FEEDER
The following students have been selected to represent their universities and the Foundations for Engineering Education for Distributed Energy Resources) FEEDER Consortium as charter members of the national GEARED Student Innovation Board. In addition to an advisory role to FEEDER, they are responsible for communicating opportunities and promoting student participation in GEARED-related activities on their campuses.
Adam Sameer Al-Dbhany
University of Kentucky
Senior, Computer Engineering and Computer Science
Hometown: Frankfort, KY
Contact:
Academic Goals
Career Goals
Student Organizations
Muthanna Al-Sarray
University of Arkansas
PhD, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Baghdad, Iraq
Contact:
maalsarr@uark.edu
muthannaalsarray@gmail.com
Academic Goals
- Graduate with a PhD in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power systems with renewable resources, FACTS devices, and power marketing.
- Objective of Research – Analyzing and Improving Power System Stability and Reliability with Renewable Resources and FACTS Devices
Career Goals
- Apply the knowledge and skills gained at the University of Arkansas and integrate them into rebuilding and developing the Iraqi Electrical Network.
Student Organizations
- IEEE Chapter Student
- S.P.A.C.E. Hogs member
Inalvis Alvarez
University of Central Florida
B.A. Program, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba
Contact:
AlvarezFernandez@knights.ucf.edu
Academic Goals
- Complete Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering by Spring 2018.
- Obtain a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Career Goals
- Participate in some power systems research while pursuing Graduate Degree.
- Work with renewable resources and clean energy solutions.
- Work in the power generation industry.
Student Organizations
- Member of GEARED Student Innovation Board and FEEDER Distributed Technology Energy Consortium representing the University of Central Florida.
Dan Bauer
University of South Carolina
MS Program, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Contact:
Academic Goals
Career Goals
Student Organizations
Jonathan Brooks
University of Florida
Ph.D. Program, Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Oviedo, FL
Contact:
JonathanBrooksUF@gmail.com
Academic Goals
- Obtain a fellowship to allow completion of the Ph.D. program in the field of power systems
- Become an expert in the field of power and energy
- Contribute to the development of smart-grid technology
Career Goals
- Pursue a career in the energy sector to help usher in a new era for energy and power
Student Organizations
Neil Cammardella
University of Florida
Ph.D. Program, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
Contact:
Academic Goals
Career Goals
Student Organizations
Kristin Clarey
University of South Carolina
BSE in Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Contact:
clareyk@email.sc.edu
Academic Goals
- Graduate with a BSE in Electrical Engineering
Career Goals
- Apply the knowledge and skills gained at the University of South Carolina and integrate them into the Electrical Engineering and robotics industries
Student Organizations
- IEEE, Student Advisory Board
Matthew Coalson
University of Central Florida
Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Contact:
matt.coalson@gmail.com
ucf.ewb.fundraising@gmail.com
Academic Goals
- My goal is to receive of B.S. degree in mechanical engineering with a focus on materials.
Career Goals
- I am interested in working at the intersection of micro and utility storage.
Student Organizations
- Founder of Environmental Studies Club at Florida Southwestern State College
- Fundraising Chair for Engineers Without Borders, UCF Chapter: ewb-ucf.org
Thomas Cook
University of Pittsburgh
Senior, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Dillsburg, PA
Contact:
tvc8@pitt.edu
Academic Goals
- Graduate with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering with an Electric Power concentration and Mechanical Engineering Minor.
Career Goals
- Work in the electric power industry to improve the infrastructure of our national power grid and to incorporate alternative forms of energy.
