “Network-Level Optimization for Volt/Var Control in Unbalanced Electric Power Distribution Systems,” (Senior Engineer at ComEd). LinkedIn
• Shiva Poudel, Ph.D. Summer 2020, “Quantifying and Improving Resilience in Power Distribution Systems” (Research Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratories). LinkedIn
• Andrew Ian Cannon, M.S. Dec 2021, “Distributed Algorithms to Accurately Share Reactive Power in Islanded Microgrid Systems”. LinkedIn
• Gayathri Krishnamoorthy, M.S. May 2018, “An Iterative Co-simulation Framework for the Integrated Transmission and Distribution System Analysis,”. LinkedIn
• Anandini Bharadwaj, M.S., May 2019, “Operational Topology Estimation of Three Phase Unbalanced Power Distribution Systems with Outages”. LinkedIn
• Arun Imayakumar, M.S. Dec 2019 (co-advised with Dr. Anjan Bose), “Anomaly Detection for Primary Distribution System Measurements using Principal Component Analysis”. LinkedIn