2025 Undergraduate Summer Fellowship Projects
Institution: University of Calgary
Abstract: This project focuses on two interconnected challenges in energy systems: analyzing the energy consumption of electric vehicles (EVs) under real-world conditions and evaluating the impact of extreme events on electrical distribution systems. With EV adoption on the rise, an accurate estimation of their energy needs is critical for improving infrastructure and enhancing energy equity. At the same time, extreme events, such as wildfires, pose growing risks to electrical systems, making resilience a pressing priority.
Dates: May to August 2025
Institution: University of British Columbia
PI: Nicolas Coops
Abstract:Between January 2018 and September 2024, more than 50% of unplanned outages along power transmission and distribution lines within British Columbia, Canada, (managed by BC Hydro) were due to vegetation encroachment or collision. Of these outages, a third were considered to be major disruptions. Increased understanding of how geographical factors influence the likelihood of outage events is valuable to the allocation of both research and vegetation management resources. The spatial analysis of geographic data (landcover, topography, climate, and built infrastructure) in conjunction with outage event information allows for the creation of map products, identifying potential hotspots and providing a better understanding of how different factors contribute to the likelihood, scale, duration, severity and accessibility to outage events. This information in turn may be used to inform further areas of research from other WIRED project contributors.
Dates: May to August 2025
Institution: University of Alberta
PI: Petr Musilek
Abstract: The increasing severity of climate-related events, particularly wildfires, poses a significant challenge to power grid reliability and resilience. This project aims to investigate the impact of recent wildfires on Jasper, Alberta's power grid, which is operated by ATCO Electric. By analyzing historical wildfire occurrences, power outage data, and mitigation strategies, this research seeks to develop actionable insights to enhance grid resilience. Through data analysis, modeling, and review of existing adaptation strategies, the project will contribute to the understanding of climate-induced grid vulnerabilities and propose solutions to improve future preparedness. The outcomes of this study will offer valuable guidance for utility companies, policymakers, and researchers in advancing climate-resilient power grid planning and operations.
Dates: May to August 2025
Institution: UBC Okanagan
PI: W. John Braun
Abstract: The Boychuk (2009) Fire Spread Model provides a stochastic framework for simulation. Its underlying assumptions have never been rigorously tested. By conducting smoldering fire experiments in a lab fumehood and recording with a thermal camera, we plan to examine the pattern of heat transport at the pixel level. An updated modernized version of the model will be implemented, likely in Python.
Dates: May to August 2025
Institution: University of New Mexico
PI: Ali Bidram
Abstract:The goal of this proposal is to create a fire risk estimation device that can estimate the risks of wildfire close to a power line and then based on that send a signal to the protection relay that is protecting that power line to change its settings for a better response to the wildfire event. The undergraduate student will be responsible for first studying the key factors that impact the risk of wildfire close to power lines. Thyen, based on these factor, we will design algorithms that use AI for estimating the wildfire risk. Finally these algorithms will be implemented on a microprocessor to create a prototype.
Dates: May to August 2025
Institution: University of Utah
PI: Cindy Furse
Abstract: Existing sensors for fault detection and location on power lines are generally based on measurement of the voltages and currents on the line. When the system experiences a large-scale outage (such as those caused by hurricanes, fires, and other extreme weather events), it is important to assess the health of the lines, and fix anything that is broken/damaged, remove trees on the lines, etc. But existing voltage/current based sensors do not work when the line is de-energized. We propose evaluation of an alternative strategy using SSTDR, which can test on either energized or de-energized lines. We will evaluate this through (1) hardware testing of connections and wires and (2) simulation of a power distribution network.
Dates: May to August 2025
Institution: University of Utah
Abstract: This study explores the wildfire resilience strategies available to utility providers and assesses how widely these strategies are being adopted by utility providers on ground. Data will be collected through an online and phone survey of utility providers in the region covered by the Western Interconnected Grid to examine the extent to which these providers are adopting five distinct types of strategies to manage wildfire risk: (1) Grid/Infrastructure Hardening and Design, (20 Situational Awareness and Forecasting, (3) Asset Inspection and Management, (4) Vegetation Management, (5) Grid Monitoring and Response; (6) Emergency Operations Planning and (7) Stakeholder and Public Engagement. Survey results will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings will help identify which strategies are more or less likely to be adopted in practice and therefore help inform best practices in the future. The findings will also inform the move from response- and mitigation-based practices to more long-term adaptation-based practices within utility providers.
Dates: May to August 2025
Institution: University of Calgary
PI: Hamid Zareipour
Objective: This project aims to design and implement a basic digital twin framework to simulate battery performance metrics. Digital twins are virtual representations of physical systems, enabling real-time analysis and monitoring. For example, a digital twin could replicate a battery’s charging and discharging behavior under varying conditions, such as high temperatures or fluctuating loads. The project will focus on generating synthetic data, developing scripts for simulation and visualization, and building a functional digital twin prototype. The work will be divided into four phases: background research, data simulation, digital twin development, and testing and refinement.
