Professional Experience
QXT Energy — Chief Technology Officer
June 2026 – Present
- Lead a multidisciplinary team of software engineers, power systems analysts, and applied mathematicians developing the QXT software platform for advanced power system studies.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory — Principal Research Engineer
June 2025 – June 2026
- Technical Lead for the Sienna simulation ecosystem.
- Led a multidisciplinary team developing production-grade simulation tools used by utilities, ISOs, and grid operators for transmission planning, production cost modeling, and interconnection studies.
- Collaborated with state energy agencies and public utility commissions on transmission expansion planning and policy analysis, providing technical foundation for regulatory proceedings and infrastructure investment decisions.
- AI for Power Systems modeling lead and applications of AI for advanced energy analysis.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory — Senior Staff Research Engineer
November 2022 – June 2025
- Grid Planning and Analysis Center; member of the software council.
- Developed simulation capabilities for the National Transmission Expansion Project and other large-scale simulation of electric networks.
- Transmission network expansion formulations for advanced grid modeling.
Equilibrium Energy — Principal Engineer
June 2022 – November 2022
- Principal engineer in energy sciences, contributing to energy operations research, power systems engineering, production cost modeling, and electricity market analysis.
- Part of the team developing optimization-based decision engine cloud services for virtual trading and battery operations.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory — Student Researcher
October 2017 – May 2022
- Power Systems Design and Studies Group.
- Projects: Scalable Integrated Infrastructure Planning, and Solar Uncertainty Management and Mitigation for Exceptional Reliability in Grid Operations.
- Recognized as best graduate student (Q4 FY2021) for more than 12,000 code contributions to NREL-SIIP, co-authoring more than nine papers.
Trama-Techno-Ambiental — Microgrid Scientific Specialist
August 2016 – March 2021
- Technical advice on microgrid design, isolated power systems control, and distributed energy integration across international projects: energy storage design for PUB (Kiribati); net-metering standards for CEDRO (Lebanon); EMS troubleshooting for MEDSolar; distributed solar PV and storage in Santa Fe (Argentina); microgrid design and systems review in Eritrea; interconnection study in Bahía Negra (Paraguay); microgrid design in Haiti (3-Villages); utility-scale PV in Jacmel (Haiti).
National Renewable Energy Laboratory — Electrical Engineering Graduate III (Development Program)
June 2017 – August 2017
- Electrical Engineer at NREL’s Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF).
- Developed probabilistic forecast integration algorithms for Economic Dispatch models and implemented Conditional Value at Risk models in Economic Dispatch.
Hatch LTD — Intermediate Electrical Engineer
September 2014 – September 2015
- Member of the Electro-technologies group, with a focus on technology development.
- Built a simulation platform to test mathematical models and apply optimization algorithms for real-time dispatch of electric power assets in remote microgrids on a cRIO-9068 platform.
University of Waterloo — Research Associate, ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative
August 2012 – August 2014
- Developed a commercially viable, utility-grade controller for islanded electric grids, focused on communal remote microgrids and distributed resources, including real-time dispatch optimization implemented in hardware.
- WISE (Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy) Research Analyst (May–August 2014): research on electricity cost and value data to improve regulatory decisions.
Nissan Costa Rica — Nissan Leaf Project Engineer
July 2010 – August 2012
- R&D of the platform for the Nissan LEAF launch in Costa Rica, analysis of battery performance and charging standards.
- Design of level-2 charging stations and preliminary analysis for level-3 charging; coordination with utilities, government agencies, and Nissan headquarters for demonstration projects.
Vara Blanca & Suerkata Micro-Hydro
July 2009 – July 2010
- Commissioning of equipment, workforce coordination, electromechanical repair supervision, and equipment testing.
- Technical interconnection studies for run-of-river hydro projects, including unbalanced power-flow analysis and short-circuit studies.
Trend Micro Costa Rica — Customer Support
December 2004 – December 2007
- Technical support for business and enterprise clients on antivirus and security issues.
Independent Engineering Consulting
The Regulation of Distributed Solar Power Generation in Costa Rica
September 2018 – March 2019 — Interamerican Development Bank
- Techno-economic assessment of Costa Rica’s distributed generation (DG) regulation (POASEN) and adoption scenarios; analysis of the effect of DG on utility finances with a proposed tariff scheme.
Performance Indicators for Utilities in Costa Rica
September 2016 – December 2016 — Ministry of Environment and Energy
- Developed operational efficiency indicators to help regulators benchmark Costa Rica’s electric utilities against other jurisdictions.
Energy and Competitiveness of the Manufacturing Sector in Costa Rica
January 2016 – June 2016 — Chamber of Industry
- Evaluated the effect of electricity and hydrocarbon prices on manufacturing competitiveness, benchmarked against competing countries, with policy recommendations.
Technical and Financial Analysis of Distributed PV in Costa Rica’s Main Utility
January 2015 – August 2015 — Ministry of Environment and Energy / CRUSA
- Analyzed regulatory gaps and the interaction of social policies (subsidies) with distributed generation adoption.
