Event Date: September 29, 2026
Speakers
Dr. Narges Ghiasi: Dr. Ghiasi is a Senior Engineer with Dominion Energy Virginia, specializing in power system reliability, large load integration, and power system event analysis. She supports technical studies related to transmission system performance, power quality, and interconnection requirements for emerging large loads, with a particular focus on data centers. Her work includes collaboration with customers, utilities, regional reliability organizations, industry stakeholders and technical working groups to enhance grid reliability, improve system performance, and support the reliable integration of new and evolving load resources.
Dr. Dulip Madurasinghe: Dr. Madurasinghe received the B.Sc degree (Hons.) in electrical engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanke, in 2017, and the Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA, in 2024. Professionally, he served as an Embedded Engineer with Atlas Labs (Pty) Ltd. from 2017 to 2018, and as a Research Assistant with the Real-Time Power and Intelligent System Laboratory at Clemson University from 2018 to 2024. He subsequently worked as a Software Engineer with GE Vernova from 2024 to 2026. Currently, he is a Research Associate with the Grid Transients & Advanced Modeling group at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His primary research interests encompass real-time power systems control and operation, electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation and modeling, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for power system planning and operation.
Mr. Spencer Coffman: Spencer Coffman is an Engineer II on Planning & Policy at Southwest Power Pool (SPP). Spencer has been with SPP for three years. Spencer holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Technology. Spencer joined SPP through the Engineering Rotations Program, completing rotations in Transmission Planning and Generator Interconnection before transitioning into the Engineering Policy and Innovation Department. In Spencer’s current role, he supports advanced modeling practices and policy development, EMT/PSCAD study efforts, and innovation initiatives aimed at strengthening SPP’s production modeling capabilities, system reliability, and interconnection processes across the SPP footprint. While also serving as an Industry advisor with two research institutions.