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We are engineering next generation technologies to power widespread use of solar energy.

Our research spans the gap between solar cells and smart grids, supported by the NSF, QNRF, and industry partners.

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Congratulations to Dr. Sawsan Shukri upon graduating with her PhD

REAPER Lab congratulates Dr. Sawsan Shukri (PhD) on the occasion of her graduation from Texas A&M University and the REAPER Lab. Dr. Shukri joined the REAPERlab in 2018. She earned her BSEE from Texas A&M University in Qatar in 2019 and her MSEE from Texas A&M University in 2021. Her research focused on the application of machine learning techniques for fault detection and diagnostics in photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Congratulations to Ms. Nabila ElBeheiry upon her graduation.

The REAPER lab congratulations Ms. Nabila ElBeheiry upon her graduation. Ms. ElBeheiry joined the REAPERlab in 2019. She earned her BSEE from Texas A&M University in Qatar in 2020. Her research pertained to developing a noninvasive method for early detection of moisture ingress in photovoltaic (PV) modules by using real-time electrical measurements derived from the natural switching action of the maximum power point tracker.  

Thesis Defense: Ms. Nabila ElBeheriy

REAPER Lab congratulates Ms. Nabila ElBeheriy for successfully defending her MS thesis entitled, “ Noninvasive Detection of Incipient PV Module Failure from Moisture Ingress.” Ms. ElBeheiry’s research studied the detection of moisture ingress in solar photovoltaic modules. She developed a noninvasive early detection method for moisture penetration into solar panels. Her work marks an important advancement in enhancing the safety, reliability, and long-term performance of photovoltaic energy systems. 

Ms. ElBeheiry earned her B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University in Qatar in May 2020 and completed her M.S. in Electrical Engineering at the REAPER Lab at Texas A&M University, where her research focused on model-based system identification techniques to perform anomaly detection to photovoltaic systems. She is currently working at Inventus Power, specializing in power electronics applications for lithium-ion battery systems.  

Dissertation Defense: Dr. Sawsan Shukri

The REAPER Lab congratulates Dr. Sawsan Shukri for successfully defending her Ph.D. dissertation, focused on machine learning techniques for fault detection and diagnostics in photovoltaic systems. Dr. Shukri was an affiliate of the REAPER Lab and was in-residence at both the Texas A&M University College Station and Qatar campuses. Her research contributions span arc fault detection, infrared-based anomaly identification, and the deployment of 5G-enabled smart agriculture systems. Her Ph.D. adviser and committee chair is Dr. Robert S. Balog and co-advisor Dr. Joseph Boutros.

Dr. Shukri received the B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University at Qatar in 2019 and the M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University at College Station in 2021. 

Ms. Shukri receives First Place for her research poster

The REAPERlab congratulates Ms. Shukri for her for wining First Place in the Spring 2025 Texas A&M University Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Graduate Poster Event, held on February 21, 2025. Her poster, titled “An Open-Access Library of Electrical Arc Signatures for the Development and Testing of PV Arc Fault Detection Techniques,” presents a novel dataset aimed at advancing arc fault detection in PV systems. This work contributes a critical resource for researchers and industry professionals by providing a publicly available library of arc signatures under diverse electrical and environmental conditions. It is made public to support the PV research, development, and test communities and is available on IEEE DataPort™, titled “Photovoltaic DC Arc Library.”

Ms. Shukri received best poster award for her research paper at the IEEE 52nd Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC 2024)

The REAPERlab congratulates Ms. Shukri on her Best Poster Award. Ph.D. candidate Ms. Sawsan Shukri presented a poster on her research paper entitled “A Library of Electrical Arc Signatures for the Development of PV Arc Fault Detection Techniques” at the 52nd Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC 2024) in Seattle, Washington. The poster was co-authored by Ms. Fatima Al-Janahi, Dr. J. J. Boutros, Mr. K. Abdulmawjood and Dr. R. S. Balog.

Arc faults are a major cause of photovoltaic (PV) system failures, often leading to electrical fires due to equipment malfunctions or poor installations. Consequently, arc-fault detectors, now mandated in many jurisdictions, are essential for PV safety. This research presents results obtained from the development of an automated mechatronics test bed using the UL1699B pull-apart method. These results were curated into a library of 2,352 arcs which considered variations of electrode material and geometry, pull-part distance and velocity, and arc current and voltage. This is made public to support the PV research, development, and test communities and is available on IEEE DataPort™, titled “Photovoltaic DC Arc Library.”

This publication was made possible by NPRP grant # 13S-0213-200357 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation). The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.

Ms. Sawsan Shukri passes Ph.D. preliminary examination

The REAPER Lab congratulates Ph.D. student Ms. Sawsan Shukri for passing her preliminary examination. His research pertains to applications of machine learning to photovoltaic systems.

Sawsan received her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University at Qatar in May 2019 and then her M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University at College Station, TX in December 2022. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas USA. 

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