EECS Professor Kai Sun has been named an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow, the highest distinction bestowed by the global organization, in recognition of his contributions to power grid stability analysis and control.

Sun is one of the world’s leading experts on prevention and mitigation of cascading grid failures, having spent decades developing software to improve grid stability and prevent cascades from developing and propagating. He was also one of the first researchers to promote the use of machine learning algorithms to assess and control grid stability.

“Dr. Sun’s methods all resulted in practical software tools with demonstrated impacts on power system stability assessment and real-time grid operations,” said Arizona State University Professor Vijay Vittal, who nominated Sun for the Fellow Program.

Founded in 1884 at the advent of the electrical age, the IEEE is the world’s largest organization for professionals in technical fields from communications to cybernetics.

Since 1964, the Fellow Program has honored members who have made extraordinary accomplishments in any of the IEEE’s fields of interest. Members must have at least 10 years of professional experience, five years of IEEE membership, and a history of distinction in their profession to qualify for nomination to Fellow status. Fewer than 0.1 percent of IEEE’s voting members are elevated each year.

“My research at UT and the Center for Ultra-Wide-Area Resilient Electric Energy Transmission Networks (CURENT) has significantly contributed to my achievements,” Sun said, “but this recognition from the IEEE is the culmination of 25 years of work. I want to thank all of my colleagues throughout that time, from UT and from all the places I worked before coming here.”