Project ED-2887: Analysis of the National High-Voltage Grid in Costa Rica
June 2011 – March 2012 — National Controlling Authority
- Evaluated operational practices of the high-voltage grid under FERC steady-state practices, including N-1, N-1-1 and N-n events in the local and Central American regional grid.
Education
Ph.D., Energy and Resources Group — University of California, Berkeley
2017 – 2022
- Designated Emphasis in Computational and Data Science and Engineering; Graduate Certificate in Applied Data Science; Siebel Scholar, class of 2021.
- Thesis: Modeling and Simulation of Electric Power Systems with Large Shares of Renewable Energy (Advisor: Duncan Callaway, PhD).
M.S., Energy and Resources Group — University of California, Berkeley
2015 – 2017
- Engineering and Business for Sustainability (EBS) Certificate; UC Office of the President Carbon Neutrality Initiative Fellow.
- Thesis: Distributed biomass gasification to manage tree mortality in California (Advisor: Daniel Kammen, PhD).
M.Sc., Electrical and Computer Engineering — University of Waterloo
2012 – 2014
- Coursework in power system stability, control and operation, distribution systems engineering, intelligent system design, and linear/numerical optimization.
- Thesis: Robust Energy Management Systems for Isolated Microgrids Under Uncertainty (Advisors: Claudio Cañizares, PhD and Kankar Bhattacharya, PhD).
Electrical Engineering Licenciate (with honors) — University of Costa Rica
2009 – 2010
- Accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).
- Thesis: Multi-objective Optimization of Distributed Hydro Generation in Distribution Networks (Advisor: Gustavo Valverde, PhD).
B.Sc., Electrical Engineering — University of Costa Rica
2005 – 2009
- Focus in electric power and electrical machines.
- Graduation Project: Induction Motor AC Drive simulation for automotive propulsion (Advisor: Victor Alfaro, PhD, in collaboration with Dr. Bimal Bose).
Publications
Full list and citation metrics on Google Scholar ↗.
2026
- Y. Chen, J.D. Lara, R. Henriquez-Auba, D.L. Oates, C. Wang, M. Tackett. High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Optimization in Market Operations Under Increasing Renewable Shares. 2026 IEEE Green Technologies Conference (GreenTech).
- H. Chen, Y. Chen, J.D. Lara, J. Wright, M. Bossart, S. de Jesus Machado, et al. Real-Time Multiregional Market-to-Market Congestion Management Through Exchange of Relief Cost Curve. IEEE Transactions on Energy Markets, Policy and Regulation.
- Y. Chen, J.D. Lara, H. Chen, M. Bossart, S.M. Machado, J. Wright. Interregional Transmission Operational Coordination (IRTOC). National Laboratory of the Rockies.
- F. Majeau, J.D. Lara, E. Corona, B.M. Hodge. DAE Index Reduction for Electromagnetic Transient Models. arXiv:2604.06582.
- H. Santarem, J.D. Lara, R. Henriquez-Auba, J. Mays. Multi-Market Participation for Flexible Hybrid Systems with Storage and Renewable Generation. Power Systems Computation Conference.
2025
- M. Bossart, J.D. Lara, C. Roberts, R. Henriquez-Auba, D.S. Callaway, et al. Acceleration of Power System Dynamic Simulations Using a Deep Equilibrium Layer and Neural ODE Surrogate. IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, 40(4), 2710–2722.
- J.D. Lara, B. Kroposki, T. Elgindy, R. Henriquez-Auba, J. Wright. April 28th 2025 Iberian Blackout: Analysis of Available Information [Slides]. National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
2024
- A.J. Sauter, J.D. Lara, J. Turk, J. Milford, B.M. Hodge. Power System Operational Impacts of Electric Vehicle Dynamic Wireless Charging. Applied Energy, 364, 123002.
- R. Henriquez-Auba, J.D. Lara, D.S. Callaway. Small-Signal Stability Impacts of Load and Network Dynamics on Grid-Forming Inverters. 2024 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies (ISGT).
- J.D. Lara, C. Barrows, D. Thom, S. Dalvi, D.S. Callaway, D. Krishnamurthy. PowerSimulations.jl — A Power Systems Operations Simulation Library. arXiv:2404.03074.
- A.F. Castelli, J.D. Lara. Improved Evaluation of Large Network Matrices for Linear Power Flow Within Optimization Problems. 2024 IEEE PES General Meeting.
- R. Henriquez-Auba, J.D. Lara, S. Dalvi, C. Barrows, D. Corbus, V. Gevorgian. A Model for Hybrid Systems for Production Cost Modeling Studies Considering Ancillary Services. 2024 IEEE PES General Meeting.
2023
- J.D. Lara, R. Henriquez-Auba, D. Ramasubramanian, S. Dhople, et al. Revisiting Power Systems Time-Domain Simulation Methods and Models. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 39(2), 2421–2437.
- J.D. Lara, R. Henriquez-Auba, M. Bossart, D.S. Callaway, C. Barrows. PowerSimulationsDynamics.jl — An Open Source Modeling Package for Modern Power Systems with Inverter-Based Resources. arXiv:2308.02921.
