Joel Mugyenyi
A bit ABout ME
I am a PhD candidate specializing in energy access and power system planning. Experienced in collaborating
with key stakeholders to tackle energy challenges in low-income countries. Skilled in data
collection/analysis/modeling, machine learning, econometrics, and scenario design to inform policies
and investments for energy transitions aligned with SDG 7 and climate goals.
resume
Work Highlights
Research Assistant, Columbia University (2022 - Present)
Graduate Intern, Equatorial Power (2024)
Graduate Intern, Electricity Regulatory Authority, (2023)
Research Engineer, University of Massachusetts-Amherst (2019 - 2022)
Research and Development Associate, PowerGen Renewable Energy (2018 - 2019)
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Carnegie Mellon University (2018)
Maintenance Engineer, Eskom (2017)
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, Makerere University
research
Predicting levels of household electricity consumption in low-access settings
WACV 2022 open access
Simone Fobi, Joel Mugyenyi, Nathaniel J. Williams, Vijay Modi, Jay TanejaPost-connection electricity demand and pricing in newly electrified households: Insights from a large-scale dataset in Rwanda
Elsevier - Energy Policy
Joel Mugyenyi, Bob Muhwezi, Simone Fobi, Civian Massa, Jay Taneja, Nathaniel J. Williams, Vijay ModiElectricity Consumption: The Role of Grid Reliability in Appliance Ownership and Usage in Rwanda (Under Review)
Elsevier - Energy Economics
Joel Mugyenyi, Gabriel Gonzalez Sutil, and Vijay Modi10 years after: Long-term adoption of electricity in rural Rwanda
*USAEE Working Paper *
Lise Masselus, Jörg Ankel-Peters, Gabriel Gonzalez Sutil, Vijay Modi, Joel Mugyenyi, Anicet Munyehirwe, Nathan Williams, and Maximiliane SievertNatural Language Processing Reveals Core Issues in Uganda's Power Grid: A Study of Outages from 2015-2022
2024 IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC)
Joel Mugyenyi, Isaac V. Kinhonhi, Vijay ModiElectricity Outages in Uganda: Causes, Trends and Regional Disparities
2024 IEEE PES/IAS PowerAfrica
Joel Mugyenyi, Isaac V. Kinhonhi, Vijay ModiSmart Metering Technologies for mini-grids in Africa: An Overview
2021 IEEE PES/IAS PowerAfrica
Joel Mugyenyi, Edwin Mugume, Nathaniel J. Williams, Jeff Kimani, Kieran Campbell, Ekemezie Uche, Jane Dougherty
Publications
About
I’m a passionate traveler and relentless adventurer, always seeking out new experiences, cultures, and perspectives. From bustling cities to remote landscapes, I thrive on immersing myself in the unfamiliar—walking in the shoes of others, learning their stories, and expanding my worldview.With over 25 countries/territories and countless journeys under my belt, I believe adventure isn’t just about places; it’s a mindset. I embrace the unknown, push past my comfort zone, and apply this ethos to every aspect of my life—whether it’s exploring a new destination, diving into an unfamiliar challenge, or connecting with people from all walks of life.The world is vast, and I’m here to experience it fully—one journey, one story, and one unforgettable moment at a time.
Contact
Thank you for visiting my website! If you’d like to connect, collaborate, or discuss my work in energy access, infrastructure development, or data-driven sustainability solutions, feel free to reach out.
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