Nian Zhang, PhD

Professor

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

nzhang@udc.edu; 202.274.6615

Research Interests: Dr. Zhang’s research interests include computational intelligence, machine learning, supervised and unsupervised learning, classification, clustering, and optimization, neurodynamic optimization, and various application fields, including big data science, time series prediction, biomedical engineering, and autonomous robot navigation.

Education:
Missouri University of Science & Technology | Computer Engineering | Ph.D.
Huazhong University of Science & Technology | Automatic Control | M.S.
Wuhan University of Technology | Electrical Engineering | B.S.

Grants:

  • N. Zhang and P. Cotae, “Excellence in Research: Machine Learning and Deep Learning Algorithms for Standoff Detection of Threat Chemicals by Active Infrared Backscatter Hyperspectral Imaging,” National Science Foundation (NSF). 2024 – 2028.
  • L. Thompson, N. Zhang, and M. Denis, “NIA MSTEM: Advancing Diversity in Aging Research through Undergraduate Education at the University of the District of Columbia,” National Institutes of Health (NIH). 2020 – 2025.
  • J. Xu, N. Zhang, K. Klein, and D. Shetty, “Understanding the Processing-Microstructure-Property of Additively Manufactured Parts, Multi-scale Modeling and Experimental Characterization,” Department of Defense (DoD). 2020 – 2024.
  • W. Mahmoud, N. Zhang, and A. Shahirinia, “Workforce Development in Cyber-Physical Systems and Machine Learning,” National Science Foundation (NSF). 2020 – 2024.
  • N. Zhang, L. Thompson, and D. Shetty, “An Intelligent Optimization, Clustering and Classification Framework for Large Scale Photo-Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectroscopy (PT-IRIS) Big Data,” Department of Defense (DoD), 2017 – 2022.
  • L. Thompson and N. Zhang, “Nurturing Women’s Innovativeness and Strength in Engineering through experiential learning in biomedical engineering (WISE),” National Science Foundation (NSF). 2017 – 2023.
  • N. Zhang, “An Intelligent Optimization, Clustering and Classification Framework for High Dimensional, Overlapped Classes, and Imbalanced Data,” National Science Foundation (NSF). 2015 – 2020.
  • L. Thompson, N. Zhang, and S. Haghani, “Integration, Cultivation, and Exposure to Biomedical Engineering at the University of the District of Columbia,” National Science Foundation (NSF). 2015 – 2020.

Total Federal Grants Awarded: $5 million

Honors and Awards:

  • Outstanding Associate Editor Award, IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems (TNNLS), 2020.
  • Excellence in Research Award, University of the District of Columbia, 2016.
  • Excellence in Teaching Award, University of the District of Columbia, 2015.
  • Outstanding Student Mentoring and Scholarship, University of the District of Columbia, 2014.
  • IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics (TCYB), Associate Editor, 2016-present.
  • IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems (TNNLS), Associate Editor, 2018-present.
  • Knowledge-Based Systems (KBS), Associate Editor, 2019-present.
  • IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, Associate Editor, 2022-present.
  • Complex & Intelligent Systems (CAIS), Editorial Board, 2020-present.