Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has announced the appointment of  Zheyu Zhang, Ph.D., as the inaugural Richard P. Felak ’66 ’67G and Joan C. Felak Endowed Faculty Fellow in Electric Power Engineering. This prestigious recognition highlights Zhang’s groundbreaking contributions to electric power engineering and honors the gifts of RPI alumnus Richard P. Felak ’66 ’67G and his wife, Joan.

Richard Felak, whose successful career in the power industry spanned decades, has long understood the vital role of energy and power engineering in securing the nation’s future. Through the generosity of Rich and Joan Felak, RPI will further strengthen its leadership in this critical field and support the next generation of innovators.  

Richard Felak shared his thoughts: “Joan and I are delighted with this appointment.  We are impressed not only with Professor Zhang’s passion and commitment to RPI’s power engineering program, but also with his extensive engagement and success in both academic and practical sides of my favorite field of study and research.  We are pleased to support this endowed fellowship. It was RPI’s financial support which enabled me to attend RPI and obtain a great education and all its benefits. I hope that others will also give generously in recognition of their own opportunities and successes resulting from exceptional RPI education.”

“Power engineering is at the heart of our energy future — from grid modernization to renewable integration and electrification,” said Shekhar Garde, the Thomas R. Farino Jr. ’67 and Patricia E. Farino Dean of the School of Engineering at RPI. “We are deeply grateful to Rich and Joan for their vision and generosity. Their support enables us to push the frontiers of research, education, and innovation in this essential domain.”

Zhang, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering, leads transformative research in both theoretical and applied dimensions of electric power systems. His work advances technologies that are critical to enabling smart grids, improving power electronics, and enhancing the resilience of energy infrastructure.

“Zheyu has rapidly built a vibrant research program since joining RPI, engaging both graduate and undergraduate students and establishing cutting-edge research infrastructure,” said John Wen, Ph.D., Russell Sage Professor and Head of the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering. “He has brought renewed energy to our power engineering curriculum — especially in power electronics — through his deep expertise, passion for teaching, and mentorship of undergraduate research projects.”

Zhang holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he focused on power electronics characterization and applications. Before joining RPI, he held research roles that connected academic insight with real-world impact, positioning him uniquely to tackle the evolving challenges of the power and energy sector. At RPI, he quickly established himself as a leader in the field, with active collaborations across academia and industry.

“I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful to receive this prestigious fellowship, generously established by Rich and Joan Felak. The legacy of electric power engineering at RPI — shaped and energized by generations of dedicated pioneers, including Rich Felak — has long stood as a source of pride and inspiration. This rich tradition continues to motivate not only my own academic journey but also the mission of my research team. We are committed to advancing both the fundamental understanding and applied technologies in power electronics, with the goal of building a more reliable, secure, and resilient power grid,” said Zhang.

RPI has a storied history in power engineering, dating back to the early 20th century. Alumni and faculty have contributed to pivotal innovations in power systems, transmission technologies, and energy policy. With the support of the Felak Faculty Fellowship and visionary researchers like Zhang, RPI is poised to expand this legacy.

The appointment aligns with Rensselaer Forward, the institute’s strategic plan’s priorities to build and grow research and education in energy and power engineering to build a sustainable, resilient, and connected world.