Three ݮƵ Engineering professors have been elected Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), one of the profession’s highest national honours.
Dr. Kankar Bhattacharya, Dr. Shesha Jayaram and Dr. Aiping Yu were among 57 new Fellows named this year, recognized for outstanding contributions to engineering in Canada and internationally. Their election reflects career-long excellence in research, innovation, mentorship and service.
“I am delighted to welcome the new Fellows to the Academy whose impressive accomplishments and leadership in their respective fields have significantly advanced engineering in both Canada and around the world,” said CAE President Catherine Karakatsanis in a press release. “Their outstanding contributions and dedication to excellence serve as an inspiration to us all.”
The new Fellows will be formally inducted during the CAE’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Symposium, taking place in Ottawa on June 20.
Dr. Kankar Bhattacharya
Dr. Kankar Bhattacharya
A professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dr. Kankar Bhattacharya is internationally recognized for advancing power system economics and operational reliability. His research focuses on improving the efficiency and sustainability of electrical systems, work that earned him the 2024 IEEE Canada P.D. Ziogas Electric Power Silver Medal Award.
Bhattacharya began his academic career in India and Sweden before joining the University of ݮƵ in 2003. He holds the title of University Research Chair and has received several accolades for his contributions to graduate supervision and research excellence. He is a Fellow of the IEEE and a licensed professional engineer in Ontario.
Read more about Bhattacharya's election as a CAE Fellow.
Dr. Shesha Jayaram
Dr. Shesha Jayaram
Dr. Shesha Jayaram is a professor in electrical and computer engineering and director of the High Voltage Engineering Laboratory. Her work in high-voltage engineering and insulation diagnostics has had global impact, advancing the integrity of electrical insulation systems and supporting pulse power applications in biotechnology and environmental engineering.
A prolific scholar with over 350 publications and patents in multiple countries, Jayaram previously held a University Research Chair and maintains adjunct appointments at McMaster University and the University of Guelph. She is a Fellow of the IEEE and a professional engineer in Ontario.
Read more about Jayaram's election as a CAE Fellow.
Dr. Aiping Yu
Dr. Aiping Yu
Dr. Aiping Yu, a chemical engineering professor and director of the Carbon Nanomaterials Laboratory for Renewable Energy and Multi-functional Composites, is leader in her field. She is a member of the ݮƵ Institute for Nanotechnology, where her primary research is in materials development for energy storage and conversion, photocatalysts and nano composites. Yu's previous work in the plastics and carbon solutions industries has led her to dedicate her current research toward developing nanomaterials for practical applications.
Yu holds four patents and has co-authored over 40 publications in peer-reviewed journals. She is also the co-author of a foundational textbook on electrochemical supercapacitors and serves as editor-in-chief of the journal Supercapacitor.
Read more about Yu's election as a CAE Fellow.