Research & Innovation

Research Vision

The GET-FIT Center conducts transformative, fundamental, and pre-competitive collaborative research aimed at enhancing the performance of modern electric power systems. Our research focuses on technologies that improve the capacity, resilience, operational flexibility, and economic efficiency of electric transmission and energy infrastructure.

Through the industry–university collaborative model, the Center addresses shared critical industrial needs faced by utilities, technology developers, and energy system operators. Research topics are jointly developed by faculty investigators and industry members, who vote through the Industry Advisory Board (IAB) process to recommend projects of mutual interest that form the Center’s research portfolio.

The research program is organized as a portfolio of fundamental and pre-competitive collaborative research projects of shared interest to multiple IAB members, with clear pathways toward applied research and commercial development.

Research Themes

The center’s research activities are organized into several interconnected research portfolio themes that address key challenges in modern electric power systems. Our research themes address critical challenges in grid reliability, capacity expansion, cost efficiency, and resilience.

Transmission & Grid Modernization for New Energy Resource / Large Load Integration

This theme focuses on enabling the reliable integration of nuclear energy, renewable energy sources, wind, electrification, and large new loads such as data centers and EV infrastructure. Research includes advanced transmission technologies, grid-enhancing technologies, dynamic line rating, and innovative solutions to increase grid capacity without extensive new infrastructure.

Power Grid Monitoring, Maintenance, and Protection

This theme develops advanced sensing, monitoring, and protection technologies to improve situational awareness and system reliability. Research includes wide-area monitoring systems, sensor fusion, condition-based maintenance, fault detection, and next-generation protection schemes for increasingly complex and dynamic power systems.

Grid Planning, Operation, and Control for Energy Adequacy and Affordability

This theme addresses planning and operational challenges to ensure reliable and cost-effective energy delivery. Topics include optimal power flow, grid operation under high renewable penetration, market-informed planning, and tools for improving energy adequacy, flexibility, and affordability.

Cyber-Physical Power System Security and Resilience

This theme focuses on protecting power systems against cyber threats, physical disruptions, and extreme events. Research includes cybersecurity for grid infrastructure, resilient system design, anomaly detection, and strategies to enhance system recovery and robustness under uncertain and adversarial conditions.

Workforce Development & Education

This theme supports the development of a highly skilled science and engineering workforce aligned with industry needs. Activities include curriculum development, hands-on training, industry-engaged projects, and professional development programs to prepare students and engineers for emerging challenges in modern power and energy systems.

Center Faculty Research