ZHI-HONG MAO

POSITION

- Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

RESEARCH INTERESTS

- Computational neuroscience: neural principles of control and learning

- Control engineering: intelligent control systems, human-centered control systems, and networked control systems

- Other interests: information theory, communication systems, power systems, transportation systems, robotics, and services computing

EDUCATION

- Ph.D. in Electrical and Medical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, September 2005; or as Ph.D. in Medical Engineering and Medical Physics, Harvard University-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST), Cambridge, MA, June 2006

- S.M. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT, Cambridge, MA, September 2000

- M.Eng. in Intelligent Control and Pattern Recognition, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, July 1998

- Dual Bachelor's Degrees in Automatic Control and Mathematics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, July 1995

EXPERIENCE

- Assistant Professor, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, September 2005--present

- Research Assistant, HST, Cambridge, MA, September 2000--August 2005

- Research Assistant, MIT, Cambridge, MA, September 1998--August 2000

- Clerk in clinical medicine with elective in neurology, Mount Auburn Hospital (Harvard Medical School), Cambridge, MA, January 2003--February 2003 and May 2003--July 2003

HONORS & AWARDS

- Outstanding Educator Award, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 2009

- Medical Engineering and Medical Physics Fellowship, HST, 2003

- Zakhartchenko Fellowship, MIT, 2002 and 2001

- David and Beatrice Yamron Fellowship, HST, 2000

- Outstanding Thesis Award, Tsinghua University, 1999

- Outstanding M.Eng. Graduate, Tsinghua University, 1998

- Top Grade Scholarship, Tsinghua University, 1997

- Outstanding B.Eng. Graduate, Tsinghua University, 1995

- Second Prize, National Electronics Design Contest, China, 1994

- IBM Scholarship, 1994

- First Prize, National Math Contest in Modeling, China, 1993

PUBLICATIONS

(+ student, * corresponding author)

Refereed journal publications

[21] C.-C. Chang+, Z.-H. Mao, and H.-N. Lee*. A fast BER evaluation method for LDGM codes. Journal of the Franklin Institute, accepted subject to minor revision, 2009.

[20] M. H. Mahmood+, C.-C. Chang+, Z.-H. Mao, H. Lim, and H.-N. Lee*. Throughput behavior of link adaptive 802.11 DCF with MUD capable access node. International Journal of Electronics and Communications, accepted subject to minor revision, 2009.

[19] C.-C. Chang+, Z.-H. Mao, and H.-N. Lee*. MB iterative decoding algorithm on systematic LDGM codes: performance evaluation. Signal Processing, accepted, 2009.

[18] J. H. Yang*, Z.-H. Mao, L. Tijerina, T. Pilutti, J. Coughlin, and E. Feron. Detection of driver fatigue caused by sleep deprivation. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics--Part A 39(4), 694-705, 2009.

[17] Z.-H. Mao*, H.-N. Lee, R. J. Sclabassi, and M. Sun. Information capacity of the thumb and the index finger in communication. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering 56(5), 1535-1545, 2009.

[16] R. Vinjamuri+, D. J. Crammond, D. Kondziolka, H.-N. Lee, and Z.-H. Mao*. Extraction of sources of tremor in hand movements of patients with movement disorders. IEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine 13(1), 49-56, 2009.

[15] K. Treleaven+ and Z.-H. Mao*. Conflict resolution and traffic complexity of multiple intersecting flows of aircraft. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems 9(4), 633-643, 2008.

[14] Z.-H. Mao*, D. Dugail, and E. Feron. Space partition for conflict resolution of intersecting flows of mobile agents. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems 8(3), 512-527, 2007.

[13] Z.-H. Mao* and S. G. Massaquoi. Dynamics of winner-take-all competition in recurrent neural networks with lateral inhibition. IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks 18(1), 55-69, 2007.

[12] Z.-H. Mao*, D. Dugail, E. Feron, and K. Bilimoria. Stability of intersecting aircraft flows using heading change maneuvers for conflict avoidance. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems 6(4), 357-369, 2005.

[11] S. Jo*, J. Yin, and Z.-H. Mao. Random neural networks with state-dependent firing neurons. IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks 16(4), 980-983, 2005.

[10] E. Gelenbe*, Z.-H. Mao, and Y.-D. Li. Function approximation by random neural networks with a bounded number of layers. Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems 12(1 and 2), 143-170, 2004.

[9] Z.-H. Mao, E. Feron*, and K. Bilimoria. Stability and performance of intersecting aircraft flows under decentralized conflict avoidance rules. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems 2(2), 101-109, 2001.

[8] E. Frazzoli, Z.-H. Mao, J.-H. Oh, and E. Feron*. Resolution of conflicts involving many aircraft via semidefinite programming. Journal of Guidance, Control and Dynamics 24(1), 79-86, 2001.

