Seyedehsahar Seyedbarhagh: “Researchers’ engagement in discussions enriched my experience”

At UPTEC, we have our doors open for new ideas, innovation, challenges and secondments. We welcome startups, big companies, universities and hubs from all over the world. Seyedehsahar Seyedbarhagh from the University of Vaasa, one of UPTEC’s partners in the OpenInnoTrain community, is the next interviewee of “Open Doors”, and she will share her three month experience in UPTEC and her main reasons for joining our ecosystem.

Seyedehsahar Seyedbarhagh (5)

Seyedehsahar Seyedbarhagh || PhD researcher at the University of Vaasa, Finland

University of Vaasa || Finland || 5618 Students and 611 Personnel

University of Vaasa: A university with a heart


Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your research project.

My name is Seyedehsahar Seyedbarhagh, and I am a PhD researcher in Technical Sciences at the University of Vaasa, Finland. My research focuses on electrical engineering, particularly power systems. I am particularly interested in optimization techniques applied to various aspects such as electric vehicles, energy storage, microgrids, and demand-side management.

Seyedehsahar Seyedbarhagh (1)

Why did you choose to come to UPTEC for your research project?

I chose to come to UPTEC for my research project because of its alignment with the objectives of the OpenInnoTrain project, an EU initiative aiming to bridge academia and industry. Given UPTEC’s focus on “Clean Technology,” which intersects with my research interests, I saw it as an ideal opportunity to witness firsthand how academic findings can be applied within industry settings. UPTEC’s reputation as a leading partner in the OpenInnoTrain project further solidified my decision.

Seyedehsahar Seyedbarhagh (2)

What expectations did you have before starting your secondment in Porto?

Before starting my secondment in Porto, I anticipated engaging in numerous meetings with energy system and battery domain experts to understand current industry trends and challenges. I aimed to gain insights that would inform my research and potentially identify areas where my expertise could contribute to addressing industry needs.

Were your expectations met?

My expectations were largely met during my time in Porto. I had productive meetings with scientists and researchers facilitated by Raphael, which provided valuable insights into industry needs. Additionally, attending workshops and events proved beneficial in broadening my understanding of relevant topics.

Seyedehsahar Seyedbarhagh (6)

Which connections to stakeholders in the Porto ecosystem could be made?

My time in Porto allowed me to establish connections with stakeholders in the local ecosystem, particularly in the energy storage and clean technology sectors. These connections provided invaluable perspectives on industry priorities and potential collaborative opportunities.

What aspects of your secondment in Porto did you especially enjoy?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Porto and at UPTEC. The welcoming and supportive environment and the opportunity to work in a hybrid mode made my experience exceptionally positive. I appreciated the researchers’ willingness to engage in discussions, clarify concepts, and share insights, which greatly enriched my learning experience.

How will your project continue after your time here in Porto?

Upon concluding my secondment in Porto, I will return to Vaasa equipped with valuable insights gained from UPTEC. I plan to integrate this knowledge into my PhD research, mainly focusing on energy storage and energy system optimization. By leveraging the information obtained in Porto, I aim to address research questions aimed at minimizing emissions through cost-effective solutions, thus contributing to the energy transition goals outlined by the EU.

Seyedehsahar Seyedbarhagh (4)

May 3, 2024

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