By Ayo Onikoyi

With global energy systems at a crossroads, Nigeria’s Dr. Glory Chinweotito Justin has called on governments, particularly in developing nations, to embrace technological innovation in addressing energy stability and security.

Dr. Justin, an expert in power systems engineering and automation, has emphasized that relying on outdated infrastructure and traditional methods is unsustainable in the face of increasing energy demands and climate challenges. “We cannot continue to depend on legacy systems and expect them to meet modern demands,” she said recently. “Governments must prioritize investments in smart grids and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to secure the future of energy.”

Born and raised in Nigeria, Dr. Justin’s academic journey began at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Her undergraduate thesis, focused on designing an automatic power supply switching device, demonstrated her early fascination with automation and control systems. Graduating with top honors in 2017, she had already laid the foundation for a career that would bridge theory and practical innovation in energy systems.

Dr. Justin further honed her expertise at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, where she pursued her Master’s and Doctoral studies in Electrical Engineering. Specializing in control and automation with a minor in power systems, her advanced coursework and research embodied her relentless pursuit of solving energy challenges. By 2024, her PhD thesis, Graph Neural Networks for Power System Stability, had not only earned her accolades but also marked a new frontier in leveraging machine learning for grid stability.

Her academic rigor translated seamlessly into professional practice. During her tenure as a research assistant at RPI, Dr. Justin tackled some of the most pressing issues in power system security and frequency stability. Using tools like MATLAB, TensorFlow, and Simulink, she developed integrated controllers for mitigating power grid instability, effectively merging classical engineering principles with cutting-edge artificial intelligence.

Discussing the implications of her work, Dr. Justin stated, “The power grid is the backbone of modern society. It connects everything—from households to industries—and any instability can have catastrophic consequences. My research focuses on creating predictive models that can identify and mitigate risks before they materialize. This is where AI can truly revolutionize energy systems.” She noted that her work with graph neural networks aims to predict unstable conditions in grids with unprecedented accuracy.

Her professional experiences with companies like Heliogen and GE Aerospace further solidified her expertise. Reflecting on her time at GE Aerospace in 2023, Dr. Justin shared, “Designing a faster and more efficient inverter model for aircraft power systems was a challenging yet rewarding experience. It allowed me to explore how power electronics interact with larger systems, which is critical as we move towards electrification in sectors like aviation.”

On completing her doctoral program, Dr. Justin joined one of the largest utility companies in the United States, as an  Operations Engineer. In her current role, she designs and maintains energy management software critical for real-time monitoring and optimization of power grids. Her contributions, ranging from updating grid models to integrating advanced monitoring tools, are pivotal to ensuring reliable electricity delivery to millions of customers.

When asked about her vision for the energy sector, Dr. Justin emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. “Energy challenges are not isolated; they are linked to technology, policy, and even social systems,” she said. “We need engineers, data scientists, policymakers, and communities to work together. The solutions we need are complex, but collaboration makes them achievable.”

Beyond her professional and academic endeavors, Dr. Justin has shown a deep commitment to mentorship and teaching. During her time at RPI, she worked as a teaching assistant, guiding over 80 students in electrical engineering concepts. She also spent a year teaching math and computer science to children in Nigeria, demonstrating her belief in the power of education to uplift communities.

Dr. Justin’s impact is evident in the numerous presentations she has delivered at prestigious forums, including IEEE conferences and GE Aerospace’s research symposiums. Her works, such as “Comparative Analysis of ML Techniques for Transient Stability” and “Modeling of a Thermal Energy Storage Tank Using Deep Learning,” have garnered widespread recognition and underscore her interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving.

As the global demand for clean, reliable, and resilient energy systems grows, experts like Dr. Justin are at the forefront of addressing these challenges. Her skills in advanced modeling, combined with her deep understanding of power systems, position her as a leader in shaping the next generation of energy technologies.

Fluent in multiple programming languages and modeling tools, including MATLAB, PLECs, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, Dr. Justin exemplifies the modern engineer who bridges computational expertise with domain-specific knowledge. Her versatility and ability to collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams highlight her readiness to tackle the complexities of a digitized power grid.

Dr. Justin’s story also resonates as a source of inspiration for aspiring engineers, particularly young women in STEM. Coming from Nigeria, her rise to prominence in a highly competitive field is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the importance of global collaboration in addressing shared challenges.

As she continues to advance her career, Dr. Glory Chinweotito Justin stands as a visionary figure whose work is transforming the way we think about power systems and energy security. Her journey is not just one of personal success but a reflection of the vital role engineering plays in shaping a sustainable future for all.