Team
Faculty
Arezoo Hasankhani, PhD
Assistant Professor
arezoo.hasankhani@unh.edu
Prof. Arezoo Hasankhani joined the faculty in January 2024, and she leads the Energy Control and Optimization (ECO) Lab. Prior to joining the faculty at UNH, she received her Ph.D. from Florida Atlantic University, and was a postdoctoral scholar at the Cornell University.
Prof Hasankhani’s research interests are energy systems, autonomous underwater vehicle, design, control co-design, control, and optimization to enhance economy. Recently we work with ocean energy systems and advancing the blue economy – the sustainable use of ocean resources to benefit economies, livelihoods and ocean ecosystem health. Prof. Hasankhani is leading an interdisciplinary group with expertise in control and power to mechanical design and ocean engineering leveraging new methods, e.g., reinforcement learning and machine learning algorithms to address challenges in the ocean energy. Her close collaboration with the ocean engineering program provides an optimal environment for her research endeavors in the marine energy domain.
Graduate Students
Usman Masood
Ph.D. Candidate
Electrical Engineering
Usman.Masood@unh.edu
Usman is currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of New Hampshire. His research focuses on multi-level control and control co-design strategies for wave energy converters, aiming to enhance energy capture and system robustness in marine energy systems. He holds a BS in Electronics and Communication from the University of Lahore and an MS in Computational Science and Engineering. During his master's studies, his work centered on adaptive super-twisting sliding mode control for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and diverse dynamical systems. Prior to his PhD, he conducted both experimental and simulation-based research on thermal energy storage for and controlled flow rate based building cooling applications at the United Arab Emirates University. Outside of his academic work, Usman enjoys playing snooker, card games, cricket, and going for long walks.
Pablo is a Ph.D. student in Ocean Engineering at the University of New Hampshire, where he focuses on the parametrization and design of a tunable reference model for wave energy converters. He graduated from Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh) with a degree in Naval Architecture and later earned a Master’s in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from the same institution. Before beginning his doctoral studies, Pablo worked for over three years as a research assistant at the Hydrodynamic Towing Tank of UACh (CEH-UACh), where he conducted both experimental and numerical research related to ocean renewable energy and offshore aquaculture. His work focused on the hydrodynamic response of floating structures and their role in advancing sustainable marine systems. Outside of research, Pablo is a passionate soccer fan, and in his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, camping, and fishing.
Rasim Yamaç
Ph.D. Candidate
Computer Engineering
Rasim.Yamac@unh.edu
Landon is currently pursuing a dual Master’s degree in Renewable Energy Engineering through the InnoEnergy program, comprising an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Energy Innovation from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and an M.Sc. in Energy Engineering and Management from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Lisbon. His research at UNH focuses on the prototyping and experimental testing of tunable wave energy converters (WECs), with the goal of improving energy capture from small-scale devices and enabling their integration into blue economy applications. However, Landon also has experience in research areas including marine materials, hydrofoil scaling, and subsea structure installation strategies. Landon holds a B.S. in Ocean Engineering with a Certificate in Marine Materials and Offshore Structures from Florida Atlantic University, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona. Outside the lab, he enjoys working out, hiking, spending time with friends, and reading.
Undergraduate Students
Maria Soares
Undergraduate Student
Electrical Engineering
Maria.Soares@unh.edu
Maria Eduarda Pereira Soares is an Electrical Engineering student with interests in renewable energy and sustainability. She is particularly interested in applying engineering solutions to support clean energy systems and environmentally responsible technologies.
Devaja Dutta
Undergraduate Student
Electrical Engineering
Devaja.Dutta@unh.edu
Devaja Dutta is an Electrical Engineering student with interests in renewable energy, power systems, and energy poverty. She is motivated to learn about designing and applying sustainable technology in ways that maximize accessibility.
Avery VanHendrick
Undergraduate Student
Computer Engineering
Avery.VanHendrick@unh.edu
Avery VanHendrick is a Computer Engineering student at the University of New Hampshire (Class of 2026) with interests in microcontroller programming and automation. They have developed a strong technical foundation through advanced coursework and hands-on laboratory work. Avery has also gained practical experience through tutoring positions and internships within the field.
Dylan MacLeod
Undergraduate Student
Electrical Engineering
Dylan.MacLeod@unh.edu
Dylan MacLeod is an undergraduate Electrical Engineering student with a strong interest in circuit design and integrated circuits. He has hands-on experience with CMOS circuit simulation and layout using Cadence Virtuoso, Multisim, and MATLAB, and a solid foundation in microelectronic circuits and signal analysis. Dylan is motivated to apply practical design and simulation skills to support research in electrical and electronic systems.
Ayla Magdalena
Undergraduate Student
Environmental Engineering
Ayla.Magdalena@unh.edu
Sarah Souliere
Undergraduate Student
Mechanical Engineering
sarah.souliere@unh.edu
Sarah is senior in mechanical engineering at the University of New Hampshire working towards her bachelor's degree. Her interests lie in additive Manufacturing and machine design and development. She is currently a Mechanical Engineering & Communications Intern at the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center in Durham, NH and has been since January 2021. Outside of school, Sarah enjoys baking, reading, and tinkering with her 3D printer.