Dates: May to August 2025
Institution: University of Calgary
PI: Hamid Zareipour
Summary: Undergraduate student will join the WIRED Global Center's Cyberinfrastructure Team to support the development of a web-based data portal. This portal will serve as the primary access point to the Center’s data repository, enabling users to download, explore, and visualize datasets related to grid resilience and climate adaptation. Rafiu’s contributions will focus on enhancing the portal’s user interface and functionality, ensuring it meets the needs of researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
Dates: May to August 2025
Meet the Fellows
Luis Dominguez
My name is Luis Dominguez. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am an Electrical Engineering major at the University of New Mexico. I currently work as a Physics and Math tutor at my university because I am very fond of those subjects.
The project I will work on involves creating a device that can estimate the risk of fire ignition near power lines.
Chanelle Dabreo
My name is Chanelle Dabreo, I am a third-year Computer Engineering co-op student at the University of Alberta with an interest in power and energy systems.
As part of the WIRED project, I will be working on a project evaluating the impact of wildfires on Jasper, Alberta's electricity grid infrastructure, which frequently experiences disruptions due to wildfire activity. This study will integrate data analysis, GIS mapping, and mitigation strategy assessments to identify vulnerabilities in the current grid configuration. The findings will provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing grid resilience through adaptive strategies such as integrating renewable energy sources and microgrids, ultimately helping the community better withstand future wildfire seasons.
Delaram Bahreini Esfahani
My name is Delaram Bahreini Esfahani, I am a passionate Computer Science student at the University of Calgary, with a strong interest in machine learning and software engineering.
I am working on a research project focused on improving power system resilience during extreme weather events. This involves developing an interactive tool to estimate electric vehicle (EV) energy consumption using real-world data, and building machine learning models to assess how wildfire smoke impacts solar PV systems and electrical distribution networks. The project combines data analysis, software development, and energy systems modelling to support sustainable and resilient infrastructure
Trevor Winser
My name is Trevor Winser, I am a 4th-year Computer Science student at UBC Okanagan with an interest in modelling and simulation of real-world events.
My project focus is a simulation model for wildfire spread that, unlike many previously proposed simulations, prioritizes uncertainty over deterministic outcomes.
Vivian Tat
My name is Vivian Tat, and I’m a student at the University of Calgary majoring in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering. I’m especially interested in exploring disciplines that intersect with my studies, particularly in interdisciplinary fields. Beyond my technical work, I’m passionate about creating opportunities for young students to explore STEM.
Under the supervision of Dr. Hamidreza Zareipour, my current research focuses on developing a digital twin framework for battery management systems (BMS). This work allows us to simulate battery performance under various conditions, including extreme weather, and bridges both chemical and electrical engineering. The ultimate goal is to improve BMS functionality and strengthen grid resilience in the face of evolving energy demands.
Celine Li
My name is Celine Li, and I am a third-year Environmental Science student at the University of British Columbia Vancouver, specializing in conservation and ecology with a minor in data science. I am especially interested in using geospatial analysis to improve forest conservation efforts, combining my passion for nature and data analysis.
The project I will primarily be working on is investigating the spatial and temporal correlation between vegetation caused outage events, event severity, landcover, and climate within British Columbia. Through this research, these findings aim to provide a deeper insight into how various factors influence the likelihood, scale, duration and severity and accessibility of outage events.
Hayden Mattingly
My name is Hayden Mattingly, and I’m an undergraduate student at the University of Utah, studying in the College of Architecture + Planning with a focus on Disaster Planning & Mitigation.
This summer, I’ll be working under the mentorship of Dr. Chandrasekhar, exploring how utility providers across the Western Interconnected Grid are approaching wildfire preparedness, response, mitigation, recovery, and adaptation strategies.
Nathaniel Fargo
I am an upcoming senior in Electrical Engineering and Physics at the University of Utah. I’ve worked in Physicists research labs that studied the magnetic and quantum spin properties of OLEDs, with a focus on building resonator circuits. This past year I worked with a team building ultrasound prototypes for an at-home AI medical screening device. As part of the team I led, we won first place at the Bench to Bedside competition at the U. You also might catch me working in the Makespace at Lassonde, or helping out as a Science Ambassador.In my free time I love playing tennis/pickleball, visiting national parks, and learning as much as possible.
I’m looking forward to branching (literally) into power lines this summer with Prof. Cynthia Furse. Our project involves non-invasive fault detection and impedance characterization on the grid.
Md Rafiu Hossain
My name is Md Rafiu Hossain, and I am an Electrical Engineering student at the University of Calgary.
I will join the WIRED Global Center's Cyberinfrastructure Team to support the development of a web-based data portal. This portal will serve as the primary access point to the Center’s data repository, enabling users to download, explore, and visualize datasets related to grid resilience and climate adaptation. Rafiu’s contributions will focus on enhancing the portal’s user interface and functionality, ensuring it meets the needs of researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
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