Ali Forootani
PhD Candidate, Electrical and Software Engineering
Supervisors: Dr. Hamidreza Zareipour and Dr. Mayssam Amiri
Start date: July 2023
Target graduation date: 2027
Research focus
Load forecasting, energy management, electric vehicle smart charging, and smart grids.
Ali’s research applies machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning to practical problems in the energy sector, with an emphasis on long-term load forecasting and planning for electric distribution systems. Since April 2024 he has worked as a machine learning engineer in Distribution System Planning at ENMAX Power, the utility serving the City of Calgary, developing AI-based solutions for distribution network planning. He has also served as a teaching assistant at the University of Calgary since July 2023.
Awards and recognitions
1- Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship Competition, Alberta Innovates, 2026
2- Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship Competition, Alberta Innovates, 2025
3- Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship Competition, Alberta Innovates, 2024
4- Best Poster Award, RCES Forum, University of Alberta, 2025
5- Faculty of Graduate Studies Doctoral Scholarship, Open Scholarship Competition, Graduate Award Office, University of Calgary, 2024
6- Research Impact Excellence Award, recognizing outstanding publications within the Schulich academic research community, University of Calgary, 2024
7- Recognized for teaching a 10-session course on Deep Learning Using Python, IEEE Iran Section Student Branch, 2022
8- Recognized for teaching a 10-session course on Machine Learning and Applications, Scientific Association of Electrical Engineering, Shiraz University, 2021
9- Best Paper Award, “Home Energy Management Using Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning,” 10th Smart Grid Conference (SGC 2020)
Previous studies
1- PhD, Electrical and Software Engineering, University of Calgary (2023 to present)
2- Master’s degree, Electrical Engineering – Power Systems from Shiraz University
3- Bachelor’s degree, Electrical Engineering from Shiraz University
Industry and other work experience
1- Distribution system planning engineer at ENMAX Power
2- Teaching Assistant at Shiraz University
3- Python Software Programmer at Faryan Sanaat Pars
4- Research and development assistant at Afra Modern Systems
Other
I have industrial and academic experience in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Reinforcement Learning, with a focus on practical applications in the energy sector. My expertise encompasses load forecasting, energy management, smart grids, and intelligent electric vehicle charging solutions.
Additionally, I have more than two years of industry experience in leveraging AI to develop solutions for planning of distribution power systems at Enmax Power, the utility serving City of Calgary.
My background also includes experience in academic instruction, where I have taught students in machine learning and deep learning using Python for IEEE.