Georgia Pierrou joined the Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) as an assistant professor in 2026. Her research focuses on the stability analysis, control and optimization of electric power systems, aiming to provide innovative solutions to support the energy transition. Prior to joining U of T, Pierrou was a postdoctoral researcher at the Power Systems Laboratory at ETH Zürich, Switzerland. She earned her PhD in electrical engineering from McGill University in 2021.
What drew you to the University of Toronto, and what excites you most about being here?
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to join U of T. I was drawn to the ECE department at the University of Toronto for its strong reputation and history in power systems, as that is the main area of my research.
What excites me most about being here is the dynamic and diverse environment that U of T offers. I am very happy to be back in Canada and look forward to the many opportunities for collaboration with other universities and industry, as well as the chance to work with U of T’s talented students.
What are the main areas of your research, and why are they important today?
My research focuses on addressing challenges posed by the energy transition to electric power systems, such as renewable generation uncertainties, as well as promoting sustainability in the electric power sector in Canada and worldwide.
I use ideas such as dynamic analysis and data-driven control to develop novel tools for supporting modern electric power grids. My work also extends to the intersection of power systems with electrified transportation and e-mobility hubs, as well as cyber-physical aspects and data centres. These directions are increasingly important for ensuring the secure and safe operation of power grids. In other words, I look at how to keep the lights on.
What has been the most memorable experience in your career so far?
During my postdoctoral studies, I developed the Let’s Make ITET Green course focused on providing sustainable solutions within the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITET) at ETH Zurich. I was deeply inspired by the students’ interest and motivation to contribute to sustainability and create real change.
They explored initiatives such as installing solar panels on university rooftops, and raising awareness about energy consumption and savings within the academic community. Building a course from scratch, and doing so with the trust of my advisor Professor Gabriela Hug, was a very rewarding experience for me.
When did you know engineering was for you?
In school, I loved math and programming. When I was 14, I bought the very first computer in my family and started exploring the digital world, including setting up an internet connection. I remember that in the beginning I had to keep our landline busy to get online. I chose Electrical and Computer Engineering as it felt like the right path to be able to use my skills in math and programming to contribute to the energy transition.
As a new professor, what’s one piece of advice you would give to new students?
Learning takes time and isn’t always linear. Moments of doubt are a normal part of growth. However, once you put in the effort, it is important to trust the process and yourself. So, my advice is to fight for your dreams and be kind to yourself. Balance is important to stand strong in the long run. I encourage students to take advantage of the many resources that U of T offers for support. We are also lucky to live in a city with plenty of groups and activities that can help you connect with others and recharge.
What’s something students might be surprised to learn about you?
I enjoy learning and being a student myself. For example, I have a strong interest in learning new languages. My native language is Greek, and I also speak English and French. During my undergraduate years, I studied Mandarin Chinese, and during my postdoctoral stay, I took some German classes. More recently, I’ve returned to studying French to continue my own learning journey. Outside of work, I am also a foodie and enjoy discovering hidden gems in Toronto’s food scene.