[7] E. Gelenbe*, Z.-H. Mao, and Y.-D. Li. Function approximation by spiked random networks. IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks 10(1), 3-9, 1999.

[6] Z.-H. Mao*, Y.-D. Li, and Z. Sun. Comments on fuzzy systems approximation by frames (SISO case). Fuzzy Sets and Systems 100, 373-375, 1998.

[5] Z.-H. Mao* and Y. Lin. Extended random neural network model and its probability structure features. Journal of Tsinghua University 38(3), 100-103, 1998 (in Chinese).

[4] T. Zhang*, Z.-H. Mao, and S. Xia. A method to extract numeral string overlapping borders. Chinese Information Journal 12(2), 25-30, 1998 (in Chinese).

[3] Z.-H. Mao*, X. Zhang, and Y.-D. Li. On universal approximation capability of fuzzy systems. Science in China (Series E) 41(1), 6-12, 1998.

[2] Z.-H. Mao*, Y.-D. Li, and X. Zhang. Approximation capability of fuzzy systems using translations and dilations of one fixed function as membership functions. IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems 5(3), 468-473, 1997.

[1] L.-J. Zhang*, Z.-H. Mao, and Y.-D. Li. Mathematical analysis of mutation operator in genetic algorithms and its improved strategy. Journal of Electronics 14(2), 154-158, 1997.

Book chapters

[2] E. Gelenbe*, Z.-H. Mao, and Y.-D. Li. Deterministic computation with random G-networks. In Fundamental Concepts in Computer Science (Editors: E. Gelenbe and J.-P. Kahane), Imperial College Press, 71-96, 2009.

[1] S. Jo* and Z.-H. Mao. Basal ganglionic learning applied to control of an underactuated system. In Neurocomputing Research Developments (Editor: H. A. Svensson), Nova Science Publisher, 181-200, 2008.

Refereed conference publications

[15] L.-J. Zhang*, Z.-H. Mao, and N. Zhou. Design quality analytics of traceability enablement in service-oriented solution design environment. The 7th IEEE International Conference on Web Services (ICWS 2009), Los Angeles, CA, USA, accepted, July 2009.

[14] R. Vinjamuri+, M. Sun, D. Crammond, R. Sclabassi, and Z.-H. Mao*. Inherent bimanual postural synergies in hands. The 30th International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 5093-5096, August 2008.

[13] R. Vinjamuri+, Z.-H. Mao*, R. Sclabassi, and M. Sun. Time-varying synergies in velocity profiles of finger joints of the hand during reach and grasp. The 29th International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, Lyon, France, 4846-4849, August 2007.

[12] R. Vinjamuri+, Z.-H. Mao*, R. Sclabassi, and M. Sun. Limitations of surface EMG signals of extrinsic muscles in predicting postures of human hand. The 28th International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, New York City, NY, USA, 5491-5494, September 2006.

[11] R. Vinjamuri+, Z.-H. Mao*, R. Sclabassi, and M. Sun. A novel architecture for the design of prosthetic and robotic hands. The 32nd Northeast Bioengineering Conference, Easton, PA, USA, 163-164, April 2006.

[10] E. Gelenbe*, Z.-H. Mao, and Y.-D. Li. Function approximation by random neural networks with a bounded number of layers. Proceedings of the 17th European Simulation Multiconference, Nottingham, UK, 5-24, June 2003.

[9] D. Dugail, Z.-H. Mao, and E. Feron*. Stability of intersecting aircraft flows under centralized and decentralized conflict avoidance rules. AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference, Montreal, Canada, Paper No. AIAA-2001-4296, August 2001.

[8] Z.-H. Mao and E. Feron*. Stability and performance of intersecting aircraft flows under sequential conflict resolution. Proceedings of the 2001 American Control Conference, Arlington, VA, USA, vol. 2, 722-729, June 2001.

[7] Z.-H. Mao, E. Feron*, and K. Bilimoria. Stability of intersecting aircraft flows under decentralized conflict avoidance rules. AIAA Guidance, Navigation and Control Conference, Denver, CO, USA, Paper No. AIAA-2000-4271, August 2000.

[6] K. Bilimoria*, H. Q. Lee, Z.-H. Mao, and E. Feron. Comparison of centralized and decentralized conflict resolution strategies for multiple-aircraft problems. AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference, Denver, CO, USA, Paper No. AIAA-2000-4268, August 2000.

[5] E. Gelenbe*, Z.-H. Mao, and Y.-D. Li. Approximation by random networks with bounded number of layers. IEEE Workshop on Neural Networks for Signal Processing, Madison, WI, USA, 166-175, August 1999.

[4] E. Gelenbe*, Z.-H. Mao, and Y.-D. Li. Approximation with spiked random networks. Proceedings of the 37th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, Tampa, FL, USA, vol. 1, 523-528, December 1998.

