Jean Carlos (J.C.) Hernandez-Mejia has been named the interim director of National Electric Energy Testing, Research, & Applications Center (NEETRAC).

Hernandez-Mejia has been a research engineer at NEETRAC since 2017, contributing significantly to research, testing, and applications work in the reliability area. His work specifically focuses on condition assessment, asset management strategies, failure analysis, and optimization of power system performance. In 2022 he was promoted to senior research engineer. 

“With J.C.'s exceptional experience and leadership, NEETRAC is in capable hands during this transition,” said Arijit Raychowdhury, Steve W. Chaddick School Chair and professor of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). “I am confident that with the support of the entire ECE community, J.C. will continue to drive NEETRAC forward and achieve our goals.” 

NEETRAC is a member-focused center dedicated to offering valuable research and testing services for the electric energy delivery sector, including electric utilities and manufacturers. Established in 1996 within ECE, its mission is to propel the industry forward by delivering innovative, impactful, and practical solutions to real-world challenges in electric energy transmission and distribution. 

Originally from Merida, Venezuela, Hernandez-Mejia earned his bachelor’s degree (Summa Cum Laude) in electrical engineering from the University of the Andes in 2000. He then obtained his master’s degree and Ph.D. in ECE from Georgia Tech, supported by a scholarship from the Organization of American States.   

Before joining NEETRAC full-time, Hernandez-Mejia was a tenured professor at the University of the Andes, where he excelled in teaching, research, and community outreach in power systems. Hernandez-Mejia has authored numerous journal and conference papers and has been a key contributor to research reports for various manufacturing companies, utilities, and electric cooperatives across North America.