Discipline and teamwork are central to the work of Khamsouksavanh “Kham” Sanvoravong, a data scientist at Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). Sanvoravong, who has been with FPL for over five years, applies his background in electrical engineering and advanced studies in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science to help improve the reliability of the company’s electric grid.
“I like the feeling of accomplishment,” Sanvoravong said. “When I exercise or compete, it clears my head and relieves stress. That helps me maintain better focus afterward, which carries over into how I approach my work.”
Sanvoravong was attracted to FPL because of its use of new technologies such as drones, LiDAR technology, and geospatial sensors. “I saw that FPL was doing research on drones and using LiDAR technology and geospatial sensors,” he said. “It sounded like a fun and meaningful thing to be part of.”
His role involves strengthening FPL’s grid systems by using smart sensors and other advanced tools to detect potential issues before they affect customers. “We use smart sensors and their measurements to improve grid reliability and predict potential issues that could lead to outages,” Sanvoravong explained. “The goal is to identify those issues early so we can address them before they impact customers.” In 2024 alone, this technology helped prevent about 2.7 million customer outages.
Outside of work, Sanvoravong participates in outrigger canoeing with the Palm Beach Outrigger Canoe Club. He recently competed in the Lanakila Iki Ocean Challenge in Hollywood, Florida. “Everyone in the canoe has a role,” he said. “You learn to trust your teammates. Communication is key.”
He draws parallels between teamwork in sports and at work: “Through paddling, I’ve learned the importance of clear communication and supporting your team,” Sanvoravong said. “At work, it’s the same approach—you communicate your needs, listen to others and work together so everyone succeeds.”
Sanvoravong also finds focus through ballroom dancing—a hobby he picked up after the COVID-19 pandemic—and recently earned a bronze medal at an international competition in Portugal. “In dance, you have to read the floor—see where people are, where you’re going, how you’ll move next,” he noted. “With data, it’s similar. You analyze the information in front of you, look for what stands out and use that insight to predict what happens next.”
Reflecting on his varied pursuits inside and outside FPL, Sanvoravong said: “Through these hobbies, I’ve learned to be more confident, more empathetic and to communicate better,” he stated. “Everyone faces challenges, and there’s more than one way to solve a problem. We all bring different experiences and knowledge to the table, so when we support each other, we all get stronger.”
He summarized his philosophy by drawing another comparison between sports teams and his colleagues at FPL: “In sports, that means trusting your dance partner or crew,” he said. “At FPL, it means knowing that we’re all part of one team, working together to keep Florida’s lights on.”
