As Director of Graduate Studies for Electrical Engineering at the University of Kentucky, I am committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence, research innovation, and professional development that prepares our graduate students for leadership roles in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Our graduate program in Electrical Engineering represents a dynamic intersection of fundamental research and practical innovation, where we cultivate the next generation of engineers and researchers who will tackle the world's most pressing technological challenges while advancing the frontiers of knowledge in signal processing, computer vision, machine learning, and emerging technologies.
The foundation of our program rests on four core principles that guide all our activities. We promote cutting-edge research excellence that contributes to both scientific knowledge and practical applications, while ensuring our curriculum and research programs align with evolving industry needs and technological trends. Our commitment to student success drives us to provide comprehensive support for academic achievement, professional development, and career advancement, and we actively encourage creative problem-solving and technology transfer opportunities that foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Our department has established exceptional strength in four major research areas that define our graduate program's excellence. In power and energy systems, our faculty and students work on electric machines and motor drives for transportation and aerospace applications, power electronics and power systems analysis, smart grid technologies and renewable energy integration, battery energy storage systems and grid-scale energy storage, electric vehicle and aircraft propulsion systems, and advanced electric machines including coreless axial flux permanent magnet designs. The electromagnetics and computational methods area encompasses computational electromagnetics and electromagnetic modeling, electro-optics and photonic systems, antenna design and wireless communication systems, and electromagnetic compatibility and interference analysis.
Computer engineering and digital systems research includes computer architectures and embedded systems, micro and nano-scale devices and materials, control systems and automation, digital signal processing and machine learning applications, and network engineering and cybersecurity. Our signal processing and machine vision research covers advanced signal and image processing algorithms, 3D imaging and structured light systems, computer vision and pattern recognition, medical imaging and biomedical signal processing, and machine learning and artificial intelligence applications.
The program's distinction comes from being home to the internationally recognized Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky and SPARK Laboratory, which provide unparalleled research opportunities for our graduate students. We maintain active collaborations with major utilities including Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities, aerospace companies, and technology firms that offer real-world experience and career opportunities. Our state-of-the-art laboratories include advanced power electronics labs, electromagnetic testing facilities, and computational resources that support cutting-edge research. Students benefit from competitive assistantships, fellowships, and research opportunities with funding from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, NASA, and industry partners. We provide extensive professional development through workshops, seminars, and networking events to enhance career readiness, while offering flexible curriculum plans that accommodate diverse research interests and career goals.
Student support and mentorship form the cornerstone of our graduate education philosophy. We provide individualized advising to optimize course selection and research direction, with regular progress monitoring and milestone planning to ensure timely completion of degree requirements. Our faculty offer comprehensive thesis and dissertation guidance from proposal development through defense, while helping students navigate academic policies and requirement fulfillment. Professional development opportunities include research presentation skills training and conference participation support, industry networking and internship opportunities, grant writing and funding application guidance, and career planning for academic, industry, and entrepreneurial paths. Financial support coordination includes teaching and research assistantship placement, fellowship and scholarship application guidance, external funding opportunity identification, and travel support for conference presentations.
We seek exceptional students who demonstrate a strong academic foundation in electrical engineering or related fields, combined with research aptitude and intellectual curiosity. Prospective students should show commitment to advancing technology for societal benefit and potential for leadership in their chosen career paths. Our application process involves comprehensive review of academic credentials, research experience, and career goals, with holistic evaluation that considers diverse backgrounds and experiences. We conduct personal interviews and research fit assessments, and offer rolling admissions with multiple start dates to accommodate different academic schedules.
Our program benefits from exceptional industry partnerships and research collaborations, particularly through our Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky and SPARK Laboratory, which provide students with exposure to real-world problems addressing current challenges in power systems, electric transportation, and advanced manufacturing. These connections offer internship and career opportunities through direct relationships with industry leaders including utilities, aerospace companies, and technology firms. Students gain access to technology transfer opportunities that allow them to commercialize research innovations through university-industry partnerships, and they participate in premier conferences including IEEE Power and Energy Society meetings and the Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition.
Notable partnerships include multi-year research agreements with Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities on grid modernization and energy storage, collaborative development with QM Power on high-performance electric machines for electric vehicles, advanced research projects with NASA for space exploration technologies, multiple funded projects with the Department of Energy on renewable energy and smart grid technologies, extensive funding from the National Science Foundation for fundamental research and student training, and active partnerships with universities and research institutions worldwide. The Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky, established in 2010 with a $2.5 million Department of Energy grant, has become a nationally recognized center for power and energy research where students and faculty regularly receive prestigious awards and recognition, including IEEE paper awards and national scholarships.
