Assistant Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering
San Diego State University
Director, Smart Grid Lab (E220)
Co-Director SDSU SCEIN -Southern California Energy Innovation Network
Email: smanshadi AT sdsu DOT edu
Office: E202D
We have 2-3 open PhD positions at the Smart Grid Lab at San Diego State University (SDSU) in collaboration with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). These joint PhD positions offer a unique opportunity for highly motivated and qualified candidates with a strong background in power systems, optimization, and machine learning.
As a PhD student in this program, you will primarily conduct research at the Smart Grid Lab at SDSU while taking your courses at UCSD, and upon completion, you will be granted a doctoral degree from both UCSD and SDSU. The program aims to develop cutting-edge solutions for the future smart grid infrastructure, addressing challenges in areas such as renewable energy integration, grid resilience, energy efficiency, and advanced control strategies.
A strong background in power systems, optimization, and machine learning
A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field is preferred
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Experience with relevant software tools and programming languages is a plus
To apply, please email the following materials with the subject line "Fall 2024 Smart Grid Lab PhD Applicant" to smanshadi AT sdsu DOT edu before Nov. 15, 2023:
Your CV/Resume
A letter of interest and qualifications
Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
Standard test records (e.g., GRE (optional), TOEFL, etc. - or plan to take them)
Any publication or sample writing (if available)
We encourage all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible, as the portal will open Oct. 1, 2023. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic and interdisciplinary research team and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for the future smart grid.
08/2023: I am elevated to IEEE Senior Member.
07/2023: I interviewed Steve Price of CBS8 San Diego on " Tips to prevent your electricity bill from spiking during heat wave "
06/2023: I have received the NSF ERI award entitled "ERI: Resilient Operational Planning of Electricity Grid under the Risk of Wildfire. "
06/2023: Our paper, entitled "Carbon-Aware Operation of Resilient Vertical Farms in Active Distribution Networks " has been accepted in IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid.
06/2023: Our paper, entitled "Coordinating flexible ramping products with dynamics of the natural gas network" has been accepted in Sustinable Energy, Grids and Networks.
06/2023: Our paper, entitled "Unleashing Grid Services Potential of Electric Vehicles for the Volt/VAR Optimization Problem" has been accepted in IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology.
10/2022: I gave a talk on "Decarbonizing Electricity" at Electricity Working Group Workshop held by County of San Diego.
08/2022: Our paper, entitled "Strategic Competition of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in a Regulated Retail Electricity Market" has been selected as a Best Paper Award Finalist at the IEEE PES GM 2022 Conference in Denver, CO.
05/2022: I gave a talk at IEEE PES/PELS San Diego Chapter Meeting titile "The Dynamic Response of the Natural Gas Network due to the Volatility of Renewable Generation."
10/2020: I gave a talk at IEEE PES/PELS San Diego Chapter Meeting titile "Challenges and Opportunities of Transportation Electrification."
07/2019: I gave a talk at IEEE PES/PELS San Diego Chapter Meeting titile "Economics of Rooftop Solar."
National Science Foundation: "ERI: Resilient Operational Planning of Electricity Grid under the Risk of Wildfire"
Southern California Gas Company: "Climate Champions Program"
California Energy Commission: "Southern California Energy Innovation Network"
Global Energy Interconnection Research Institute, North America: "Toward an Efficient Optimal Power Flow"
California Air Resource Board: "Imperial Valley Community-Focused Collaborative Research Plan"