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Biography
Dr. Laura A. Ward is a visionary in the field of electrical engineering, a force driving innovation and transformation in the energy sector. Born in Cali, Colombia, her journey to becoming a leading authority on renewable energy and power systems is nothing short of remarkable.
A trailblazer from the start, Laura's academic prowess led her to the hallowed halls of the University of Valle in Cali Colombia, she embarked on a quest for knowledge and enlightenment, ultimately earning her Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics degree. Her insatiable hunger for understanding the complexities of electrical engineering would soon drive her to reach even greater heights.
In 2020, Laura received her Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the same prestigious institution, solidifying her expertise in the field. Yet, her thirst for knowledge was far from quenched. Laura's unwavering commitment to sustainable energy solutions propelled her to pursue a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, a journey that would shape the course of her career and contribute to the greater good of society.
Laura's groundbreaking research focuses on long-term power systems, power electronics, and the critical infrastructure necessary for the high penetration of renewable energy resources into the electric grid. Her work is nothing short of a beacon of hope in an era marred by environmental concerns and energy crises.
One of her key areas of expertise is in distributed energy resources (DERs) and microgrids, which she envisions as the building blocks of future energy grids. Her knowledge in the integration and adoption of these technologies represents a profound shift towards a more sustainable energy landscape.
Additionally, Laura's work delves into the intricate world of storage systems integration, grid modernization, and the development of grid-forming inverters control algorithms. Her research includes the performance of steady-state and transient stability studies, essential for safeguarding the reliability and resilience of the United States' national grid.
Furthermore, she has extended her expertise to offshore wind energy, particularly along the Pacific Coast, Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. Her work transcends borders, encompassing countries in Latin America, such as her homeland, Colombia.
Laura's journey has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, marked by her roles as a Research Assistant at Texas Tech University and Arizona State University. Her passion for the social and human dimensions of technology for innovation highlights her capabilities as a stakeholder and dedication to the holistic development of the energy sector.
One of Laura's most significant accomplishments was her involvement in the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technology Office (SETO FY2019) project from 2020 to 2022. Her contributions played a pivotal role in advancing the cause of renewable energy and grid resilience.
As a part of the Distributed Systems Group in the Modeling and Analysis team at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington, Laura's research supported the Grid Deployment Office (GDO) of the Department of Energy with the "Puerto Rico Grid Resilience and Transitions to 100% Renewable Energy Study (PR100)" project. Her work in this endeavor has the potential to change the energy landscape in Puerto Rico and set a precedent for regions worldwide.
Laura's research isn't confined to laboratories and academic papers. It has a direct impact on the lives of people living in remote areas. Her dedication to power electronics control, recovery, reliability, and resilience in these underserved regions highlights her commitment to bringing clean and sustainable energy to all corners of the globe.
With an unwavering belief in decarbonizing electricity generation and achieving net-zero emissions, Laura A. Ward stands as an icon of inspiration. Her biography is a testament to the power of relentless pursuit and unwavering commitment to a sustainable, renewable future. In the story of Laura A. Ward, we find the embodiment of the spirit that will drive us towards a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable world.