Where are you from, and what have you studied and where?
I am originally from Iran, where I completed a Master's degree and began a PhD program before moving to Australia. In Australia, I earned a PhD in Electrical Engineering, focusing on renewable energy and electricity market studies, at Flinders University.
What has your timeline in Adelaide looked like?
I came to Australia in early 2019 to begin my PhD studies, which I completed in early 2022. Immediately after, I started working in the industry as an energy market consultant. Since mid-2023, I’ve been with the Australian Energy Market Operator as an energy market analyst.
What motivated you to choose Adelaide over other Australian cities for your studies?
Although I had offers from a couple of other universities in Melbourne and Sydney, I chose Adelaide because it offered a more affordable cost of living and a higher level of comfort.
How did you select your course and institution, and what resources or support services have you found most helpful at your institution?
I chose to pursue my PhD at Flinders University primarily because I was awarded a scholarship, which made it an ideal choice in Adelaide. The support services available, such as International Student Services (ISS) and resources like the StudyAdelaide website, were incredibly valuable in helping me learn about the city and opportunities for international students. Additionally, I benefitted from industry engagement programs and top-up scholarships offered through Flinders’ industry collaborations, which enriched my research experience.
Describe a moment when you felt truly at home in Adelaide.
While there isn’t one specific moment that stands out, my time in Adelaide has been an incredible journey, shaped by my university work, friendships, relationships and jobs. These experiences have made Adelaide feel like home, and now, I can’t imagine any other place in the world as my home.
If you were to take a friend on a day trip around Adelaide, where would you take them and why?
I’d start with a hike through the Adelaide Hills, where we could enjoy scenic views and spot local wildlife. Then, we’d head to the Fleurieu Peninsula for some coastal exploration and maybe a swim at one of the beautiful beaches. If it’s festival season, we’d end the day at one of Adelaide’s renowned festivals, enjoying live music, outdoor food stalls, and the lively atmosphere that makes the city so unique. Read more about exploring South Australia here.
Where do you currently work, and what are your future aspirations?
I work at the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and I analyse energy market events, participant behaviour, and system issues to generate insights and provide expert advice to stakeholders. This involves creating clear, accessible reports, presenting findings, and developing analytics tools to enhance the process. I also assess the dispatch process and market operations to report on impacts to participants and manage small projects to support continuous improvement of the energy market.
My future aspirations are to deepen my expertise in energy markets and analytics, contributing to the transition toward more sustainable and resilient energy systems. I aim to take on more strategic roles where I can lead impactful projects, drive innovation in data-driven insights, and help shape policies that support renewable integration and market efficiency.