Ardalan Vahidi named IEEE Fellow

Ardalan Vahidi of Clemson University is beginning 2024 by celebrating his elevation to IEEE Fellow, one of his profession’s highest honors. IEEE is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the world’s largest technical professional organization.

Vahidi, a professor of mechanical engineering, was cited for “contributions to control of connected, automated, and hybrid vehicles and applications of optimal control.”

He has made pioneering contributions to methods which significantly increase energy efficiency of vehicles and in particular efficiency of connected and automated vehicles and (hybrid) electric vehicles. He has worked alongside major manufacturers, including BMW, Ford, and Cummins and has led multiple federally sponsored projects to successful on-road demonstrations. Vahidi and his group have experimentally demonstrated up to 30% energy savings with their innovations. Their published work has been cited thousands of times and he has been granted several patents for his inventions.

Vahidi’s research leverages vehicle connectivity that enables anticipating upcoming energy demands, as well as vehicle autonomy, that provides more precise control over the motion of the vehicle. Through novel use of real-time optimization, his algorithms can prescribe a motion plan that are proven to be energy preserving. Examples are reduced idling at urban intersections and smoother driving in stop and go traffic which not only reduce the energy losses of the controlled vehicle but indirectly contribute to traffic harmonization and increased energy efficiency of neighboring vehicles.

“I am truly honored to be recognized as an IEEE Fellow,” Vahidi said. “This achievement was made possible through the support of my nominator, colleagues, students, postdocs and collaborators. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of energy efficient mobility solutions.”

Among those offering congratulations was Atul Kelkar, chair of the Department of Automotive Engineering at Clemson.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Vahidi for this well-deserved recognition as an IEEE Fellow,” he said. “His innovative contributions to smart and eco-friendly vehicle technologies are a testament to his outstanding record of accomplishments.”

Vahidi’s selection as IEEE Fellow is the latest in a series of honors and awards that underscore his impact, including his 2020 promotion to Fellow in The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

He is active in both IEEE and ASME, serving on various committees and as associate editor for several journals throughout his career.

“Dr. Vahidi’s elevation to IEEE Fellow underscores his profound impact on making vehicles smarter and more sustainable,” said Zoran Filipi, director of Clemson’s School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering. His pioneering contributions are helping shape the future of mobility. Ardalan has also become a champion of cross-disciplinary collaborations in the School, and that both magnifies the impact and elevates the student experience. I congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.”