Alaa Selim

Alaa is a power systems researcher specializing in artificial intelligence, control, and optimization for secure and resilient energy infrastructure. He holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Connecticut and previously conducted postdoctoral research at Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering and the Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society. Before pursuing his PhD, he worked as an Application Design Engineer at Schneider Electric.

His research sits at the intersection of energy systems, artificial intelligence, cyber-physical systems and smart grids. He has explored how AI and machine learning can improve energy system optimization and control while strengthening the security, resilience, and reliability of critical infrastructure. His work has also examined AI applications for energy systems in settings such as hospitals, with a focus on resilience during disruptions and extreme events. 

At MCSC, Alaa will study the energy and environmental challenges associated with data centers. He will develop methods to meet growing computing demands while reducing data centers’ energy use, water use, and carbon emissions. As an Impact Fellow, he will collaborate with MCSC member companies and the broader MIT community to identify challenges and develop practical solutions for a more sustainable infrastructure. 

Alaa looks forward to applying his expertise in AI and energy systems to sustainable computing and working with researchers from across disciplines and industries to tackle these challenges.