Ms. Naga Lakshmi Thotakura | Electromagnetic Pulse | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Naga Lakshmi Thotakura, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, United States

Naga Lakshmi Thotakura is an aspiring Ph.D. student specializing in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. With a strong foundation in electrical systems, principles, theories, and processes, she has gained advanced knowledge and training in the field. Naga has extensive research experience, currently working as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Tennessee, where she focuses on forced oscillation analysis and dynamic equivalence of smart grids. She has also contributed to EMP pulse testing on PLCs, transmission relays, and inverters. Previously, she served as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Memphis, assisting in conducting the Circuits Course and teaching various laboratory experiments. Her professional journey includes an internship at South Central Railways, where she learned power distribution and maintenance, and a diploma internship at Dr. Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station, gaining real-time exposure to power generation and automation. Naga’s projects include designing smart inverter-based solar PV systems and using PMU data for identifying forced oscillations in power systems. She holds a Master of Science from the University of Memphis and a Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada. Her technical skills encompass MATLAB, Python, Simulink, and various engineering software.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

🎓 Education:

PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (University of Tennessee Knoxville) – GPA: 3.81 (Jan 2022 – Present)
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (University of Memphis) – GPA: 3.84 (Aug 2019 – Dec 2021)
Bachelor’s in Technology, Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada) – GPA: 3.98 (Jul 2016 – Apr 2019)
Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (VKR & VNB Polytechnic College) – GPA: 3.92 (Jun 2013 – Apr 2016)

🔬 Research Experience:

Graduate Research Assistant (University of Tennessee Knoxville, Jan 2022 – Present): Conducting research on forced oscillation analysis and dynamic equivalence of smart grids, performing FDR and UGA calibration, and improving EMP pulse tests on PLCs, transmission relays, and inverters.
Graduate Research Assistant (University of Memphis, Aug 2019 – Dec 2021): Assisted in conducting circuits courses and teaching assistant for circuits and biomedical measurement labs, designed Simulink projects on smart inverters, and published a book chapter on smart inverters and controls for grid-connected renewable energy sources.

⚙️ Industry Experience:

Engineering Intern (South Central Railways, May 2018 – Jul 2018): Learned power distribution and maintenance processes in substations for electric traction applications, and monitored electrical parameters using energy meters.
Diploma Intern (Dr. Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station, Nov 2012 – Apr 2013): Gained real-time exposure to power generation, automation, and efficiency improvements in thermal power stations.

🚀 Projects:

PMU Data Utilization for Identifying Forced Oscillations within Generator Systems
Dynamic Equivalence of Smart Grid Power Systems Using LSTM, GRU, and Transformer Networks
Smart Inverter-Based Solar PV System Design with Intelligent ANFIS Controller
Industrial Power Penalty Reduction through Automatic Power Factor Correction

🛠 Skills:

Programming Languages: MATLAB, Python, Data Structures, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence
Engineering Software: Simulink, PSSE, PSCAD, AUTOCAD, OrCAD, KiCad, Multisim, Pspice, LabVIEW, PLC
Analytical Tools: MS Excel, MS Office Suite, SharePoint

📜 Certifications:

Smart Grid Automation with Solar & Wi-Fi Communication: RoboKart (Dec 2016 – Jan 2017)
Basics of PLC: APSSDC (Aug 2017 – Sep 2017)
SCADA Technology: APSSDC

💡 Naga Lakshmi Thotakura is dedicated to advancing the field of electrical engineering through innovative research and practical applications. She combines her extensive academic background with hands-on experience in industry and academia, making significant contributions to smart grid technology and renewable energy systems.