Celebrating leadership, innovation, and lasting impact in the field
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of ݮƵ is proud to celebrate the election of Dr. Shesha Jayaram and Dr. Kankar Bhattacharya as Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE)—a prestigious honour that recognizes engineers who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to their fields and to Canadian society.
This recognition is not only a reflection of technical excellence, but also of leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to advancing engineering education, research, and innovation.
A trailblazer in high-voltage engineering, Dr. Shesha Jayaram is widely respected for her pioneering work in the design and maintenance of safe, reliable electrical insulation systems—critical components in modern power grids. As an influential voice in her field, her research has contributed to the global understanding of how high-voltage systems can be made more resilient and efficient. Dr. Jayaram is the recipient of the 2023 IEEE Industry Applications Society (IAS) Outstanding Achievement Award, the 2021 Electrostatic Society of America (ESA) Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2020 ESA Distinguished Service Award.
Reflecting on the significance of this latest honour, Dr. Jayaram shared:
“Professionally, being named a CAE Fellow is among the highest honours an engineer can receive in Canada. To have my life's work acknowledged by my peers at this level is profoundly affirming. While international accolades recognize my contributions globally, the CAE Fellowship stands out as a testament to what I have accomplished in the community and country I call home. It represents the pinnacle of my career achievements and motivates me to continue striving for excellence. This moment is both a crowning professional achievement and an inspiration to redouble my commitment to innovation and service in engineering.”
Dr. Kankar Bhattacharya, who currently serves as Chair of the Department, has devoted his career to tackling the complex challenges of modern power systems. His research on electricity market design, renewable energy integration, and smart grids addresses some of the most urgent issues facing the energy sector today. Known for his sharp insight and steady leadership, Dr. Bhattacharya has helped shape policy and practice in Canada and beyond. He holds the title of University Research Chair, is a Fellow of the IEEE, and was recently recognized with the IEEE Canada P.D. Ziogas Electric Power Silver Medal Award for his outstanding contributions to the field.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Bhattacharya shared:
“My academic journey has taken me across three countries on three continents, with each institution playing a vital role in shaping my understanding of power and energy system challenges. Among them, the University of ݮƵ has been the most significant and influential. Here, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional faculty, dedicated research students, and receiving outstanding support from the administration at every level.”
Both Dr. Jayaram and Dr. Bhattacharya are not only innovators—they are mentors, collaborators, and champions of the next generation of engineers. Their election to the CAE is a celebration of careers defined by excellence, vision, and impact.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Jayaram and Dr. Bhattacharya on this well-deserved recognition. Their achievements continue to inspire our community and elevate Canadian engineering on the world stage.
