Qun Zhou Sun

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is recognized annually throughout May. It celebrates the history, culture, contributions, and achievements of Asian and Pacific Islanders. IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) would like to spotlight Qun Zhou Sun, an IEEE PES Senior member and Associate Professor of the University of Central Florida. Qun also serves as Chair of the Smart Buildings, Loads and Customer Systems Committee (SBLCS). Qun found her home within PES, meeting like-minded individuals who shared her passion for power and energy, and who made her feel comfortable enough to be her true self.

Qun explains that in China, Engineering is considered a widely respected major. Growing up in an environment heavily focused on STEM, she has always felt a tug towards that field of study. She has always been very good at math and enjoys problem-solving, so it was ultimately the right fit for her and kick-started her journey into the world of Engineering. Qun initially started studying Civil Engineering, but struggled with drawing and architecture, and could not grasp the concept of 3D visualization. She found Electrical Engineering much easier, which led to a quick and successful switch and enabled her to obtain her Bachelor’s at Huazhong University of Science and Technology.

When looking at schools in the United States, Qun chose Iowa State University because of its well-known Power Engineering programs, featuring professors who have written industry textbooks, and she wanted to study under those of great influence. As she prepared for her transition to the United States, Qun felt a wave of emotions. She was excited for this new chapter in her life, but also felt terrified of being away from the familiarity of home, friends, and family, with limited money and just her 2 suitcases. In 2007, once here in the US, she faced a new challenge. Getting accustomed to the English language made social interactions challenging. At first, things like ordering off a restaurant menu or having small conversations made her feel embarrassed. Later in her years of study, Qun shared this experience with her Economics advisor at the time, Dr. Leigh S Tesfatsion, who left a great impression on her as well, and she wanted to return home during the first few days here in the U.S. This conversation led her advisor to become more involved in helping international students transition into American culture by doing helpful things, such as picking students up from the airport and accompanying them to restaurants, small but impactful gestures that help students feel more comfortable once they land on different ground.

Qun’s discovery of PES began when she arrived in the United States for her graduate studies and officially became a student member in 2008, after being advised by her Electrical Engineering advisor, Professor Chen-Chung Liu, to attend the IEEE PES General Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA. She explained, “He supported us students to go to the General Meetings to network and get job connections, and I appreciated that he inspired me to join and attend those meetings.”

Qun has been to several General Meetings since her initial introduction to the PES flagship event. She went on to share, “I would go to PES panels to learn state-of-the-art new things. I really enjoyed learning things in those panels. Face-to-face interactions are so much better.”

Qun describes her experience within PES as being a second home, her career home. She has made many connections, networking with industry leaders, and met many long-time friends along the way who share similar backgrounds, often seeing each other once a year at the IEEE PES General Meeting. Qun stated that she has attended other meetings, but the one hosted by PES has been the most influential and that she feels most at ease surrounded by like-minded engineers.

Qun shares, “IEEE PES means to me a community where energy enthusiasts meet, discuss, and ideate to address energy challenges for a better humanity. Personally, it is my career home where I find passion and friendship in the energy industry.”

During her years of study, Qun found significant support through friends she made at a local church she attended regularly. Many people within this community were also engineers. Qun maintained connections with other PES members within the university’s Engineering program, where they all shared a passion for power systems despite diverse backgrounds, making their bond even stronger in the years to follow.

After graduating from Iowa State with her PhD in Electrical Engineering and entering the workforce, Qun transitioned from attending panels to attending committee meetings because she developed an interest in understanding how committees were structured. In 2018, she joined a new committee, Smart Buildings, Loads and Customer Systems Committee (SBLCS). Qun got very involved in this committee as it was related to her research in Smart Buildings at the University of Central Florida. After some exposure of her knowledge, Qun was asked if she wanted to serve as the Technical Program Chair, which then led to becoming Secretary, Vice Chair, and now the Chair of the committee.

Qun expressed, “All of these years, starting from my first General Meeting, have paved the way for me to get more involved in PES. As an officer, you see the passion from members who want to do things and contribute to society.” Holding this position as the current Chair, Qun hopes to grow membership in this area by incorporating diverse perspectives from different stakeholders. Qun is now an Associate Professor at the university.

For those entering into the world of Engineering, Qun shared one piece of advice, “I strongly feel that everyone has their own gift and talent. Go and find your gift…you will glow. Nothing is wasted; everything you have done and every role you have tried contributes to who you are. Go at your own pace.”

When asked what she wishes to accomplish as an engineer in the future, Qun shared, “I hope to bring more consumers’ perspectives to the PES community, through advances in technology and data. From wholesale power markets to daily energy activities, consumers can play more active roles in the power industry.”