Edvina Uzunovic
Candidate Statement
As a candidate for IEEE PES President-Elect, I am dedicated to advancing our society’s mission by fostering a culture of continuous education and professional development for our members. I aim to enhance PES University, a platform I formed, by offering ongoing learning opportunities that ensure members remain at the forefront of industry advancements.
Equally important is bridging the gap between industry and academia by uniting around the shared goal of innovation and education. By focusing on emerging technologies, we empower our members to lead the transition to a cleaner, sustainable energy future.
We must also address new energy trends and develop standards for seamless integration. Key priorities include reemergence of nuclear power through Small Modular Reactors to support energy-intensive AI data centers, as well as initiatives that integrate nuclear, energy/water, and hydrogen programs.
Above all, it is important to create climate resilient power systems while safeguarding IEEE PES’s independence and integrity. Together, we can strengthen our community, expand educational resources, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
Thank you for your support.
Biography
Dr. Edvina Uzunovic has over 25 years of experience in the power systems industry and academia. She has been a vital contributor to the overall success of several leading power industry organizations, utilities and manufacturers, while serving different roles. She is currently Assistant Teaching Professor and Associate Director of Power System Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, USA.
Dr. Uzunovic holds a B.Sc. from the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including the first place at the IEEE PES Student Poster Contest (1999), the EPRI Innovators Award (2002), the EPRI Technology Award for contributions to FACTS technology, and Recognition Awards from the U.S. National Committee of CIGRE for her outstanding technical papers in 2002 and 2006.
She is a senior member of IEEE PES.
IEEE Accomplishments/Activities
Edvina has been IEEE PES member for a full 28 years. Edvina’s affiliation began in 1996 when, as a graduate student, she published her first IEEE Transactions paper. As a student member, she fully leveraged PES resources, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment.
Edvina transitioned from a student to a professional member and began actively volunteering in 2008. She served as IEEE Region 4 Representative from 2008 to 2011 and then as IEEE Region 1 Representative from 2011 to 2016, boosting R1 Professional Chapter activities by over 50% during her tenure.
Between 2011 and 2016, Edvina contributed significantly to the PES Scholarship Plus award program, participating in the Steering Committee and chairing the Region 1 Selection Committee. In 2016, she assumed the role of PES Vice President, marking a period of remarkable volunteer productivity. In this capacity, she managed existing PES student scholarships and spearheaded the establishment of the PES Outstanding Student Scholarship by forming an international selection committee of esteemed professors.
One of her notable achievements is the conception and formation of PES University, an online platform that now serves as a destination for educational webinars and tutorials. Additionally, she launched the inaugural PES High-School initiative in 2018, providing high-school students with opportunities to present projects, explore the T&D Exhibition Hall, and consider careers in the power industry.
Edvina continues to be a dynamic force in the community through her roles on several committees and boards, including the IEEE PES Long-Range Planning Committee (2014–2021), the Editorial Board of IEEE P&E Magazine (2016–2022), and the Global Power System Transformation Consortium’s Workforce Development Pillar Group, as well as IEEE PES Industry Technical Support Leadership Committee (ITSLC) (2021 – present).
Her enduring commitment to IEEE PES has advanced society’s mission, shaping the future of power systems education and industry development.