We are hiring!

Our Research

We are a group of researchers at University of Alberta enthusiastic about developing novel machine learning, control and optimization algorithms. And we are interested in designing algorithmic tools, frameworks, and pipelines for achieving clean energy transition. To achieve such goals, we look into design, planning, operation challenges of power and energy systems. At the U of A, we have strong foundations in the area of power and energy systems, control theory, machine learning and reinforcement learning. The University of Alberta also ranks sixth in the world and first in North America for its work to address humanity’s greatest sustainability challenges. AI and Machine Learning research at the U of A ranks 2nd in Canada and 9th in North America. 

Our research is highly interdisciplinary. We are interested in designing fundamental theories, novel algorithms and computational tools to tackle the emerging engineering challenges arising from multiple fields, such as  making decisions in complex, dynamical and unknown environments, integrating stochastic renewables into energy systems, and modeling and analyzing the interactions between data, physical devices and human users. Our expertise spans automatic control, machine learning, power system dynamics, mathematical optimization in both theories and applications.

Some projects include,

1. Mapping embodied carbon emission to power network operations and distributions;

2. Learning to solve combinatorial or large scale optimization to fulfill real-time autonomous decision-making;

3. Understanding and designing physics-guided machine learning and Generative AI schemes to align with cyber-physical systems;

4. Dynamics modeling, analysis and control of low-inertia power systems.

Open Positions

We have 2-3 openings for graduate students (for both MSc and PhD levels) in our group for Spring 2025 and Fall 2025. If you are interested in the general areas of control and optimization, power and energy systems, and machine learning, please drop me an email with your research interests and related experiences. Students from all identities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Graduate students in my lab will be fully funded by RAs and TAs. There are also a series of opportunities available through fellowships, industrial collaborations, computing resources at U of A. 

For more information about graduate studies at the ECE department at the University of Alberta please refer to:

Graduate Studies | Electrical and Computer Engineering (ualberta.ca) 

https://www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies/prospective-students

Exceptionally well qualified students can also be considered for other scholarships:

https://www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies/awards-and-funding

NSERC Scholarships: http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/index_eng.asp

Alberta Innovates Scholarships: https://www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies/awards-and-funding/scholarships/alberta-innovates

Intern students, visiting students and postdocs: I am always open to collaborations of all formats. Please send me an email outlining your motivation and background, and I am sure we can find some interesting topics to chat around our research interests. We can also work together on finding the right programs and available scholarships. Some of these opportunities are listed below.

University of Alberta Research Experience (UARE) for undergraduate students

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships 

Preferred Requirements

• A MSc/BSc degree in automatic control, electrical engineering, computer science, machine learning, or a related field;

• Highly motivated to conduct world-leading research in power and energy systems, AI&ML, optimization and control;

• Strong mathematical and programming skills;

• Good communication skills in English and willingness to collaborate in a team environment.

About University of Alberta and Edmonton

You can find more introduction about U of A at the university's official page. Edmonton is an enjoyable city to live in, with diverse culture, numerous outdoor activities, and convenient transportation systems. You will be fully amused by two renowned national parks in the famous Canadian Rockies year round, Banff and Jasper National Parks.