Sheila Obi is a PhD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Cross-Disciplinary) at the University of Alberta. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Power Systems major), a second degree in Computer Science Education, and a Master’s degree in Power System Engineering.
Her doctoral research focuses on developing real-time optimization frameworks for Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), exploring how distributed energy resources, such as solar PV and battery storage, can be aggregated to improve grid stability, resilience, and economic efficiency.
Passionate about sustainable energy and the digital transformation of power systems, Sheila works at the intersection of technical innovation, economic market design, and policy to shape the integration of renewable energy into modern electricity systems and advance the global transition toward low-carbon, decentralized energy futures. A registered Engineer in Alberta and Project Management Professional, she actively contributes to projects that bridge academia,
industry, and government while mentoring younger scholars.
Outside her academic pursuits, Sheila enjoys exploring nature trails, reading African literature, cooking new recipes, and community service, which inspire her creative and purpose-driven approach to research.