Exploring electrical outages earns opportunity for engineering undergrads

Second-year engineering students Josh Martin and Nick Schembri presented their

research into vulnerabilities in the electrical grid at a workshop last week.

Nick Schembri and Josh Martin, students in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering, were eager to get research experience early in their university careers. The two began working with professors Rupp Carriveau and Jacqueline Stagner in their first year of study and now, in just their second year, had the opportunity to present their findings before a room filled with industry leaders and academic experts.

The students were tasked with investigating North American grid outages and how the electrical grid is impacted at the neighborhood transformer level by new and disruptive loads. They were responsible for measuring grid vulnerability and providing a comprehensive analysis of their findings and writing journal papers.

“The students were given a significant responsibility early on, and they rose to the challenge,” says Dr. Carriveau. “They worked hard to collect data, analyze it, and present their findings to the research team.”

Schembri and Martin made a presentation at “Energy in a Climate of Rapid Change,” Feb. 6 in Toronto. The workshop, which focused on grid vulnerabilities and emerging technologies, also addressed the financial implications of these challenges. Participants explored funding models and solutions to enhance the resilience of energy systems.

Their involvement in the project is a testament to the University’s commitment to fostering practical, impactful research and preparing students for success in their future careers, says Dr. Stagner.

“It’s a great opportunity for our students to gain exposure and showcase the research they’re passionate about,” she says. “Being able to engage with leaders in the energy sector helps to solidify their understanding of the real-world applications of their work.”

Courtesy: https://www.uwindsor.ca/dailynews/2025-02-11/exploring-electrical-outages-earns-opportunity-engineering-undergrads