Morgan Kiani, TCU engineering professor, was invited to participate in a Fulbright Specialist grant at University Politehnica Timisoara in Romania this summer. Being awarded this grant is a reflection of Kiani’s leadership and contributions to global communities. The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs oversees the Fulbright Program’s operations, which is made possible through funds appropriated annually by the U.S. Congress. The Fulbright Award is a distinguished program aimed to promote a mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries through international education exchange programs. It has had more than 400,000 participants since it started in 1946 and is one of the biggest and most diverse programs of its kind, creating a plethora of distinguished alumni who have become leaders in their fields.
Kiani is one of 400 scholars that will participate at the Technical University of Timisoara in Romania. She will be working with Professor Nicholae Muntean on control management of micro-grids impacting the development of reliable access to electricity in rural areas where renewable energy and battery storage systems are installed.
In addition to her plans this summer, Kiani was also busy making a difference over spring break. She went to Nepal with the IEEE Smart Village and IEEE IES Society’s financial support to help bring reliable electricity to a school in a village far away from Katmandu. Shree Batase Secondary School, established in 2047 BS, is located in Melmachi of Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal.
On this trip, Kiani installed an 11kW solar energy harvesting system with a battery storage system. By providing electricity, the students are no longer limited to their educational resources, and they are empowered by reliable power. She says, “These changes also impact the village as a whole because everyone now has access to electricity.” Kiani is leading multiple projects on the development of microgrids in developing countries that have underprivileged communities. She intends to take action through her research and her activities for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Her research reaches beyond publications and touches humanity.
Learn more about the Fulbright Program and TCU’s Department of Engineering.
