Resources
As a PhD student, establishing the right approach to optimize one’s research abilities is key to becoming not only a productive researcher but a curious one. I have therefore created this page for fellow researchers—students and faculty alike—to share tools and practices that have helped me develop an effective research environment. The resources herein enable one to streamline an efficient workflow and enhance productivity while maintaining intellectual curiosity.
Simulation & Domain-Specific Tools
- EPANET — Industry-standard hydraulic and water quality simulation software for water distribution systems.
- WNTR — Water Network Tool for Resilience. Python package for simulating and analyzing water distribution networks (developed by NIST/EPA).
- Cantera — Open-source suite for chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport processes.
- MATPOWER 8.1 — MATLAB/Octave package for power flow and optimal power flow analysis of power networks.
- PowerWorld — Power system simulation and visualization tool; useful for large-scale power grid analysis.
- TRNSYS — Transient system simulation software for building energy and thermal systems modeling.
- QGIS — Free and open-source geographic information system for spatial analysis of infrastructure networks.
Optimization Solvers & Interfaces
- CVXPY — Python-embedded domain-specific language for convex optimization.
- Gurobi — High-performance mathematical programming solver (free for academics). Handles LP, MIP, QP, and more.
- CPLEX — IBM’s optimization solver for linear, mixed-integer, and quadratic programs (free for academics).
- YALMIP — MATLAB toolbox for modeling and solving optimization problems; integrates with Gurobi, CPLEX, SeDuMi, and others.
- CVX — MATLAB-based disciplined convex programming system; pairs well with YALMIP for rapid prototyping.
Scientific Computing & Programming
- SciPy — Python scientific computing library, including sparse linear algebra, ODE solvers, and signal processing.
- NetworkX — Python library for graph and network analysis. Useful for working with infrastructure topology.
- Julia — High-performance dynamic programming language for numerical and scientific computing.
- TensorFlow / PyTorch — Deep learning frameworks; useful for data-driven modeling of dynamical systems.
- Scikit-learn — Python machine learning library for classification, regression, and clustering.
Writing & Reference Management
- MacTeX 2026 — The standard full TeX/LaTeX distribution for macOS, maintained by the TeX Users Group.
- TeXstudio — Feature-rich, cross-platform LaTeX editor with integrated PDF preview, auto-completion, and error highlighting.
- Mendeley — Free reference manager and academic social network. Syncs across devices, generates BibTeX exports, and integrates with Word and LibreOffice.
- TikZ/PGF — Essential LaTeX package for creating publication-quality figures, diagrams, and plots directly in your TeX documents.
- LaTeX Color — Comprehensive color reference for LaTeX; very handy for choosing colors in TikZ figures and papers.
Datasets & Benchmark Networks
- EPANET Example Networks — Benchmark water distribution network models (Net1, Net2, Net3, etc.) widely used in the water research community.
- WNTR Benchmark Networks — Additional network models bundled with WNTR, including the BWSN challenge networks.
- MATPOWER Documentation — Official documentation for MATPOWER 8.1, including user’s manual, technical notes, and case format reference.
- TAMU Electric Grid Test Cases — Large-scale synthetic power grid test cases from Texas A&M, including the ACTIVSg200 and other benchmark networks.
- Power Systems Test Case Archive (UWEE) — Classic repository of power systems test cases from the University of Washington.