Dr. Thuan Pham received his PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA in December 2024. Thuan worked in the RPG lab as a PhD student from Aug. 2020 to Dec. 2024. His research focused on applying machine learning algorithms, specifically graph neural networks, toward power system operation and optimization.

Thuan was also the very first student from the industry completing a PhD degree from the RPG lab. After graduation, Thuan continued his role at TotalEnergies Renewable.

PhD Dissertation title: “Faster Optimal Power Flow Using Graph Neural Network-Assisted Methods”

As of 2024, Thuan is a licensed professional engineer in Texas with 9+ years of experience. His work spans multiple aspects of solar farm development, including utilities, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), and developers. He has broad exposure to different facets of solar energy with a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s technical and operational challenges. Currently, Thuan serves as a Senior Electrical Engineer at TotalEnergies Renewable, where he applies his specialized knowledge to large-scale transmission solar projects. His role involves overseeing the design and execution of electrical systems while contributing to the strategic integration of renewable energy sources as part of the company’s global push toward sustainability.

Education

University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering                      2020 - 2024

Master in Engineering Management                                    Dec 2020

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering                         Dec 2019

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering                       May 2018

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Chemistry                  May 2009

Publications at UH RPG Lab

1. Thuan Pham and Xingpeng Li, “Neural Network-based Power Flow Model”, IEEE Green Technologies Conference, Houston, TX, USA, Mar. 2022.
2. Thuan Pham and Xingpeng Li, “Reduced Optimal Power Flow Using Graph Neural Network”, 54th North American Power Symposium, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, Oct. 2022.
3. Thuan Pham and Xingpeng Li, “N-1 Reduced Optimal Power Flow Using Augmented Hierarchical Graph Neural Network”, ArXiv.
4. Thuan Pham and Xingpeng Li, “Graph Neural Network-Accelerated Network-Reconfigured Optimal Power Flow”, ArXiv.
5. Thuan Pham and Xingpeng Li, “Constraints and Variables Reduction for Optimal Power Flow Using Hierarchical Graph Neural Networks with Virtual Node-Splitting”, ArXiv.