Our graduate students work alongside world-class faculty who are internationally recognized researchers with extensive publication records and high citation impact. Many faculty members are IEEE Fellows and award recipients, including holders of endowed chairs and professorships such as the L. Stanley Pigman Chair in Power. They actively receive major research grants from NSF, DOE, DOD, NASA, and industry totaling millions in annual funding, and serve as leaders in professional societies on editorial boards, conference committees, and industry advisory panels. Our faculty are committed mentors with proven track records of student success, including recipients of teaching and mentoring awards who have guided numerous students to successful careers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.
Our graduates consistently achieve leadership positions across diverse sectors. In academia, they secure faculty positions at major research universities, while in industry they obtain senior engineering roles at companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Intel, and other leading technology firms. Government careers include research positions at national laboratories and agencies, and many graduates become founders and executives of successful technology startups, demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by our program.
Students have access to world-class facilities that support their research endeavors. The Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky facilities include the SPARK Laboratory for advanced electric machines testing and development, high-voltage power electronics laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment for power systems research, electric vehicle testing facilities for prototype development and validation, and smart grid simulation and testing capabilities for real-time power system analysis. Computational and digital systems resources include high-performance computing clusters that provide advanced computational resources for modeling and simulation, digital signal processing laboratories with modern equipment for algorithm development and testing, embedded systems development tools and platforms of professional grade, and network engineering facilities with advanced networking and cybersecurity testing environments.
Electromagnetics and communications facilities feature anechoic chambers for electromagnetic testing and antenna measurement, RF and microwave laboratories with advanced equipment for high-frequency applications, and optical laboratories supporting photonics and electro-optics research. Collaborative and interdisciplinary spaces include modern fabrication facilities for prototype development and testing, shared instrumentation centers that provide access to specialized and expensive research equipment, and professional licenses for leading engineering design and simulation software.
Professional development programming enhances the graduate experience through regular seminar presentations by leading researchers and industry professionals, comprehensive workshop programs offering hands-on training in research methodologies, writing, and presentation skills, conference support including funding and guidance for national and international conference participation, and industry days that provide direct interaction with potential employers and research collaborators.
For prospective students seeking information about admissions, program requirements, and research opportunities, I encourage contact with our graduate admissions office or scheduling a consultation to discuss academic and research goals. Current students can take advantage of regular office hours and appointment availability for academic planning, research guidance, and professional development support. Faculty and collaborators interested in research partnerships, student exchanges, and collaborative opportunities are welcome to discuss ways we can advance our shared commitment to excellence in graduate education.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Kentucky is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes students from all backgrounds and promotes diversity in engineering research and practice. Through this comprehensive approach to graduate education, we prepare our students not only for immediate success in their chosen careers but also for lifelong leadership in advancing technology for the benefit of society.
The foundation of our program rests on four core principles that guide all our activities. We promote cutting-edge research excellence that contributes to both scientific knowledge and practical applications, while ensuring our curriculum and research programs align with evolving industry needs and technological trends. Our commitment to student success drives us to provide comprehensive support for academic achievement, professional development, and career advancement, and we actively encourage creative problem-solving and technology transfer opportunities that foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Our department has established exceptional strength in four major research areas that define our graduate program's excellence. In power and energy systems, our faculty and students work on electric machines and motor drives for transportation and aerospace applications, power electronics and power systems analysis, smart grid technologies and renewable energy integration, battery energy storage systems and grid-scale energy storage, electric vehicle and aircraft propulsion systems, and advanced electric machines including coreless axial flux permanent magnet designs. The electromagnetics and computational methods area encompasses computational electromagnetics and electromagnetic modeling, electro-optics and photonic systems, antenna design and wireless communication systems, and electromagnetic compatibility and interference analysis.
Computer engineering and digital systems research includes computer architectures and embedded systems, micro and nano-scale devices and materials, control systems and automation, digital signal processing and machine learning applications, and network engineering and cybersecurity. Our signal processing and machine vision research covers advanced signal and image processing algorithms, 3D imaging and structured light systems, computer vision and pattern recognition, medical imaging and biomedical signal processing, and machine learning and artificial intelligence applications.
The program's distinction comes from being home to the internationally recognized Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky and SPARK Laboratory, which provide unparalleled research opportunities for our graduate students. We maintain active collaborations with major utilities including Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities, aerospace companies, and technology firms that offer real-world experience and career opportunities. Our state-of-the-art laboratories include advanced power electronics labs, electromagnetic testing facilities, and computational resources that support cutting-edge research. Students benefit from competitive assistantships, fellowships, and research opportunities with funding from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, NASA, and industry partners. We provide extensive professional development through workshops, seminars, and networking events to enhance career readiness, while offering flexible curriculum plans that accommodate diverse research interests and career goals.
