BCoE doctoral student recognized internationally as IEEE paper contest winner

July 26, 2006

STARKVILLE, Miss.—A Mississippi State doctoral student in electrical and computer engineering is receiving international recognition from the world’s leading professional, nonprofit organization in the field.

Sarika Khushalani, a native of Nagpur City, India, won first place among some 200 entries in the recent student paper competition of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

She received a certificate and $500 cash award during the institute’s Power Engineering Society Transmission and Distribution Conference in Dallas, Texas. IEEE conducts research in electrical power, aerospace, computers, telecommunication and biomedical engineering.

Khushalani’s research paper was titled, “Development of Three Phase Unbalanced Power Flow with Multiple Distributed Generators and the Study of their Impact on Distribution Systems.”

Software Khushalani developed through her research, which was included in her paper, can achieve different model types and modes of operation using multiple distribution generators and can provide environmental benefits while also increasing system reliability. These types of distribution systems deliver electricity to consumers including private homes as well as businesses and industries. She hopes her research can lead to more efficient power with fewer complications.

“Her research activities on reconfiguration of distribution power systems, including shipboard power systems, are innovative and state of the art,” said Noel N. Schulz, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, and supervisor of Khushalani’s research within the department and MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering.

Khushalani’s research also was sponsored by the U.S. Office of Naval Research.

“I plan to do research in power systems, working at a power company or at an academic institution,” said Khushalani, who will receive a doctoral degree this December. “I want to publish books and achieve great research results.”

A member of the IEEE for the past four years, Khushalani is active in a variety of extracurricular activities. She also is a member of the MSU Indian Student Association.

For more information, contact Laura Eakes.