Dr Sharmila Sumsurooah is an Assistant Professor in Electrical Power Systems Engineering at the University of Nottingham, specialising in technologies that enable the electrification of future aircraft. She teaches electrical and electronic power systems for more-electric and hybrid-electric aircraft to aerospace engineering students, integrating fundamental theory with real-world aviation challenges.

Sharmila has led and managed multiple European Union–funded research projects focused on net-zero carbon aviation, working with world-leading industrial partners and international universities. Her research focuses on the design and development of advanced electrical power systems for next-generation aircraft.

She is a founding member and lead of the Solutions for Aircraft Electrification Leadership (SAEL) initiative, launched in July 2019. SAEL brings together industrialists, academics, policymakers, and regulators to accelerate the transition toward net-zero aviation. In January 2025, at Evidence Week in Parliament, she briefed Members of Parliament on an international strategy to overcome key technical challenges in aircraft electrification.