A method for use in monitoring a synchronous machine includes coupling a power conversion assembly to an electric power source and to a synchronous machine. The synchronous machine includes a plurality of winding inter-turn portions. The method also includes energizing the synchronous machine via the power conversion assembly. The method further includes recording at least one first operational measurement of the power conversion assembly and the synchronous machine. The method also includes calculating a first impedance downstream of the power conversion assembly based on the first operational measurement. The method further includes recording at least one second operational measurement of the power conversion assembly and the synchronous machine. The method also includes calculating a second impedance downstream of the power conversion assembly based on the second operational measurement. The method further includes estimating a short circuit associated with adjacent winding inter-turn portions based on the first and second operational measurements.