German university exchange opens door to new collaborations

ISE PhD students had the chance to share research on electricity and natural gas markets on a global level fall semester without ever leaving campus or logging into a video chat. 

Aiko Schinke-Nendza, a scholar from University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany, visited Ohio State for four months as part of a research collaboration with Professor Antonio Conejo. 

The exchange occurred after Conejo met Schinke-Nendza’s advisor at a professional conference. “This kind of collaboration is just part of what we do,” Conejo says. “We try to connect with different people around the world.” 

He says it benefits students from both universities to interact and hear other perspectives. 

During his visit, Schinke-Nendza wrote, “I had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of decomposition techniques for large-scale optimization, the coupling of electricity and gas systems and US American electricity markets under the guidance of Professor Antonio J. Conejo. His expertise and mentorship have been invaluable in shaping my research and for the insights I gained during my time here. 

“It was an honor to be a part of such a renowned institution and to have the opportunity to work with some of the bright minds in the field. I am excited to take the knowledge and skills I gained back to my home university and apply them to my future research endeavors.” 

Conejo noted that investigating renewable resources are topics that are particularly relevant to these types of exchanges because they have global implications. “Whatever we do here is helpful in Germany and the other way around,” he says. “It’s helpful for the overall education of all the students. It strengthens our relationships.” 

He says the research collaboration has opened the door for further opportunities between the chair for Management Science and Energy Economics at the University of Duisburg-Essen and Ohio State’s ISE Department. 

Story by Nancy Richison