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 looking for motivated undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students interested in computer systems, particularly those with a strong background in optimization theory and machine learning. I especially encourage women and students from equity-seeking groups to apply to my group.
If you are considering graduate studies at the University of Alberta, please read this page before submitting your application.
You must have a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related discipline (in that case you should have completed core CS courses). Additionally, PhD applicants are expected to have at least one publication in a top-tier conference, workshop, or journal in your area of research.
If your background aligns with my research areas and you meet the criteria above, you may contact me by email. Please include your CV, a brief summary of your background and research interests, the name of one of my projects that you would like to contribute to, and the word "Houseplant" in the subject line.
Please note that while I may not be able to respond to every inquiry, I do review all emails and application materials submitted through the official system. Promising candidates may be invited for an interview.