Edvina Uzunovic of Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

This talk will focus on advancing power systems education, innovation, and climate resilience in the face of emerging energy challenges. As the founder of PES University, she has championed continuous learning and professional development across the IEEE PES community. Her vision emphasizes bridging the gap between industry and academia to foster shared innovation and prepare the workforce for a sustainable energy future. Key focus areas include the integration of nuclear energy—particularly small modular reactors—for high-demand AI data centers, as well as combining nuclear, hydrogen, and water-energy initiatives into modern grid strategies. Dr. Uzunovic advocates for standards that support emerging technologies while maintaining PES’s independence, technical integrity, and relevance. Her talk will reflect on her leadership journey, share insights into fostering a culture of inclusive education, and highlight opportunities for the next generation of engineers to lead resilient, decarbonized, and technically advanced power systems worldwide.

Biography:

Dr. Edvina Uzunovic is the Associate Director of Power Systems Engineering and an Assistant Teaching Professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. With over 25 years of industry and academic experience, she has led and contributed to numerous innovations in power systems, including work at EPRI and CIGRE. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo and has received multiple awards for her technical contributions to FACTS and grid modernization. A senior IEEE PES member, Dr. Uzunovic founded PES University and has served as Vice President of Education, Region Representative, and Scholarship Committee Chair. Her leadership continues to shape workforce development and lifelong learning across the global power systems community.