Delina Mawarni: A Leading Researcher and Educator in Electrical Power Engineering and Renewable Energy

Delina Mawarni stands out as a dedicated researcher, educator, and professional in the field of electrical power engineering and renewable energy technology. With a strong academic background and extensive industry experience, she has made significant contributions to both education and practical engineering applications. Her ongoing PhD studies at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom further highlight her commitment to advancing energy and power systems. This article delves into her educational journey, professional career, and notable expertise, offering insight into her impact on the electrical engineering field.
Early Education and Academic Foundation
Undergraduate Studies at University of Indonesia
Delina Mawarni’s academic journey began at the prestigious Engineering Faculty of the University of Indonesia, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree specialising in Electrical and Power Transmission Installation. Throughout her undergraduate years (1996-2001), she engaged actively in academic and extracurricular activities. Notably, she contributed to the Electrical Power System Laboratory and the Computer Center as an assistant, gaining hands-on experience that complemented her theoretical knowledge.
Her final year was marked by significant projects, including an infrared camera sensor application for waste combustion control on waste incineration plants. This early research demonstrated her interest in applying electrical engineering principles to practical environmental solutions.
Master’s Degrees: Sustainable Energy and Business Management
Delina pursued advanced studies, earning two Master’s degrees, each adding a vital dimension to her skill set:
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Master’s Degree in Sustainable Energy Technology from Eindhoven University of Technology (2013-2016) where she honed her expertise in energy modelling, renewable energy integration, and power systems.
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Master’s Degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from the Economics Faculty at the University of Indonesia (2005-2008). This degree equipped her with essential managerial and marketing skills, critical for leadership roles within technical and industrial settings.
Her business management thesis focused on promotional strategies within the pharmaceutical industry, demonstrating her analytical skills and versatility beyond pure engineering.
Professional Experience and Career Milestones
Tenure at Politeknik Aceh
Delina’s long-standing association with Politeknik Aceh in Indonesia reflects her passion for education and leadership in academia. Over more than a decade (2009–2019), she held various important positions that leveraged her technical expertise and administrative capabilities:
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Electrical Power Engineering Lecturer (2009-2019): She taught core courses including Electric Machines and Energy Conversion, Electric Machine Installation and Control, and Electrical Circuit Theory. Her role extended beyond lecturing to active research and community service, enriching the institution’s academic environment.
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Head of Electric Machines and Installation Laboratory (2010-2017): In this capacity, she managed lab resources and facilities vital for practical training and research, ensuring students had access to high-quality equipment.
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Vice-chairman of Industrial Electrical Engineering Department (2017-2019): She coordinated administrative activities, oversaw laboratory assets, and supported student tracer studies, showcasing her leadership and organisational skills.
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Head of Computer Laboratory (2017-2019): Responsible for managing computer lab resources used for both teaching and research, Delina ensured the lab’s effectiveness as a hub for technological advancement.
Her work at Politeknik Aceh highlights a unique blend of technical mastery and academic management, benefiting both students and faculty alike.
Industry Experience at PT. UNINDO ALSTOM
Before dedicating herself to academia full-time, Delina gained invaluable industrial experience with PT. UNINDO ALSTOM, a notable player in electrical manufacturing and engineering projects in Indonesia. Over nearly five years (2002-2006), she progressed through several key roles:
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Project Engineer (2002-2005): She supervised the electrical and mechanical design of distribution transformers, ensuring compliance with technical specifications. Her responsibilities included wiring supervision, protection device settings, and costing estimations for transformer production.
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Commercial Engineer (Nov 2005 – Jan 2006): Transitioning to a sales-oriented role, she negotiated pricing and quotations for transformers and switchgear, blending her technical knowledge with commercial acumen.
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Project Leader (Feb 2006 – Oct 2006): As project leader in the Distribution Transformer Division, she managed projects from design through production to delivery. This included coordinating raw material availability, production scheduling, and customer relations — all while maintaining strict adherence to budget and timelines.
This industrial background provided her with a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, project execution, and client management, invaluable for her subsequent academic roles.
Advanced Research and PhD Studies at Cranfield University
Delina’s current academic pursuit as a PhD candidate in Energy and Power at Cranfield University (2019–2023) in England exemplifies her commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in electrical power systems and renewable energy. Cranfield University is renowned for its focus on applied research and engineering excellence, making it an ideal environment for her specialised interests.
Research Focus and Contributions
Her doctoral research involves exploring advanced energy modelling, power system integration, and innovative solutions for sustainable power generation. She is also skilled in implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to optimise electrical power systems, reflecting her forward-looking approach to energy challenges.
Delina is proficient in a wide range of technical software and programming languages that support her research and teaching, including Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Power Factory, C++, and AutoCAD. These tools enable her to conduct simulations, data analysis, and system modelling critical to her work in power engineering.
Expertise in Electrical Power Engineering and Renewable Energy
Delina Mawarni’s competencies span a broad spectrum within electrical power engineering, with specific strengths including:
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Lecturing and Research: Skilled at delivering complex concepts clearly and effectively, she is also active in research studies that contribute to renewable energy technology and e-mobility integration into power systems.
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Manufacturing and Project Management: Her experience managing transformer manufacturing projects gives her practical insights into the production and supply chain side of power equipment.
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Artificial Intelligence Applications: She is capable of leveraging AI methodologies to enhance power system efficiency and reliability.
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Technical Software Proficiency: Familiar with various simulation and design software, she utilises these platforms for both research and teaching purposes.
This diverse skill set positions her as a valuable contributor to both academic and industrial sectors of electrical power engineering.
Language and Communication Skills
Delina possesses excellent fluency in both spoken and written English, an essential asset for effective communication in international research environments and academia. Her proficiency ensures she can present research findings, write scholarly articles, and engage in collaborative projects globally.
Summary
Delina Mawarni exemplifies the ideal blend of academic prowess, industry experience, and innovative research capability in the field of electrical power engineering and renewable energy. Her educational background from top-tier institutions, coupled with her long-term dedication to teaching and project leadership, positions her as a respected expert in her discipline.
Currently, as a PhD student at Cranfield University, she is at the forefront of addressing modern energy challenges, particularly focusing on sustainable power systems and smart grid technologies. Her comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, academic management, and AI applications makes her a significant asset to both the educational and engineering communities.