Whether you’re an engineer or studying towards a qualification, you may have heard about the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. But what exactly is it and how can it benefit your studies and career?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a professional body that advances engineering and technology, and its members aim to inspire global advancement through IEEE-cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities.
Quite recently, Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) Online Lecturer and Unit Coordinator, Dr. Munira Batool, became a senior member of the IEEE. Shortly after completing her Masters in Electrical Engineering, she registered with the IEEE to help further inspire her academic progress.
She took time out of her busy schedule to share her academic and career progress, and also shed some light on the importance and benefits of the IEEE for both established and budding engineers alike.
What’s IEEE and Why All Engineers Should Join It
Why do you love engineering?
A career in engineering allows you to solve problems and design things that matter, things that make the world a better place to live in. As a researcher in the field of renewable energy and microgrids, my passion is to save the world from global warming and environmental issues. I hope I can contribute to making this world a better place to live.
What made you choose Australia to complete your engineering studies?
Australia is one of the best countries for engineers, researchers and scholars alike. It not only offers a lucrative job market but also provides sound research and career growth opportunities. Relocating here has been a tremendous experience.
Tell us about where you completed your various degrees.
I completed my Bachelors in Electrical Engineering at Bahauddin Zakariya University, in Multan, Pakistan and then did Masters at the University of Engineering and Technology, in Taxila, Pakistan. These were completed in 2007 and 2012, respectively. After moving to Australia, I finished my PhD in Electrical Engineering at Curtin University’s Perth Campus, in 2019.
Why, in your opinion, is academic work important?
Academic work always helps you to tie up with the basics of your field and refreshes your concepts and knowledge of that area of study.
How has it been lecturing on engineering in Australia?
Teaching at Curtin University for three years, from 2015 to 2018, has been fantastic I then also joined the Engineering Institute of Technology in 2018. Teaching at Australian Institutes has helped boost my abilities, skills as well as knowledge of the various areas of electrical engineering.
Why was it important for you to join the IEEE whilst studying?
I joined them back in 2013, after completing my Masters in Electrical Engineering. They nurture development and advance the building of global technologies. It is a community of over 420,000 technology and engineering professionals united by a common desire to learn, interact, collaborate, and innovate continuously.
How does the IEEE benefit the career and academic paths of engineers and students?
In my opinion, it is the best platform for the engineering field as it gives access to highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities. The Institute is the trusted voice for engineering, computing, and technology information around the globe.
You’ve since become a senior member of the Institute. Tell us about your journey up until this point.
I am the author and co-author of several international journals and conferences in the area of electrical engineering. This involved contributing a chapter on the operation of clustered microgrids in for book titled “Variability, Scalability and Stability of Microgrids”, which was published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and used worldwide by researchers. Additionally, I am also a Higher Education Commission-approved research supervisor and I have supervised various postgraduate students since 2020.
Is there some interesting research you are busy with or have previously worked on?
My research interests include renewable energy resource modelling and integration in electrical power system networks, and standalone and clustered microgrids designed for remote area networks with optimal operation. I did my PhD in “Standalone and Clustered Microgrids” topics, which is in demand in Australia’s energy and power industry. I have been awarded the Chancellor Commendation Award for outstanding research work whilst completing my PhD at Curtin University.
Some interesting facts about the IEEE
Dr Batool forms part of a massive group of professional engineers who are active in a global structure that not only aims to bring education to the fore but also advances technologies and standards. Here are some useful quick facts about the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Over 409,000 members in more than 160 countries; more than 60 percent of whom are from outside the United States of America.
There are more than 125,000 student members and 343 sections in 10 geographic locations worldwide.
• It offers 2,615 chapters that unite local members with similar technical interests.
• There are at least 3,565 student branches at colleges and universities in over 100 countries and 3,182 student branch chapters of the IEEE technical societies.
• The Institute has 39 technical societies and seven technical councils representing a wide range of IEEE technical interests.
• There are also more than 5 million documents in the IEEE Xplore digital library, with more than 15 million downloads each month.
• They have an active portfolio of 1,076 standards and more than 900 projects under development.
• The Institute publishes some 200 transactions, journals and magazines, and sponsors more than 2,000 conferences and events in 96 countries.
• They also contribute over 3.6 million total conference papers to IEEE Xplore since 1936, with as many as 200,000 new papers added annually.