Student support and mentorship form the cornerstone of our graduate education philosophy. We provide individualized advising to optimize course selection and research direction, with regular progress monitoring and milestone planning to ensure timely completion of degree requirements. Our faculty offer comprehensive thesis and dissertation guidance from proposal development through defense, while helping students navigate academic policies and requirement fulfillment. Professional development opportunities include research presentation skills training and conference participation support, industry networking and internship opportunities, grant writing and funding application guidance, and career planning for academic, industry, and entrepreneurial paths. Financial support coordination includes teaching and research assistantship placement, fellowship and scholarship application guidance, external funding opportunity identification, and travel support for conference presentations.
We seek exceptional students who demonstrate a strong academic foundation in electrical engineering or related fields, combined with research aptitude and intellectual curiosity. Prospective students should show commitment to advancing technology for societal benefit and potential for leadership in their chosen career paths. Our application process involves comprehensive review of academic credentials, research experience, and career goals, with holistic evaluation that considers diverse backgrounds and experiences. We conduct personal interviews and research fit assessments, and offer rolling admissions with multiple start dates to accommodate different academic schedules.
Our program benefits from exceptional industry partnerships and research collaborations, particularly through our Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky and SPARK Laboratory, which provide students with exposure to real-world problems addressing current challenges in power systems, electric transportation, and advanced manufacturing. These connections offer internship and career opportunities through direct relationships with industry leaders including utilities, aerospace companies, and technology firms. Students gain access to technology transfer opportunities that allow them to commercialize research innovations through university-industry partnerships, and they participate in premier conferences including IEEE Power and Energy Society meetings and the Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition.
Notable partnerships include multi-year research agreements with Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities on grid modernization and energy storage, collaborative development with QM Power on high-performance electric machines for electric vehicles, advanced research projects with NASA for space exploration technologies, multiple funded projects with the Department of Energy on renewable energy and smart grid technologies, extensive funding from the National Science Foundation for fundamental research and student training, and active partnerships with universities and research institutions worldwide. The Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky, established in 2010 with a $2.5 million Department of Energy grant, has become a nationally recognized center for power and energy research where students and faculty regularly receive prestigious awards and recognition, including IEEE paper awards and national scholarships.
Our graduate students work alongside world-class faculty who are internationally recognized researchers with extensive publication records and high citation impact. Many faculty members are IEEE Fellows and award recipients, including holders of endowed chairs and professorships such as the L. Stanley Pigman Chair in Power. They actively receive major research grants from NSF, DOE, DOD, NASA, and industry totaling millions in annual funding, and serve as leaders in professional societies on editorial boards, conference committees, and industry advisory panels. Our faculty are committed mentors with proven track records of student success, including recipients of teaching and mentoring awards who have guided numerous students to successful careers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.
Our graduates consistently achieve leadership positions across diverse sectors. In academia, they secure faculty positions at major research universities, while in industry they obtain senior engineering roles at companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Intel, and other leading technology firms. Government careers include research positions at national laboratories and agencies, and many graduates become founders and executives of successful technology startups, demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by our program.
Students have access to world-class facilities that support their research endeavors. The Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky facilities include the SPARK Laboratory for advanced electric machines testing and development, high-voltage power electronics laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment for power systems research, electric vehicle testing facilities for prototype development and validation, and smart grid simulation and testing capabilities for real-time power system analysis. Computational and digital systems resources include high-performance computing clusters that provide advanced computational resources for modeling and simulation, digital signal processing laboratories with modern equipment for algorithm development and testing, embedded systems development tools and platforms of professional grade, and network engineering facilities with advanced networking and cybersecurity testing environments.
Electromagnetics and communications facilities feature anechoic chambers for electromagnetic testing and antenna measurement, RF and microwave laboratories with advanced equipment for high-frequency applications, and optical laboratories supporting photonics and electro-optics research. Collaborative and interdisciplinary spaces include modern fabrication facilities for prototype development and testing, shared instrumentation centers that provide access to specialized and expensive research equipment, and professional licenses for leading engineering design and simulation software.
Professional development programming enhances the graduate experience through regular seminar presentations by leading researchers and industry professionals, comprehensive workshop programs offering hands-on training in research methodologies, writing, and presentation skills, conference support including funding and guidance for national and international conference participation, and industry days that provide direct interaction with potential employers and research collaborators.
For prospective students seeking information about admissions, program requirements, and research opportunities, I encourage contact with our graduate admissions office or scheduling a consultation to discuss academic and research goals. Current students can take advantage of regular office hours and appointment availability for academic planning, research guidance, and professional development support. Faculty and collaborators interested in research partnerships, student exchanges, and collaborative opportunities are welcome to discuss ways we can advance our shared commitment to excellence in graduate education.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Kentucky is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes students from all backgrounds and promotes diversity in engineering research and practice. Through this comprehensive approach to graduate education, we prepare our students not only for immediate success in their chosen careers but also for lifelong leadership in advancing technology for the benefit of society.
