Lead Breakthrough Research in Electrical Engineering
Ready to push the boundaries of technology? The PhD in Electrical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) is designed for driven researchers who want to solve complex problems, publish impactful work, and lead innovation in academia, industry, and beyond.
As a top-tier R1 research institution, UWM offers a rigorous, research-intensive PhD program in electrical engineering with access to cutting-edge labs, expert faculty, and real-world applications across today’s most critical engineering challenges.
Assistantship decisions are made by the academic departments only after an applicant has been accepted to the program.
Electrical Engineering Research Labs
The Center for Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems (SEES), led by Robert Cuzner, serves as the hub of UWM’s electrical engineering research. Focused on the transformation of the electric grid, SEES advances technologies in power electronics, microgrids, energy storage and high-voltage systems. With multi-megawatt laboratory capabilities and industry-supported testing environments, researchers can design, prototype and validate solutions that improve grid reliability, efficiency and resilience. SEES plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of engineers to lead the transition to sustainable energy.
GRid-connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES), also led by Robert Cuzner, is a National Science Foundation–supported collaborative research initiative focused on advanced power electronics for grid-connected systems. GRAPES brings together academic researchers and industry partners to address real-world challenges in renewable energy integration, electric transportation and grid modernization. Research emphasizes high-efficiency converters, wide bandgap semiconductor technologies and secure, reliable energy systems.
The Energy Storage Research Laboratory, led by Deyang Qu, focuses on fundamental electrochemical research, seeking new materials and understanding reaction mechanisms in the areas of renewable energy, sensor and water treatment.
The Connected Systems Institute (CSI), led by Joe Hamann, accelerates innovation by bringing together industry and academic researcher to facilitate digital transformation for small and medium-sized manufacturers, ultimately developing an educational curriculum to better prepare the workforce of the future.
The Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC), led by Ryo Amano, is a Department of Energy program dedicated to helping small and medium-sized manufacturers and wastewater treatment plants minimize their energy costs through efficient use of resources
As an R1 research institution, research is integral to our work at UWM and to the experience of students pursuing graduate degrees. Our college has a wide range of faculty-led labs that perform cutting edge research. Full list of our college’s research labs, centers, and institutes
Poster Competition & Three Minute Thesis
The annual Poster Competition & Three Minute Thesis is a signature event for our college. Students gain valuable communication experience sharing their research and out-of-classroom experiences with faculty and industry judges, who provide feedback.
Three Minute Thesis is an international research communication competition that challenges PhD students to explain their research thesis and its significance to a general audience in three minutes, using a single PowerPoint slide as a reference.
Student Organizations
Association of Energy Engineers
AEE promotes the scientific and educational interests of those engaged in the energy industry and to foster action for sustainable development.
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
IEEE is dedicated to helping students by providing networking opportunities, mentoring, project guidance, and more.
Robotics Association
RA UWM gives students with a passion for robotics an outlet to express that passion through designing, building, testing, programming, and competing with our robots against universities from around the world.
For full descriptions and contact information for all electrical-engineering and other engineering-related student organizations and clubs, click here.
