Zihan Zhang

Zihan Zhang wants to build things people can depend on.

That mission shapes both her research and her teaching. In the lab, she develops artificial intelligence and machine learning tools that help make complex systems more reliable, efficient and resilient. In the classroom, she hopes to help students discover the confidence, purpose and curiosity they’ll carry throughout their careers.

Zhang joins the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, as an assistant professor of industrial engineering after earning her doctoral degree in industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research spans physics-informed machine learning, high-dimensional data analytics and digital twins. Zhang’s work allows engineers to evaluate systems and predict problems before they occur, with applications in manufacturing, electronics, health care and agriculture.

Her efforts have already earned national recognition. Zhang received best paper awards from the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences, or INFORMS, and the American Statistical Association, along with numerous fellowships honoring her research, teaching and leadership. At Georgia Tech, she was also selected as the sole nominee from her school for the prestigious Gilbert F. “Gil” Amelio Engineering Fellowship.

She says ASU’s collaborative environment is a natural fit.

“I am especially drawn to the Fulton Schools because of the strong entrepreneurial culture and commitment to transforming research and education into real-world impact,” Zhang says. “The opportunity to collaborate with local industry and community partners is particularly appealing, as it creates a direct pathway for research innovations to address practical needs.”

That commitment to making a difference extends beyond the university classroom. Zhang has led national K–12 STEM outreach initiatives through INFORMS, helping introduce younger students to engineering and data science while earning the organization’s Volunteer Service Award.

She hopes to instill that same philosophy in her new students.

“I want students to discover their strengths, values and sense of purpose,” she says. “I also hope they develop a genuine appreciation for the people who support and inspire them, and that they carry that gratitude forward by contributing their knowledge, skills and compassion to society and their communities.”

Outside the classroom, Zhang enjoys volunteering and connecting with people from different backgrounds, experiences she says broaden her perspective and reinforce the importance of empathy, community and service.

Written by Kelly deVos