Isla Ziyat

Mechatronics System Engineering PhD Candidate in the Faculty of Applied Sciences

I am PhD candidate in Mechatronics System Engineering, working in the field of Power Systems and Smart Grids. I moved to Vancouver from the UK to pursue my research with Prof. Patrick Palmer, focusing on the use of power electronics for grid modernisation, enabling more renewable energy integration.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose SFU because I was looking for opportunities to apply my research to the real world, and SFU provides a vast range of opportunities to work alongside local companies and utilities.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My research looks for ways to improve the electrical grid so that we can use more renewable power, and waste less electricity. This means that as solar and wind power become a larger portion of our electricity, access to electricity stays reliable. Otherwise, if grid modernisation doesn't take place the electricity grid would become less reliable, and as electricity consumers, we would experience more outages and failures.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I've enjoyed having the ability to continually expand on my learning, through the vast range of courses offered by SFU. I also very much enjoy being a teaching assistant at SFU, this has allowed me to directly engage with undergraduate students and professors, and become part of a dynamic community.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I am grateful to have received the Kaiser Foundation Scholarship. This award has further motivated my research into digitally controlled power electronics, used in lower voltage grids.

Contact Isla: isla_ziyat@sfu.ca