The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo is proud to celebrate the election of Dr. Shesha Jayaram as Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE)—a prestigious honour that recognizes engineers who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to their fields and to Canadian society.
This recognition is not only a reflection of technical excellence, but also of leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to advancing engineering education, research, and innovation.
A trailblazer in high-voltage engineering, Dr. Shesha Jayaram is widely respected for her pioneering work in the design and maintenance of safe, reliable electrical insulation systems—critical components in modern power grids. As an influential voice in her field, her research has contributed to the global understanding of how high-voltage systems can be made more resilient and efficient. Dr. Jayaram is the recipient of the 2023 IEEE Industry Applications Society (IAS) Outstanding Achievement Award, the 2021 Electrostatic Society of America (ESA) Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2020 ESA Distinguished Service Award.
Reflecting on the significance of this latest honour, Dr. Jayaram shared:
“Professionally, being named a CAE Fellow is among the highest honours an engineer can receive in Canada. To have my life's work acknowledged by my peers at this level is profoundly affirming. While international accolades recognize my contributions globally, the CAE Fellowship stands out as a testament to what I have accomplished in the community and country I call home. It represents the pinnacle of my career achievements and motivates me to continue striving for excellence. This moment is both a crowning professional achievement and an inspiration to redouble my commitment to innovation and service in engineering.”
Dr. Jayaram is not only an innovator—she is a mentor, collaborator, and champion of the next generation of engineers. Her election to the CAE is a celebration of a career defined by excellence, vision, and impact.