Joydeep Mitra, a Michigan State University Foundation Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been awarded the 2025 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Power Energy Society Douglas M. Staszesky Distribution Automation Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the practical implementation of electric utility distribution system automation.

 

“I am honored and grateful that my contributions to power distribution reliability and automation have been recognized by my peers,” Mitra said.

Mitra's core expertise lies in power grid reliability. When he began his academic career in 2000, the concept of a microgrid — a localized power grid capable of operating autonomously — was emerging in the power distribution field. Recognizing the potential of microgrids to enhance service reliability, Mitra initiated his research in this area in 2002, receiving a National Science Foundation CAREER Award for his work on microgrid architecture. In 2007, he secured a subsequent NSF grant to advance microgrid control methodologies.

Mitra has also conducted research on military microgrids for Sandia National Laboratories and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering Research and Development Center's Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, or CERL. His ongoing work continues to make foundational contributions to microgrid architecture, with recent efforts focusing on developing innovative protection techniques.

“Congratulations to Joydeep on this well-deserved recognition,” said Nelson Sepulveda Alancastro, interim chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “His work in this field has made an important and lasting impact on the future of power distribution technologies.”

Each year, IEEE PES sponsors 24 society-level awards, honoring outstanding contributions across various areas of power and energy engineering. The society recognizes peers achieving complex breakthroughs and celebrates pioneers leading a rapidly evolving industry.

Mitra will receive his award at the 2025 IEEE PES General Meeting Awards gala dinner and ceremony on July 29, in Austin, Texas.

This article was originally posted on the College of Engineering website.