Mini S. Thomas

Mini Shaji Thomas is Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), and has 29 years of teaching and research experience in the field of Power systems. Currently she is the Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University. She was the Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering from 2005-2008.. Mini graduated from University of Kerala (Gold Medalist), completed her M. Tech from IIT Madras (Gold Medalist, Siemen’s prize) & PhD from IIT Delhi, India, all in Electrical Engineering.

Mini has done extensive research work in the area of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Substation & Distribution Automation and Smart Grid. She has published over 100 research papers in International Journals and Conferences of repute, has successfully completed many research projects, and is the coordinator of the Special Assistance Program (SAP) on Power System Automation from UGC, Government of India.

Mini has set up the first of its kind SCADA laboratory and Substation Automation (SA) Laboratory at JMI, has drafted the curriculum, and started a unique, first full-time, M Tech program in the Faculty of Engineering & Technology, JMI, in 2003 in Electrical Power System Management, which has unique courses on power automation and novel hands-on training.

Mini received the ‘Career Award’ for young teachers, Govt. of India, and has won the IEEE MGA Larry K Wilson Trans-national award, MGA Innovation award, Outstanding Volunteer award, Outstanding Branch counselor award and Power and Energy Society (PES) Outstanding Chapter Engineer award, to name a few.

Mini is very active in Professional societies and has served on the global boards of IEEE. She is currently a member of the PES LRP (Long Range Planning) committee. She was a board member of IEEE PSPB (Publication Services and Products Board), Educational Activities Board (EAB), served as the vice chair of IEEE MGA (Member and Geographic Activities) Board and was the Asia Pacific student activities coordinator. Mini has traveled extensively around the globe, delivered lectures in prestigious universities and has interacted with technical experts from all over the world.