PhD — Electrical Engineering
A PhD in Electrical Engineering is a research degree — the goal is not to learn more of what is already known, but to generate new knowledge. These notes document the advanced coursework, research methods, literature, and in-progress work that comprise the doctoral journey.
Components of a PhD Program
Advanced Coursework
Graduate-level courses beyond undergraduate EE. Typical areas:
- Advanced Power Systems Analysis
- Optimization Methods for Engineering
- Machine Learning for Power Systems
- Power Electronics and Control
- Stochastic Systems and Estimation
- Numerical Methods for Engineers
Research Methodology
Formulating research questions, literature review processes, experimental design, simulation methodology, writing and publishing.
Literature Review
Systematic review of existing research. Key journals: IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, Applied Energy.
Research Tools
MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, PyTorch), OpenDSS, PowerWorld, PSS/E, PSCAD. LaTeX for writing.
Thesis / Dissertation
Original research contribution. Proposal, defense, chapters, committee review. Timeline and milestone management.
Teaching & Mentorship
TA responsibilities, office hours, mentoring junior students. Communication of complex technical material.
Potential Research Areas
Given the broader context of this vault, likely research focus areas include:
- Distribution system optimization under high DER penetration
- Grid-forming inverter control for resilience
- Machine learning for distribution system state estimation
- Optimal DER dispatch in distribution networks
- Power system resilience metrics and optimization
- Cybersecurity for distribution automation systems
Key Questions These Notes Answer
- How do I formulate a research question that is novel, feasible, and impactful?
- What are the current open problems in power systems and distribution?
- How do I write a strong IEEE journal paper?
- How do I manage a multi-year research project?
Prerequisites
- All of Electrical Engineering
- Mathematical Foundations — at a graduate level
- Data Science & AI — for computational research
Connects To
- PhD — Energy Engineering — related research track
- Distribution System Operator — applied research context
- Renewable Energy & DER — likely research domain