Zhao Receives International Power Electronics Award

Yue Zhao, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the U of A, won the Isao Takahashi Power Electronics Award at the 2026 International Power Electronics Conference in Nagasaki, Japan. 

This award is given to individuals who have made outstanding achievements in power electronics. It is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Isao Takahashi of Nagaoka University of Technology in Niigata, Japan. 

Zhao received the award for his work in the design and optimization of high-power silicon carbide converters for transportation electrification and grid modernization. At its simplest, his work makes the devices that convert and control electricity smaller, lighter and more efficient.

The research shows up in everyday life: electric and hybrid vehicles that travel farther on the same energy, solar farms that deliver power to the grid more cheaply and motors that waste less as heat. Because the technology does the same job in a fraction of the size and weight, industry seeks out this work for prototypes they can turn into real products. 

"Receiving the Isao Takahashi Award is both a tremendous honor and a humbling experience," Zhao said. "Personally, it is especially meaningful because Professor Takahashi's contributions have had a lasting impact on the motor drive community, and many of us have benefited from his pioneer work. To be recognized with an award bearing his name is something I never take lightly." 

Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor of electrical engineering and executive director of the U of A Power Group, nominated Zhao for the award and highlighted his contributions to power electronics research and industry applications. 

"Over the past decade, Dr. Zhao has established himself as a leading researcher in the power electronics field, making outstanding and sustained contributions, particularly in advancing high-power silicon carbide converters," Mantooth wrote in his nomination. "His work has significantly influenced both the academic community and practical applications in this area." 

Mantooth also noted Zhao's leadership and work with industry partners. 

"He is HIGHLY sought after by industry to develop leading-edge prototypes that they can then study and productize," Mantooth shared. "The impact is incredible! I have so much confidence in both his technical abilities and his leadership skills that I turned over the GRAPES Center director position to him two years ago. He is doing a fantastic job." 

Zhao said the award reflects the work of his students, collaborators and industry partners; It encourages the group to continue pursuing research with both academic and real-world impact.  

"I have been especially fortunate to work alongside Professor Alan Mantooth and Professor Juan Balda, who have been outstanding colleagues and mentors to me over the past decade. Their guidance and encouragement have had a lasting impact on both my professional development and the success of our research efforts," Zhao said. 

Zhao stated that the award also represents the efforts of the U of A Power Group. 

"University of Arkansas Power Group has built a collaborative environment where students, faculty and industry partners work together to address important challenges in power electronics and energy systems," Zhao said. "This recognition is not only of an individual achievement but also of the innovation, talent and research excellence that the University of Arkansas continues to foster." 

About the College of Engineering: The University of Arkansas College of Engineering is the state's largest engineering school, offering graduate and undergraduate degrees, online studies, and interdisciplinary programs. It enrolls more than 4,700 students and employs more than 150 faculty and researchers along with nearly 200 staff members. Its research enterprise generated $47 million in new research awards in Fiscal Year 2025. The college's strategic plan, Vision 2035, seeks to build the premier STEM workforce in accordance with three key objectives: initiating lifelong student success, generating transformational and relevant knowledge, and becoming the destination of choice among educators, students, staff, industry, alumni, and the community. As part of this, the college is increasing graduates and research productivity to expand its footprint as an entrepreneurial engineering platform serving Arkansas and the world. The college embraces its pivotal role in driving economic growth, fueling innovation, and educating the next generation of engineers, computer scientists, and data scientists to address current and future societal challenges.