Team

Current Students

Etornam Ahorsu (UNR, Ph.D., Fall 2024)

Etornam is a Ph.D. student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno, specializing in the application of advanced optimization techniques and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of modern power systems. He holds an M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University, USA, and a B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, where he was recognized as the university valedictorian. His academic journey is complemented by impactful research and teaching experience. His research interests include optimization techniques, power system optimization, electricity markets, and machine learning.

Email: eahorsu@unr.edu | LinkedIn

Abdelwahab Bebars (UNR, Ph.D., Spring 2024, main advisor: Hanif Livani)

Abdelwahab is a research assistant and Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno, working in the Power Systems Lab. His research focuses on power systems optimization and modeling, grid hardening and enhancement technologies, renewable energy integration, and power systems planning. He is dedicated to advancing the resilience and efficiency of modern power grids through innovative solutions and strategic planning. He brings over 8 years of hands-on experience in power generation and distribution, with a proven track record in engineering, design, testing, and reviewing complex technical documents and drawings. His professional background also includes site installation supervision and leadership in multidisciplinary teams. Abdelwahab received his M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering in 2022 from Mansoura University, Egypt.

Email: abebars@unr.edu | LinkedIn

Yago del Barrio Alvarez (JHU, Ph.D., Fall 2024, Co-advisor: Ben Hobbs)

Yago is a Ph.D. student at Johns Hopkins University co-advised by Dr. Hobbs and Dr. Mehrtash, with a research focus on electricity market analysis and design, as well as energy systems modeling for high-renewable scenarios. Before his PhD, he interned at Iberdrola's dispatch center, where he developed optimization software for battery systems. He also contributed to the development of capacity expansion models at the Renewable Integration and Secure Energy (RISE) unit of the IEA. Yago obtained two M.Sc. in Energy Engineering from Technical University of Madrid, Spain, and in Energy Markets and Policy from Sciences PO, France.

Email: ydelbar1@jh.edu | LinkedIn

Eshagh Safarzadeh Ravajiri (JHU, Ph.D., Spring 2025, Co-advisor: Ben Hobbs)

Eshagh is a Ph.D. student at Johns Hopkins University co-advised by Dr. Hobbs and Dr. Mehrtash. He Obtained his M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Tehran in 2024. His current research focuses on behind-the-meter batteries, offshore wind turbines, electricity markets, and life cycle assessment. Eshagh has experience in decarbonizing waste management systems, developing hydrogen refueling stations powered by renewable energy, and implementing renewable-based desalination solutions for remote areas.

Email: esafarz1@jh.edu | LinkedIn | Google Scholar

Ahmed Abouassy (UNR, Ph.D., Spring 2025)

Ahmed is a Ph.D. student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno, conducting research in the Power Systems Lab. He earned his B.Sc. from Benha University, Egypt, in 2017, and his M.Sc. from Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) in 2024. Ahmed has also been a teaching assistant in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Benha Faculty of Engineering since 2018. His research interests include optimization techniques, microgrid control, and power system optimization.

Email: aabouassy@unr.edu | LinkedIn | Google Scholar

Alumni

[A9] Sina Sharifi, (JHU, Ph.D.: 2023 - 2025), Project: Performance Incentive Mechanisms for RA in US Power Markets

[A8] Saroj Khanal, (JHU, Ph.D.: 2023 - 2025), Project: RA Study of PJM Considering Hurricane-Driven Offshore Wind Outages

[A7] Boyu Yao, (JHU, Ph.D.: 2023 - 2024), Project: Understanding Clean-Energy Supply Chains: A US Perspective

[A6] Shen Wang, (JHU, Ph.D.: 2022 - 2024), Project: HOPE: Holistic Optimization Program for Electricity

[A5] Hangrui Liu, (JHU, M.Sc.: 2021 - 2022), Project: Stochastic Multi-stage Integrated Network Expansion Tool

[A4] Reza Mahroo-Bakhtiari, (LSU, Ph.D.: 2020 - 2022), Project: Robust Dynamic TEP with an N-c Security Criterion

[A3] Ghazaleh Mozafari, (UBC, M.Sc.: 2020 - 2022), Project: Transmission Expansion Planning with AC Network Model

[A2] Qian Chen, (UBC, Visiting Student: 2020 - 2021), Project: Transient Peak Shaving Optimization of Gas Pipeline System

[A1] Okan Ciftci, (LSU, M.Sc., 2016 - 2017), Project: Data-Driven Chance-Constrained Optimization for Microgrid Energy Management

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