Student Organizations
- Eta Kappa Nu
- Student Electronic Research Center Supervisor
Elizabeth Devore
Auburn University
Graduate M.S. Program, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Largo, FL
Contact:
ead0012@tigermail.auburn.edu
Academic Goals
- Graduate with an M.S. degree in electrical engineering in 2015
- Advance my knowledge and research capabilities in power systems
Career Goals
- Pursue a career in power systems engineering research with a utility company or a national laboratory
- Apply the knowledge and skills gained at Auburn University to the challenges associated with integrating the broad diversity of energy systems into grid networks
Student Organizations
- Member of the GEARED Student Innovation Board representing Auburn University and the FEEDER Distributed Technology Training Consortium
- Active member of the IEEE Student Chapter and Industry Applications Society (IAS)
- Active collegiate member of the Society of Women Engineers
Michele Difronzo
University of South Carolina
Ph.D. Electrical/Electronics Enegineering
Hometown: Valenzano, Italy
Contact:
micheled@email.sc.edu
difronzomichele@gmail.com
Academic Goals
- To pursue the Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering;
- To publish papers on major Journals related to Real Time Hardware-In-The-Loop (HIL) simulations on Power Systems and Power Electronics systems;
- To set up strong research cooperation agreements between our team and major companies related to our field of research
Career Goals
- To find a challenging and interesting job in the major companies related to my field of research;
- to lead a group of high specialized Engineers on developing innovative solutions and leading edge projects;
- share the knowledge and experience acquired after 7 years in the Industry and this Ph.D.
Student Organizations
- Student Innovation board member @University of South Carolina.
Bimarsha Ghimire
University of Kentucky
Sophomore, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky
Contact:
Academic Goals
Career Goals
Student Organizations
Melanie Gonzalez
Florida State University
Undergraduate, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Tallahassee, FL
Contact:
Academic Goals
Career Goals
Student Organizations
Santino Fiorello Graziani
University of Pittsburgh
PhD Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Aliquippa, PA
Contact:
sfg10@pitt.edu
Academic Goals
- PhD in Electrical Engineering
Career Goals
- PhD Electrical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh
Student Organizations
- Eta Kappa Nu, Beta Delta Chapter President
Ali Hariri
Florida State University
Ph.D. Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Hometown: Abba, Lebanon
Contact:
ahh13@my.fsu.edu
hariri@caps.fsu.edu
Academic Goals
- Received a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon, 2013
- Started Ph.D. degree program at Florida State University in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2013
- Currently working as a Research Assistant at the Center for Advanced Power Systems at FSU under the supervision of Dr. Omar Faruque in the Renewable Energy and Smart Grid research group; research is focused on studying the impacts of high penetration of PV integration in distribution networks, including developing necessary simulation tools and models for these types of studies.
- Publication: A. Hariri and O. Faruque, “Impacts of Distributed Generation on Power Quality,” North American Power Symposium (NAPS), Pullman, WA, 2014
Career Goals
- After graduation, pursue a research position in industry in the area of smart grid development and renewable energy integration
Student Organizations
- IEEE Graduate Student Section and IEEE Power and Energy Society, FSU
- Secretary for Engineers Without Borders, FSU Chapter
- Secretary for the Lebanese Social Organization, FSU
Jingchen Liang
The University of Texas at Dallas
2020 PhD Program, Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics and Power Systems
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Contact:
jxl146930@utdallas.edu
Academic Goals
- Graduate with a PhD degree in Power Electronics and Power Systems before 2020
Career Goals
- Apply the knowledge and skills I gained in my future career.
Student Organizations
- Member of the GEARED Student Innovation Board
Lizon Maharjan
The University of Texas at Dallas
2019 Ph.D. Electrical Engineering – Power Electronics and Power Systems
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Contact:
lxm125130@utdallas.edu
Academic Goals
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
Career Goals
- Become a valuable member of an effective engineering team
Student Organizations
- Industry Application Society, UT- Dallas
Pinank Nagda
University Of Pittsburgh
Graduate M.S. Program, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Contact:
pin2@pitt.edu
Academic Goals
- Graduate in 2016 with a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering
- Main research focus is on the integration of distributed renewable energy systems into the electrical grid network
- Strong focus on developing Smart Grid Technologies
Career Goals
- After graduation, pursue a career in industry where I can apply my research background
Student Organizations
Aryana Nakhai
University of Pittsburgh
Senior, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Contact:
ayn2@pitt.edu
Academic Goals
- Successfully complete 3 full co-op rotations.
