COE/E Exchange Students Explore Advanced Energy Research at Arizona State University

Thirteen driven Egyptian exchange students are exploring new horizons in energy innovation this fall at Arizona State University (ASU). Supported by the USAID Center of Excellence for Energy (COE/E), the Exchange Program provides a robust experience in cutting-edge energy research and education to undergraduate and graduate students from the Center’s partner institutions—Ain Shams, Mansoura, and Aswan Universities.

Throughout the semester, students experience learning beyond the classroom. Faculty-led tours of ASU laboratories serve as a cornerstone of their American academic experience—introducing the Fall 2024 exchange cohort to state-of-the-art ASU facilities and leading researchers in the field.

The students’ experiential journey began at the Phasor Assisted Learning (PAL) Lab, where ASU Associate Professor Anamitra Pal, who heads the facility, familiarized them with some of the latest developments in power system technology. Highlights of the visit included innovative applications of artificial intelligence in renewable energy systems and power grid cybersecurity. The ways artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) help in monitoring and managing today’s renewable-rich power systems were of particular interest to the students, who discussed some of their AI/ML initiatives with Dr. Pal.

“Dr. Pal’s forward-thinking mindset really impressed me, and he introduced us to several fascinating projects he’s working on. It was such an amazing visit,” said Amr Ibrahim, an undergraduate from Ain Shams University’s Energy and Renewable Energy Engineering program.

The visit featured an exploration of advanced energy equipment, including phasor measurement units manufactured by industry leaders such as Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and General Electric. Students were also given practical demonstrations on the protection of power systems and an award-winning project on GPS spoofing countermeasures developed by one of Dr. Pal’s previous students. A trip to the rooftop of the Engineering Research Center building, where students could inspect various solar panels from close proximity, concluded the tour.

A second tour of the Photovoltaic Reliability Laboratory, headed by Dr. Govindasamy (Mani) Tamizhmani, addressed solar panel durability testing. The lab’s work on the prediction of the life span of photovoltaic modules with both accelerated laboratory testing and outdoor field trials resonated with the visiting students.

For some of the participating students, the exposure was a continuity of experiences that started with an earlier interaction with the ASU research professor. Veronia Nagy, a student from Mansoura University, said, “I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Mani during his visit to Egypt last year, where I attended his workshop at Ain Shams University. But being here, touring the lab, and seeing these experiments is an exceptional experience. I have a much better understanding now of the concepts he shared back then.”

The final visit was to the Deng’s Renewable Energy and Advanced Materials (DREAM) Lab. Guided by the lab’s director, ASU Professor Shuguang Deng, students explored research in the field of sustainable energy, including advanced materials for carbon capture and bio-crude oil extraction from microalgae. The work carried out at the lab on water purification and membrane distillation for brackish water desalination solidified the students’ understanding of the connection between energy challenges and those involving environmental sustainability.

These technical lab visits represent more than academic field trips; they bridge theoretical learning and practical application in a real way and highlight the importance of international collaboration in advancing global energy transition goals.

When these budding engineers return to their home universities, they will carry with them the technical knowledge, international perspectives, and professional connections that will impact careers in the energy sector.