At the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, electrical engineering research is driven by a commitment to powering the future—through sustainable energy, advanced hardware, and intelligent, connected systems. Our work spans three core areas of strength:
Power & Energy Systems – Our Core Strength
UWM is a leader in next-generation energy systems, anchored by the Center for Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems (SEES), the GRid-Connected Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES) center, and the Energy Storage Laboratory.
Faculty and students are advancing technologies in microgrids, renewable energy integration, and electrification—helping build a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Power Electronics & Hardware Systems
From converter design to high-voltage systems and electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing, UWM researchers are developing the critical hardware that powers modern electrical systems.
This work enables more efficient energy conversion, improved grid performance, and the reliable operation of emerging technologies.
Smart & Connected Systems
Through initiatives like the Connected Systems Institute (CSI) and AI/data-focused labs, UWM is at the forefront of digital transformation in electrical engineering.
Research in this area focuses on smart grids, IoT, and data-driven systems—creating intelligent networks that enhance performance, reliability, and real-time decision-making.
Electrical Engineering Research Areas
Power, Energy & Electrification Systems
Focus: Sustainable energy, smart grids, power electronics, and electrified transportation
Faculty:
Robert Cuzner – DC and hybrid AC/DC systems, microgrids, power electronics, wide bandgap converters
Feng Guo – Power converters, motor drives, transportation electrification
Lingfeng Wang – Smart grids, energy systems, microgrids, power system reliability, grid resilience
Tom Shi – Electric and connected vehicle systems, V2X, automated mobility
Key Themes:
Renewable energy integration & smart grids
Microgrid design, protection, and control
Electrification of transportation systems
Power electronics for energy efficiency and grid compatibility
Jun Zhang – Computer vision, signal processing, communications
Tom Shi – Automated and connected vehicle intelligence
Key Themes:
AI-powered embedded and cyber-physical systems
Edge computing and distributed intelligence
Computer vision and signal processing
Smart, connected, and autonomous technologies
Communications, Signal Processing & Networking
Focus: Data transmission, wireless systems, and digital signal technologies
Faculty:
Jun Zhang – Digital communications, signal processing
Chiu Law – Optical communication, wave propagation
Alex Yi – Telecommunications
Key Themes:
Wireless and optical communication systems
Signal processing for imaging and data
High-speed and energy-efficient communication networks
Photonics, Sensors & Advanced Materials
Focus: Optical technologies, sensing systems, and smart materials
Faculty:
Chiu Law – Optical sensors, nonlinear optics, magnetostrictive materials
Alex Yi – Smart sensors, LiDAR, photonics applications
Key Themes:
Optical sensing and imaging systems
Advanced materials for sensing and actuation
Photonics for communications and autonomous systems
Biomedical & Human-Centered Engineering
Focus: Healthcare technologies, assistive devices, and clinical applications
Faculty:
Yi Hu – Cochlear implants, hearing aids, clinical mobile applications
Key Themes:
Biomedical signal processing
Assistive hearing technologies
Digital health and mobile health applications
Connected & Autonomous Systems
Focus: Smart mobility, automation, and intelligent transportation
Faculty:
Tom Shi – Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), V2X, testing systems
Lingfeng Wang – Intelligent transportation systems, EV integration
Alex Yi – LiDAR and sensing for autonomous systems
Key Themes:
Vehicle automation and cooperative driving
Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication
Hardware-in-the-loop testing and validation
Smart and sustainable transportation systems
Cross-Cutting Strengths
Across all research areas, UWM emphasizes:
Interdisciplinary collaboration (energy + AI + transportation)
Industry-connected research (real-world applications)
Sustainability and resilience
Emerging technologies shaping the future
Electrical Engineering Research Centers & 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
Funding Partners
UWM is one of only two R1 research universities in Wisconsin, and the only one in Southeast Wisconsin. We’re also a top externally funded institution with robust opportunities for teaching and research assistantships. Partners that support our research include:
National Institute for Health (NIH)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Regional and national businesses
United States Air Force
Undergraduate Research
As an R1 university, research is a significant focus of what we do. Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to get involved in research. Undergraduate students can reach out to the UWM Office of Undergraduate Research regarding research opportunities, or contact individual faculty directly.
Poster Competition & Three Minute Thesis
Graduate and undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in the annual Poster Competition & Three Minute Thesis, a signature event for our college. Students gain valuable experience working with faculty researchers and are invited to share their work with judges from industry, who provide feedback.