- Get involved in undergraduate research.
- Complete a power concentration and a focus in Mechanical Engineering before graduation.
- Graduate with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in December 2018.
- Pursue an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
Career Goals
- Pursue a career in engineering where I can incorporate my skills and knowledge in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and power.
Student Organizations
- Electrical Engineering co-op position at BMW Manufacturing Co.
- Society of Women Engineers – Active Member, Pitt
- Pitt IEEE – Active Member, Pitt
- Pitt Women in Computer Science Program – Accepted Student, Pitt
Rajasimha Narasimha
University of Kentucky
Sophomore, Finance and Accounting
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky
Contact:
Academic Goals
Career Goals
Student Organizations
Alvi Newaz
Florida State University
M.S. Program, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Contact:
Academic Goals
Career Goals
Student Organizations
Ornella Ngalamulume
University of Central Florida
Junior, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Contact:
ornellamulume@knights.ucf.edu
Academic Goals
- Graduate with a BS in Electrical Engineering in 2019
- Develop expertise in Power Systems theory by taking advantage of courses and software offered.
- Practice theory through research and internships
- Support student groups focusing on familiarizing interested students with the Power Industry
Career Goals
- Join the power industry and help to integrate new research into industrial practices
Student Organizations
- IEEE-PES
- Member, Fall 2016 – Present
- Energy Knights
- Vice-President, Fall 2015 – Fall 2016
- Member, Fall 2016 – Present
- Society of Automotive Engineers
- Member, Fall 2014 – Spring 2015
Juan Jose Opsina
Florida State University
M.S. Program, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Cali, Colombia
Contact:
Academic Goals
Career Goals
Student Organizations
Jay Rajendran
University of South Carolina
Senior, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Contact:
Academic Goals
- Graduate with a BS in Electrical Engineering in May 2019 and pursue a Master’s in Sound, Acoustic, or Electrical Engineering
- Take classes toward a minor in either computer science or business management
- Apply my co-op knowledge and work ethic to my final semesters as an EE major and to my senior project
Career Goals
- Work in a sound/acoustic engineering setting with a major audio hardware company like Bose, Audiotechnica, Sony, etc.
- Find a new work environment within a major city like Philadelphia, Charlotte, Raleigh, Houston, etc.
- Seeking opportunities in manufacturing
Student Organizations
- Member of the GEARED Student Innovation Board representing USC and the FEEDER Distributed Technology Training Consortium
- Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity
Michael Rathbun
University of Central Florida
Electrical Engineering, PhD 2021
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Contact:
Rathbun.michael@knights.ucf.edu
Academic Goals
- Graduate with my PhD in 2021;
- Successfully integrate distributed energy resources while maintaining system reliability and robustness;
- Assist in the development of activities regarding power systems within the electrical and computer engineering department at UCF
Career Goals
- Become a researcher and professor while studying and teaching control systems and method regarding the integration of renewable energy sources into distribution circuits
Student Organizations
- IEEE Power and Energy Society
Parker Rice
University of South Carolina
Sophomore, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Saico, ME
Contact:
Academic Goals
Career Goals
Student Organizations
Ranadhir Sarkar
University of Central Florida
Ph.D. Program, Electrical and Computer Science
Hometown: Calcutta, India
Contact:
ranadhir.ee@gmail.com
ranadhir.sarkar@knights.ucf.edu
Academic Goals
- Graduate in 2018 with a PhD in Electrical Engineering
- Perform substantial research in the field of Power Systems, especially in the areas like microgrids and the smart grid
- Learn various mathematical tools and research methodologies in order to do multifarious research after completion of PhD
Career Goals
- Pursue a career in the energy sector to implement the knowledge gathered during my graduate studies
- Pursue a career in the field of research and development to utilize the skills learned during my graduate studies
Student Organizations
Austin Sockwell
Auburn University
Hometown: Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Contact:
ras0056@tigermail.auburn.edu
Academic Goals
- Graduate with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in May 2018.