[3] L.-J. Zhang*, Z.-H. Mao, and Y.-D. Li. Mathematical analysis of crossover operator in genetic algorithm and its improved strategy. IEEE International Conference on Evolutionary Computing, Australia, 412-417, November/December 1995.

[2] L.-J. Zhang*, Z.-H. Mao, and Y.-D. Li. Mathematical analysis of mutation operator in genetic algorithms and its improved strategy. Proceedings of International Conference on Neural Information Processing, China, vol. 1, 267-270, 1995.

[1] L.-J. Zhang*, Z.-H. Mao, and Y.-D. Li. An improved genetic algorithm based on combinatorial theory and fuzzy reasoning and its applications. Proceedings of International Conference on Neural Information Processing, Korea, 180-185, 1994.

Other conference publications

[7] R. Vinjamuri+, M. Sun, R. Sclabassi, and Z.-H. Mao*. Temporal variation of postural synergies of the human hand during grasping. The 16th International Conference on Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, July 2008.

[6] R. Vinjamuri+, D. Crammond, D. Kondziolka, and Z.-H. Mao*. Extraction of neural sources from kinematic profiles of hand movement. Proceedings of NSF Engineering Research and Innovation Conference, Knoxville, TN, USA, January 2008.

[5] J. H. Yang*, Z.-H. Mao, T. Pilutti, L. Tijerina, and E. Feron. Detection of human drowsiness in simulated driving: experimental design and preliminary results. The 4th Annual STISIM Drive User Group Meeting, Cambridge, MA, USA, October 2006.

[4] T. M. Ngo, Z.-H. Mao, and S. G. Massaquoi*. Procedural learning of fourth order sequential dependencies. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, USA, November 2006. [Abstract]

[3] Z.-H. Mao and S. G. Massaquoi*. Dynamics of winner-take-all competition in striatal networks and their role in Parkinsonian rest tremor and rigidity. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Washington, DC, USA, November 2005. [Abstract]

[2] Z.-H. Mao and S. G. Massaquoi*. A multi-input multi-output adaptive switching (MIMOAS) model of frontocortical and basal ganglionic interaction in procedural learning. Society for Neural Control of Movement Annual Meeting, Key Biscayne, FL, USA, April 2005. [Abstract]

[1] Z.-H. Mao, E. J. Lim, and S. G. Massaquoi*. A model of "lower" cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuit function and dysfunction. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, USA, November 2002. [Abstract]

CURRENT STUDENTS

- James Cavanaugh, M.S. student

- Gregory Gardner, M.S. student

- Ang Li, M.S. student

- Xiaoyu Liu, Ph.D. student (co-supervised with Prof. Mingui Sun)

- Mircea Lupu, Ph.D. student

- Robert O'Connor, Ph.D. student

- Christopher Sprague, part-time Ph.D. student

- Vikram Thiruneermalai Gomatam, M.S. student (so-supervised with Prof. Heung-No Lee)

- Iheanyi Umez-Eronini, Ph.D. student

FORMER STUDENTS & LAB MEMBERS

- Sushant Tare, M.S. (September 2007--March 2009). Thesis: Estimation of stretch reflex contributions of wrist using system identification and quantification of tremor in Parkinson's disease patients. Now working at ATI Allegheny Ludlum

- Kyle Treleaven, M.S. (January 2007--December 2007). Thesis: Conflict resolution and traffic complexity of multiple intersecting flows of aircraft. Now a Ph.D. student at MIT

- Christopher Sprague, M.S. (September 2006--December 2007). Thesis: System identification of wrist stiffness in Parkinson's disease patients. Now working at Bachtel Marine Propulsion Corporation

- Ramana Vinjamuri, Ph.D. (September 2005--July 2008). Dissertation: Dimensionality reduction in control and coordination of the human hand. Now a Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

- Reviewer for Automatica, Computer Journal, IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems--Part I, IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems, IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics--Part B, International Journal of Web Services Research, Physics Letters A, and Transportation Research--Part C

- Member in AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and SFN (Society for Neuroscience)

- Co-Chair of Pittsburgh Section, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, January 2006--present

- NSF Panelist (NSF CMMI, April 2009; NSF CISE, April 2009)

- Guest Co-Editor, EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking, Special Issue on Network Coding for Wireless Networks, expected publication date: April 1, 2010

- Member of Program Committee, The 2nd International Conference on Networked Robots (ROBOCOMM), Odense, Denmark, March/April, 2009

- Chair of Work-in-Progress Program, 2008 IEEE International Conference on Services Computing, Honolulu, HI, July 2008

- Member of Program Committee, The 1st International Conference on Networked Robots (ROBOCOMM), Athens, Greece, September 2007

- Co-Chair of Work-in-Progress Program, 2007 IEEE International Conference on Services Computing, Salt Lake City, UT, July 2007

- Chair of Work-in-Progress Program, 2006 IEEE International Conference on Services Computing, Chicago, IL, September 2006

Older version of my resume from MIT and Harvard