Associate Professor
Department of Computing Science
University of Alberta
ardakanian@ualberta.[NULL]ca
I am an associate professor in the Department of Computing Science at the University of Alberta. My research addresses systems challenges in sensor networks, data centers, and energy systems. I use optimization, control, and machine learning techniques to enhance the design and operation of networked, embedded, and cyber-physical systems.
The Sustainable Computing Research Lab | Publications | Google Scholar
Omid Ardakanian is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computing Science at the University of Alberta and a Principal Investigator of Future Energy Systems. His research focuses on designing algorithms for performance monitoring and control of networked, embedded, and cyber-physical systems. He received the BSc in Computer Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Iran, and the MMath and PhD in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo in Canada. Before joining UofA, he was a NSERC postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of British Columbia. He currently serves as Treasurer for ACM SIGEnergy, Area Editor of Energy Informatics Review (EIR), and on the steering committee of ACM e-Energy.
Dr. Ardakanian is a recipient of the ACM SIGEnergy Rising Star Award, the ASTech Award for Outstanding Achievement in AI/ML Advancement: Energy and Environmental Innovation, and the University of Waterloo Outstanding Achievement in Graduate Studies Award. He won the 2024 ACM e-Energy Test of Time Award for his research that also received the Best Paper Award at the Fourth International Conference on Future Energy Systems (ACM e-Energy) in 2013. He also received the best paper award at ACM BuildSys 2016 and 2022, and IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting 2017.
Note to prospective students:
I am always interested in working with motivated undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students who have a strong foundation in computer systems, as well as optimization and machine learning.
If you are considering graduate studies at the University of Alberta, please review this page carefully before submitting your application.
Applicants are expected to hold a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field; in the latter case, completion of core computer science coursework is required. PhD applicants are additionally expected to have at least one publication in a reputable conference or journal in their area of research. I encourage applications from women and individuals from equity-seeking groups.
If your background aligns with my research interests and you meet the criteria above, you are welcome to contact me by email. Please include your CV, a brief summary of your background and research interests, and the name of one of my projects you would like to contribute to. To help me filter inquiries, include the word "Houseplant" in the subject line.
While I may not be able to respond to every inquiry, I do review all emails and all application materials submitted through the official system. Selected candidates may be invited for an interview.