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Judith Cardell, Ph.D.
Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering
Judith Cardell is the Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering, with a joint appointment in the Picker Engineering Program and the Department of Computer Science. Her research interests lie in the analysis and design of complex technical systems. She is interested in the engineering aspects of supplying energy to society and the broader social context of meeting society's energy needs in a sustainable and reliable manner. Looking to the future, these interests include broad questions such as the role of demand response in the power system and the prospects for designing low impact energy systems for less-developed as well as industrialized countries.
 More specifically, Cardell focuses on the control and integration of distributed and renewable energy technologies into the existing electric power system and future, market driven system. Such technologies include small hydro-electric plants, wind turbines, solar energy systems, fuel cells, traditional gensets and the group of newer solid-state transmission control technologies referred to as FACTS devices (flexible AC transmission system). Cardell studies power system reliability and stability in response to both these new technologies and new, emerging energy markets.
Cardell received a B.S. in electrical engineering and an A.B. in government from Cornell University. While at Cornell, and continuing after graduation, she worked as a computer design engineer at Digital Equipment Corporation. Returning the graduate school, she received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Technology Management and Policy through the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). For her doctoral work, she developed power system models to demonstrate a possible evolution of the electric power system toward a fully distributed system, as driven by both energy market structures and new, small-scale generating technologies.
Before coming to Smith, Cardell worked for the federal government and as a consultant to the power industry. She was involved in writing federal electricity policy that addressed many aspects of the deregulation of the electric power industry. Most recently she has provided expert testimony to the federal government analyzing the California energy crisis of 2000, and power system operations throughout the eastern United States.
She is delighted to be part of Smith faculty and to have the opportunity to work with and encourage women to pursue interests in technical fields, while also pursuing the breadth of knowledge that can be gained through studies in the liberal arts. Cardell believes that with the educational approach taken by Smith College, Smith graduates will have the opportunity to move beyond the traditional technical roles of engineers and computer scientists, and into strong, decision-making positions -- positions that will help shape our future society.
Cardell enjoys cycling, hiking and playing the piano. She also pursues a wide variety of textile arts. She dabbles at gardening and is resigned to sharing the fruits of her garden with the local bear population.
Cardell was recently promoted to associate professor effective July 1, 2008. |
