Dr. Zhou (Joe) Zhang embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in mechanical and electrical engineering. His early education culminated in a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, where he was awarded the prestigious James Harry Potter Award in 2018 for outstanding doctoral performance. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Zhang explored virtual reality applications in engineering education, including camera pose tracking, data fusion, and the development of virtual laboratories—an area that would become a cornerstone of his future research.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Zhang’s academic career is marked by progressive teaching and research roles. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at SUNY Farmingdale State College, where he teaches Tool Design and Electronics Packaging. Previously, he held key positions including Associate Professor at Middle Tennessee State University and Assistant Professor at CUNY’s New York City College of Technology, where he played a central role in launching and coordinating the Robotics Concentration. His professional journey also includes roles as a Visiting Research Scholar at NYU, a Research Associate at Southeast University, and an Electrical Engineer at CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co., Ltd, as well as a Mechanical Engineer at CETC’s 14th Research Institute.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Zhang’s research bridges academic theory and practical implementation. His major contributions span virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for engineering education, AI and machine learning applications in robotics, force-feedback robotics, and bio-inspired virtual assembly systems. His work has been funded by institutions such as CUNY GRTI and CUNY Research Awards, including notable projects like the AI and Machine Learning in Co-Robotics and the Virtual Assembly Platform for Engineering Education. Earlier in his career, he was also involved in state-funded research in China, including a $5 million smart controller project backed by the State Grid Corporation of China.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Zhang has made a tangible impact on student development, workforce readiness, and interdisciplinary education. His initiatives include establishing co-op and internship collaborations with industry, mentoring undergraduate research, and leading programs like the Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence Club. He also contributed to maintaining ABET accreditation, aligning curriculum development with institutional and industry standards. His mentorship has supported student participation in key events such as the Brooklyn Navy Yard Competition, Maker Faire, and the CUNY Black Male Initiative Conference.
Academic Citations & Publications
Dr. Zhang’s scholarly work is extensively cited in the domains of VR-based education, 3D reconstruction, force-feedback robotics, and embedded systems. His contributions have not only advanced academic research but also enriched applied engineering education. As one of the main investigators in several NSF-funded projects, his research continues to influence both academic curricula and practical engineering tools.
Technical Skills
Dr. Zhang is proficient in a variety of engineering and programming tools, including virtual reality system design, computer-aided engineering, middleware integration, finite element methods (FEM), and AI/machine learning applications in robotics. His skills encompass real-time 3D reconstruction, electromagnetic field simulation, and embedded systems design, with applications extending to DSP, ARM-based controls, and semiconductor converters.
Teaching Experience
With over two decades of teaching experience, Dr. Zhang has taught a wide array of courses across institutions like SUNY Farmingdale, CUNY, NJIT, and Middle Tennessee State University. His teaching portfolio includes Mechanical Measurement, Stress Analysis, Rapid Prototyping, Programmable Logic Controllers, and AI-integrated robotics courses. He has served in diverse capacities—course designer, club advisor, curriculum developer, and research mentor—demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and student engagement.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Zhang has received multiple accolades for his dedication to academic and research excellence. In addition to the James Harry Potter Award, he earned graduate travel grants from Stevens Institute of Technology, recognizing his contributions to engineering research and academic dissemination.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Zhang’s legacy lies in his ability to blend innovative research with effective teaching, transforming traditional mechanical engineering education through technology. His future goals include advancing interdisciplinary robotics education, expanding virtual learning platforms, and fostering global academic-industry collaborations. With a career devoted to bridging theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, Dr. Zhang continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, shaping the future of engineering education and technological innovation.