Center for Power Systems Studies

Welcome to the Center for Power Systems Studies

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Established in 1968 and approved by the South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Board of Regents.

A partnership with the regional power industry dedicated to promoting student education through direct industry involvement.

Center for Power Systems Studies Coordinator (1997-present)

Dr. Steven Hietpas

Steve Hietpas, Ph.D., Professor

Email  Phone    CV

Biography

  • Hietpas brings over 40 years of combined industry and academic experience to his role at South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University. With a background in NASA space programs and power systems engineering, he has dedicated his career to advancing electrical engineering education and research.
  • Throughout his career, he has specialized in power systems, power electronics, motor drives and control systems.
  • Beyond his professional achievements, Hietpas enjoys exploring the outdoors through backpacking and fly fishing.
About
Education
  • 1984: Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, Montana State University
  • 1989-1994: M.S. and Ph.D., Montana State University
Industry Experience
  • 1984-1989: General Dynamics
    • NASA Shuttle Program
    • NASA International Space Station Program
Academic Career
  • 1994-1998: Assistant professor
  • 1998-2003: Associate professor
  • 2003-present: Professor
Leadership Roles
  • 1997-present: Center for Power Systems Studies coordinator
  • 2002-2010: Undergraduate coordinator
  • 2010-2018: Department head
  • 2018-present: Teaching faculty
Explore the Center for Power Systems Studies
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About the Center for Power Systems Studies

Learn about our history, mission and goals. Established in 1968, the Center for Power Systems Studies has been a partnership between South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University and the regional power industry for over five decades. Discover how we've helped train over 350 electrical engineering graduates for careers in the power industry and our vision for the future.
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Student Resources

Find information about scholarships, internships, field trips and other opportunities for students. The Center for Power Systems Studies offers approximately $17,000 in scholarships annually, including the prestigious $6,000 Center for Power Systems Studies Scholarship for senior electrical engineering students and numerous general scholarships ranging from $250 to $2,000 for students in electrical, mechanical and civil engineering.
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Industry Partners

Information for our industry members and associate members. The Center for Power Systems Studies thrives through partnerships with nine member companies and 16 associate member organizations that contribute to an annual budget exceeding $42,500. Learn about membership benefits, the Wayne E. Knabach à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã for Excellence in Power and upcoming conferences and events.

What We Offer

The center offers scholarships, power technology-oriented tours, power seminars, brings to campus guest speakers and coordinates regional conferences and workshops. Through active participation by its members, the Center for Power Systems Studies provides students numerous opportunities by offering three- and nine-month internship positions.

The Center for Power Systems Studies is not only for electrical engineers, but is an excellent resource for mechanical and civil engineers who may be interested in the power generation, transmission and distribution fields.