Career Goals
- Pursue a career as a Power Systems Engineer with a utility company.
Student Organizations
- Member of the GEARED Student Innovation Board representing Auburn University and the FEEDER Distributed Technology Training Consortium.
Dekwuan Stokes
University of Pittsburgh
Class of 2019
Hometown: Coatesville, Pennsylvania
Contact:
des154@pitt.edu
Academic Goals
- Get involved in undergraduate research.
- Complete a power concentration.
- Minor in Mathematics and Computer Science
- Graduate with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in December 2019.
- Pursue an PhD in Electrical Engineering.
Career Goals
- Pursue a career as professor and create my own business using my background in Electrical Engineering
Student Organizations
- Electrical Engineering co-op position at Eaton.
- Pitt NSBE – Active Member, Pitt
- Pitt Excel – Active Member, Pitt
- Pitt IEEE – Active Member, Pitt
Arnold Sullivan
University of Florida
Senior, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Contact:
Academic Goals
Career Goals
Student Organizations
Jordan Tynan
University of South Carolina
Junior, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Gaffney, South Carolina
Contact:
jtynan@email.sc.edu
Academic Goals
- Graduate with B.S. in EE in May 2019. Graduate with Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Career Goals
- Achieve P.E. license, pursue career in smart grid / nuclear design and implementation.
Student Organizations
- Member of the GEARED Student Innovation Board representing USC and the FEEDER Distributed Technology Training Consortium.
- Electrical Engineering Student Advisory Board Member.
- IEEE Student Chapter Member.
Muhammad Usama Usman
Florida State University
PhD, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Muzaffarabad, Kashmir
Contact:
Academic Goals
Career Goals
Student Organizations
Jerrod Wigmore
University of South Carolina
Freshman, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Richmond VA
Contact:
Academic Goals
Career Goals
Student Organizations
Shane Witsell
San Diego State University
Senior, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Kailua, Hawaii
Contact:
s.witsell1@gmail.com
Academic Goals
- Graduate with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering May 2019
- Attain a PhD in Electrical Engineering focusing on photonics, and quantum computing power
- Complete current research project to design a Giant Magnetoresistive sensor array for power consumption monitoring with algorithmic controls.
Career Goals
- Apply the skills and experience gained from San Diego State University to the new era of computing materials and technology in a research and development position.
Student Organizations
- Current IEEE SDSU student member and previous Chapter Chair
- IMSD MBRS Undergraduate Researcher.
Zachary Zelenka
University of Arkansas
Senior, Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Farmington, AR
Contact:
zzelenka@email.uark.edu
Academic Goals
- Obtain a B.S. degree in electrical engineering with a focus on:
- The application of power electronics for more efficient systems
- Control systems – mixed signal design and compensation
- Opportunity to design a remote refrigeration control and communication system for another engineering department
- Compete in the IEEE Region 5 Robotics competition
- Hold meaningful transactions through IEEE PELS that will have lasting benefit for participating students and faculty
- Improve understanding of leadership through organization, delegation, and example
Career Goals
- Pursue a career in industry that will allow me to use my knowledge and abilities – all while building upon the same principles noted above
Student Organizations
- IEEE member focused on improving the relationships of local students with inter-departmental, national, and international organizations, and to making electrical engineering fun for students
- IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS), Chapter President; designated focus of high value speakers is to bring students’ attention to the state-of-the-art in power electronics applications, as well as entrepreneurial insight in system development
Yiqi Zhang
University of Kentucky
PhD in Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
Contact:
yzh375@uky.edu
Academic Goals
- Graduate with Ph.D in Electrical Engineering
Career Goals
- Apply the knowledge and skills gained at the University of Kentucky to address the challenges facing utilities with the evolving grid network
