EPIC researcher receives Education Leadership Award

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Tao Hong, associate professor in systems engineering and engineering management, is among energy leaders recognized recently by the Charlotte Business Journal and E4 Carolinas.

Hong, who also is director of EPIC’s BigDEAL (Big Data Energy Analytics Lab), was honored with the Education Leadership Award. He and other energy leaders were acknowledged for having “played a key role in making the Carolinas a regional and global player in the energy industry.”

A leading expert in energy forecasting, Hong conducts research that has improved the accuracy and efficiency of load forecasting for utilities around the world. Through BigDEAL, University students have the chance to solve challenging analytic problems in the energy industry; their knowledge makes them highly sought after by employers in the forecasting field, said EPIC officials.

Prior to joining UNC Charlotte four years ago, Hong worked at SAS and Quanta Technology. The Charlotte Business Journal profiled him in its print publication and online.

Photo: Tao Hong with the Kevin Pitts, CBJ publisher (by Melissa Key)