The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is excited to welcome Dr. Vidya Vankayala as Director for the Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART) commencing February 6, 2023.
With more than 30 years of experience in the utility and hi-tech sectors, Dr. Vankayala helped large utility companies in grid modernization, distribution automation, microgrid development, smart energy program management, and cyber/physical system security.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Vankayala join the BCIT SMART Team,” says Dr. Kim Dotto, Dean, Applied Research and the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation. “Dr. Vankayala’s extensive experience working with world-class utility industries will lead BCIT SMART in further advancing the state of the electric power Smart Grid at national and international levels.”
Previously with Powertech Labs Inc., Dr. Vankayala was responsible for the Grid Modernization team, which included distribution automation, telecom, EV, mobile applications, and the world-class High-Power Lab which offers unique grid-connected testing and validation services to the utility industry.
Dr. Vankayala received a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Andhra University and a master’s degree in Power Systems from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai. He also holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Calgary and has extensive training in management and team leadership during his tenure at BC Transmission and BC Hydro.
He lives in Burnaby with his wife and son. In his spare time, he pursues music as a serious passion. Vidya is a member of several world-renowned jazz music ensembles in the Vancouver area and is a sought-after teacher of South Indian classical music. He is the Founder and current board member of a local non-profit focused on Indian music and dance.
ABOUT SMART
For more than a decade, BCIT Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART) converges expertise in the information technology, communications engineering, and energy management fields to develop prototypes and solutions for complex applied research programs. SMART helps stimulate BCʼs economy through collaborative projects with other academic institutions, industry, and the government.