Khaligh Honored With Linda Clement Outstanding Advisor Award

University of Maryland (UMD) Professor Alireza Khaligh has received the Linda Clement Outstanding Advisor Award, presented each year to an advisor who has made outstanding contributions to a student organization and campus life beyond their job responsibilities.

Khaligh is the founding faculty advisor of Terps Racing EV, which formed in 2018 and began operations the following year. The newest branch of the storied Terps Racing organization, the EV team aims to transform the formula racing experience into a clean, sustainable equivalent, utilizing all-electric vehicles.

"Dr. Khaligh has been instrumental in Terps Racing EV's ability to secure funding and navigate the systems of the department," said the team's chief electrical engineer, Sam Rennich. "We cannot thank him enough for the time and commitment he gives to our club."

More than 40 students from multiple engineering and other majors participate in the three Terps Racing teams—Baja, Formula, and Formula EV—each year, racing their vehicles in a series of competitions whose judges include representatives from major companies such as Ford. GM, and Tesla.

"It’s an amazing learning experience for the students." Khaliigh said of the program. "They get hands-on experience that prepares them for industry, and they sometimes get job offers during the competitions."

"I’m very honored to have received this award," he said. "I love working with students and helping them become the next generation of leaders in their fields."

A member of the UMD faculty since 2011, Khaligh is director of the Maryland Power Electronics Laboratory, based jointly at the ECE and the Institute for Systems Research (ISR). His major research interests include modeling, analysis, design, and control of power electronic converters.

He will be formally honored at the 43rd Annual University Awards Banquet on Sunday, May 5.

Published April 22, 2024