Dr Salma Alarefi

Profile

Salma is an award-winning Teaching Fellow in Electrical Power Systems, in 2019. She holds a PhD degree in Electronics and Computing Systems and BEng in Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Essex, 2013, 2018, respectively.  Her PhD research on power control of hydroelectrical power system was shortlisted for the prestigious STEM for Britain award in 2017 and awarded a special commendation by the Water Women at Leeds in 2019. 

Salma is passionate about inspiring young people from underrepresented groups in STEM education to study and practice engineering. She is actively involved with designing, delivering, and participating in outreach activities. Her efforts towards the promotion of engineering have been recognised by the U.K. Women’s Engineering Society, to which she has been elected as a fellow.  In 2020, she was awarded a fellowship of the University of Leeds Public Engagement Excellence Scheme. As well as igniting passion, she has great devotion to enhancing the diversity and inclusivity of engineering education and practices. In 2021, she has been awarded a fellowship by the Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence to explore students’ sense of belonging and expression of authentic self at the University of Leeds, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences in particular.  In alignment with the University of Leeds Access 2025 Strategy, the focus of her pedagogical research spans across the student lifecycle from access to continuation, attainment, and progression.  Her dedication extends beyond teaching and scholarship, whereby in 2021, she has been appointed as co-chair for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Inclusivity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee.     

Responsibilities

• Academic Lead for Inclusivity and Student Success
• Academic Personal Tutor
• Module leader

Research interests

My academic research interests span a broad range of power electronics applications in microgeneration of renewable power (e.g., solar Photovoltaic, wind, hydro). As well as power management and control, my research focuses on modelling analysis of electrical characteristics of renewable power systems and their applications (microgrid and EVs).  

My pedagogical research lies in the area of inclusive engineering education, authentic assessment and learning engineering education as well for sustainable development. 

<h4>Research projects</h4> <p>Any research projects I'm currently working on will be listed below. Our list of all <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/dir/research-projects">research projects</a> allows you to view and search the full list of projects in the faculty.</p>

Qualifications

• PhD in Electronics and Computing Systems, University of Essex, U.K.
• BEng in Telecommunication Engineering, University of Essex, U.K.

Professional memberships

• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers , IEEE
• The Institution of Engineering and Technology, IET
• Women's Engineering Society, Fellow, WES
• Higher Education Academy, HEA

Student education

Dr Alarefi designs, delivers, and leads modules on renewable power systems. She supervises undergraduate and postgraduate taught projects. She is an internal and external examiner.