Assist. Prof. Dr Shekha Rai - Power system - Women Researcher Award

NIT Rourkela - India

Author Profile

Early academic pursuits 🎓

Shekha Rai's academic journey began with his schooling at Donbosco High School and Kendriya Vidyalaya ONGC, Jorhat, where he achieved impressive academic results. His passion for electrical engineering led him to pursue a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Electrical Engineering from Jorhat Engineering College, where he ranked second in his class with a percentage of 74.10%. This laid the foundation for his future endeavors in power systems. He went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Power Systems from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, with a focus on "Robust estimation of low-frequency modes for on-line stability monitoring of power systems," under the guidance of Dr. Praveen Tripathy and Dr. Sisir Kumar Nayak. His work at IIT Guwahati earned him a CGPA of 8.83, marking a significant academic achievement in the field of electrical engineering.

Professional endeavors 🏫

Dr. Shekha Rai’s professional career spans several prestigious academic institutions in India. He has served as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering at NIT Rourkela since March 2020, where he continues to inspire and educate the next generation of engineers. Prior to this, he held assistant professor positions at Jorhat Engineering College and NIT Nagaland, gaining valuable teaching experience. His work across these institutions has made significant contributions to the development of students and research in the field of electrical engineering and power systems.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Dr. Rai’s research is deeply focused on power systems, particularly in the areas of wide-area monitoring and control, as well as power system dynamics and stability. His doctoral research centered on robust methods for real-time monitoring of power system stability using low-frequency modes. By developing innovative Power system techniques for on-line stability monitoring, he has contributed to improving the reliability and security of power grids. Dr. Rai’s work continues to push the boundaries of power system analysis, contributing to enhanced grid stability and control systems, which are vital in today's increasingly complex energy landscape.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

Dr. Shekha Rai has earned recognition for his outstanding research and teaching in the field of electrical engineering. His academic excellence, evident from his high Power system CGPA during his Ph.D. and his first-class B.Tech. achievements, reflects his commitment to the field. Furthermore, his research contributions have been well-regarded by his peers and have led to collaborations with prominent institutions. His roles as a mentor and educator at top engineering colleges, including NIT Rourkela, NIT Nagaland, and Jorhat Engineering College, have further solidified his position as a respected academic in the field.

Impact and influence 🌍

Dr. Rai’s work has had a significant impact on the power systems domain, particularly in the area of stability and monitoring. His research plays a crucial role in Power system ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electrical grids, especially in large, interconnected systems. His contributions have influenced both academic research and practical applications, particularly in grid management and stability monitoring. Through his innovative techniques, Dr. Rai has helped advance the understanding and control of power systems, with broad implications for national and global energy infrastructure.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

As a passionate educator and researcher, Dr. Shekha Rai is laying the groundwork for a lasting legacy in the field of power systems. His contributions to the advancement of stability monitoring techniques will continue to shape the future of power system operations and research. Moving forward, he is poised to explore new frontiers in energy systems, particularly in the integration of renewable energy sources and the optimization of grid stability. His future work promises to address the emerging challenges in power systems, making a profound impact on energy efficiency and sustainability for generations to come.

Notable Publications

Title: Using sparsity to estimate oscillatory mode from ambient data
Authors: S. Rai, P. Tripathy, S.K. Nayak
Journal: Sādhanā, 44(4), 90 (2019)
Title: A robust WKNN-TLS-ESPRIT algorithm for identification of electromechanical oscillation modes utilizing WAMS
Author: S. Rai
Journal: Sādhanā, 45(1), 265 (2020)
Title: A nonlinear filtering technique along with RD and TLS-ESPRIT for mode identification of ambient data
Authors: S. Rai, S.K. Nayak, P. Tripathy
Conference: 2015 Annual IEEE India Conference (INDICON), 1-6 (2015)
Title: Model order estimation for low-frequency oscillations in power systems by an advanced K-mean clustering approach
Authors: M. Sahoo, J. Sandeep, S. Rai
Journal: Electric Power Systems Research, 224, 109676 (2023)
Title: A K-Medoids-LSTM Based Technique for Electromechanical Modes Identification for Synchrophasor Applications
Authors: M. Sahoo, A. Roy, S. Rai
Conference: 2023 International Conference on Power, Instrumentation, Control and … (2023)

Early academic pursuits 📚

Shima Sadaf's journey into the world of electrical engineering began with a b.tech in electrical engineering from aligarh muslim university in 2004, where she displayed a strong foundation in power systems and electrical machinery. her interest in energy and power dynamics deepened during her m.tech at the same institution, where she graduated with honors in 2007, focusing on power systems & drives. her early projects, such as designing high-voltage transmission lines and transformers, laid the groundwork for her future in cutting-edge research and teaching.

Professional endeavors 🏫

currently an assistant professor at the department of electrical engineering, king faisal university, shima has shaped her career around power electronics, renewable energy, and microgrid/nanogrid applications. she has taken on various teaching and mentoring roles, helping to shape the next generation of engineers. her involvement in courses like power systems engineering and renewable energy technologies showcases her commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions while fostering a supportive learning environment for her students.

Contributions and research focus 🌿

Shima’s research focuses on the future of renewable energy, especially in the fields of microgrid and nanogrid applications. her ph.d. research at qatar university, completed in 2022 with distinction and a gold medal, was a significant contribution to the field of power electronics. she developed innovative high-gain dc-dc Power Electronics converters tailored for nanogrid applications, helping to solve critical issues related to energy efficiency and stability. her work has opened new doors in wireless power transfer and electric vehicle applications, aligning with the global transition toward sustainable energy.

Accolades and recognition 🏆

throughout her academic journey, shima has earned several recognitions. most notably, her distinction and gold medal for her ph.d. from qatar university highlight her academic excellence and pioneering work in renewable energy and power electronics. she is also a valued member of ieee, leed ap bd+c, and a certified project Power Electronics management professional (pmp®), which reflects her multidisciplinary expertise and her contributions to the global engineering community.

Impact and influence 🌍

Shima’s work extends beyond her own research; she actively contributes to the development of energy-efficient technologies and inspires her students to engage with renewable energy. her research on microgrids, high-gain dc-dc converters, and wireless power transfer is influencing modern approaches to energy distribution, Power Electronics particularly in high-demand applications such as electric vehicles and sustainable power systems. her mentorship and guidance have also shaped many aspiring engineers, encouraging them to think critically and innovate in the field of energy engineering.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

Shima sadaf’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the future of sustainable energy. her innovative approaches to power electronics and renewable energy applications will continue to influence future generations of researchers and engineers. her ongoing work in microgrid technologies and electric vehicle power systems positions her as a leader in the global shift toward greener energy solutions, ensuring that her contributions will have a lasting impact on both academia and industry.