2022
- K. Doubleday, J.D. Lara, B.M. Hodge. Investigation of Stochastic Unit Commitment to Enable Advanced Flexibility Measures for High Shares of Solar PV. Applied Energy, 321, 119337.
- C. Roberts, J.D. Lara, R. Henriquez-Auba, M. Bossart, R. Anantharaman, et al. Continuous-Time Echo State Networks for Predicting Power System Dynamics. Electric Power Systems Research, 212, 108562.
- J.A. Sward, J.D. Lara, K. Doubleday, B.M. Hodge. Online Updating of a Markovian Solar Forecast Representation. Electric Power Systems Research, 212, 108593.
- D. Sigler, J. Ugirumurera, J.D. Lara, S. Dalvi, C. Barrows. Solving Unit Commitment Problems with Demand Responsive Loads. 2022 IEEE PES General Meeting (PESGM).
- J.D. Lara. Modeling and Simulation of Electric Power Systems with Large Shares of Renewable Energy. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of California, Berkeley.
2021
- J.D. Lara, O. Dowson, K. Doubleday, B.M. Hodge, D.S. Callaway. A Multi-Stage Stochastic Risk Assessment with Markovian Representation of Renewable Power. IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, 13(1), 414–426.
- J.D. Lara, C. Barrows, D. Thom, D. Krishnamurthy, D. Callaway. PowerSystems.jl — A Power System Data Management Package for Large Scale Modeling. SoftwareX, 15, 100747.
- R. Henriquez-Auba, J.D. Lara, D.S. Callaway, C. Barrows. Transient Simulations with a Large Penetration of Converter-Interfaced Generation: Scientific Computing Challenges and Opportunities. IEEE Electrification Magazine, 9(2), 72–82.
- J.D. Lara, R. Henriquez-Auba, D.S. Callaway, B.M. Hodge. AGC Simulation Model for Large Renewable Energy Penetration Studies. 52nd North American Power Symposium (NAPS).
2020
- C.L. Tubbesing, J.D. Lara, J.J. Battles, P.W. Tittmann, D.M. Kammen. Characterization of the Woody Biomass Feedstock Potential Resulting from California’s Drought. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1–14.
- J.D. Lara, J.T. Lee, D.S. Callaway, B.M. Hodge. Computational Experiment Design for Operations Model Simulation. Electric Power Systems Research, 189, 106680.
- R. Henriquez-Auba, J.D. Lara, C. Roberts, D.S. Callaway. Grid-Forming Inverter Small-Signal Stability: Examining the Role of Line and Voltage Dynamics. IECON 2020 (46th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society).
- C. Roberts, J.D. Lara, R. Henriquez-Auba, B.K. Poolla, D.S. Callaway. Grid-Coupled Dynamic Response of Battery-Driven Voltage Source Converters. 2020 IEEE SmartGridComm.
- J. Cornick, J.D. Lara. The Regulation of Distributed Solar Power Generation in Costa Rica: Status, Challenges and Options for the Future. IDB Publications.
2019
- N. Helistö, J. Kiviluoma, H. Holttinen, J.D. Lara, B.M. Hodge. Including Operational Aspects in the Planning of Power Systems with Large Amounts of Variable Generation: A Review of Modeling Approaches. WIREs Energy and Environment, 8(5), e341.
2018
- J.D. Lara, D.E. Olivares, C.A. Cañizares. Robust Energy Management of Isolated Microgrids. IEEE Systems Journal, 13(1), 680–691.
2017
- A. Argüello, J.D. Lara, J.D. Rojas, G. Valverde. Impact of Rooftop PV Integration in Distribution Systems Considering Socioeconomic Factors. IEEE Systems Journal, 12(4), 3531–3542.
2015
- D.E. Olivares, J.D. Lara, C.A. Cañizares, M. Kazerani. Stochastic-Predictive Energy Management System for Isolated Microgrids. IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 6(6), 2681–2693.
2014
- J.D. Lara, J. Nathwani. Value of Electricity versus Cost: Resolving the Customer Benefit Dichotomy in Ratemaking. The Electricity Journal, 27(6), 86–94.
2012
- J.D. Lara, I. Vieto. Optimal Sizing of Static Converters for Single-Phase Feeding of Three-Phase Induction Motor. XXth International Conference on Electrical Machines (ICEM 2012).
Service & Activities
- IEEE Task Force report: Simulation methods, models, and analysis techniques to represent the behavior of bulk power systems connected to inverter-based resources.
- President, IEEE Power and Energy Society UC Berkeley Chapter (2021–2022).
- Member, IEEE Power and Energy Society (since 2010).
- College of Natural Resources Advisory Board, UC Berkeley (2015–2019).
- Undergraduate Research Advisor, Berkeley Institute of Data Science (2016–2018).
- Member, Costa Rica Engineering Society (since 2012).
- Selected training: INESTEC Porto — Risk Management in Power Systems (2016); DTU Summer School — Uncertainty in Electricity Markets and System Operation (2016); NREL Energy Systems Integration Workshop (2014); IEEE PES Boston Chapter Microgrid Course (2014).
