Sa Zhou | Human Machine Interface | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Computer Vision Awards

Dr. Sa Zhou | Human Machine Interface | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc at Stanford University | United States

Dr. Sa Zhou is a dedicated researcher in the fields of biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and psychiatry, currently working as a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University. His research emphasizes multimodal neuroimaging, brain-machine interfaces, stroke rehabilitation, cognitive enhancement, and neuromodulation, bridging engineering and medicine to improve human health outcomes. He has published extensively in internationally recognized journals and contributed to conferences with global visibility. His innovative contributions extend beyond academic research into patents, translational projects, and clinical applications, demonstrating his ability to turn theory into practice. Through his involvement in teaching, mentoring, and editorial activities, he has shown leadership and commitment to advancing science and supporting the next generation of researchers. His global collaborations across Asia and the United States reflect his adaptability and international impact. With a strong foundation and innovative approach, he continues to make meaningful contributions with high potential for future leadership in research and society.

Professional Profiles 

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Sa Zhou pursued his higher education with a strong focus on engineering and biomedical sciences, which provided him with a multidisciplinary foundation for his research career. He earned his Bachelor and Master of Philosophy degrees in Electrical Engineering from Yanshan University, where he gained in-depth knowledge of signal processing, system development, and computational approaches to neural data. He then advanced his academic journey by completing his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he developed expertise in neuroengineering, multimodal neuroimaging, and stroke rehabilitation. His doctoral research explored neural reorganization in sensorimotor impairments and recovery, involving systematic neurological evaluations, electrophysiological analyses, and clinical trials. This educational background not only honed his analytical and technical skills but also laid the groundwork for his interdisciplinary approach, bridging engineering principles with neuroscience and clinical applications. His academic training has shaped his ability to conduct impactful research at the interface of technology and medicine.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sa Zhou’s professional experience reflects a blend of academic research, teaching, and applied innovation in biomedical engineering and neuroscience. He is currently a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, contributing to projects focused on personalized cognitive enhancement and digital interventions for aging-related disorders. Prior to this role, he worked extensively at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he participated in pioneering projects on stroke rehabilitation, neuromodulation, and brain-machine interfaces. His experience also includes collaboration on international research initiatives that integrate engineering, neuroscience, and clinical practice, leading to high-impact publications and translational applications. Alongside research, he has actively contributed to education as a teaching assistant in neuroengineering, applied electrophysiology, and digital signal processing, mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students. His diverse professional background demonstrates his ability to conduct innovative research, translate findings into practical solutions, and inspire future researchers through academic leadership.

Research Interest

Dr. Sa Zhou’s research interests span a wide spectrum of neuroscience, engineering, and clinical applications, with a particular emphasis on developing innovative technologies for human health and rehabilitation. His work focuses on multimodal neuroimaging techniques, including structural and functional MRI, DTI, and EEG, combined with advanced signal processing and machine learning approaches to understand brain networks. He is also deeply engaged in brain-machine interfaces, stroke rehabilitation, neuromotor interfaces, and robotic systems that enhance motor recovery and cognitive function. His interests extend to non-pharmacological interventions for preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairments, reflecting his commitment to addressing aging-related neurological disorders. He also explores neuromodulation methods, including electrical and ultrasound stimulation, to optimize therapeutic outcomes. These diverse interests demonstrate his interdisciplinary approach, integrating engineering innovations with clinical neuroscience to create personalized solutions. His research aims not only to advance scientific knowledge but also to deliver real-world impact in improving patient care and well-being.

Award and Honor

Dr. Sa Zhou has been recognized with numerous awards and honors that highlight his academic excellence, research achievements, and leadership potential. He has received prestigious fellowships, including support from international neuroscience and brain aging associations, acknowledging his contributions to advancing cognitive enhancement research. During his doctoral studies, he was awarded the PolyU Research Postgraduate Scholarship for outstanding performance, along with national-level scholarships that placed him among the top-performing postgraduates in China. He has also earned multiple competitive awards in research and innovation competitions, such as the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association Student Research Award and the Champion Award in the Three-Minute Thesis Competition. His teaching excellence was recognized with Best Teaching Assistant Awards, demonstrating his impact in both research and education. These accolades reflect his consistent pursuit of excellence, his ability to compete at international levels, and his dedication to advancing science while inspiring peers and students.

Research Skill

Dr. Sa Zhou possesses a wide range of research skills that integrate advanced engineering techniques with clinical neuroscience applications. His expertise includes real-time robotic control, rehabilitation system design, and multimodal neuroimaging analysis, enabling him to develop and test innovative technologies for stroke rehabilitation and cognitive enhancement. He is proficient in conducting clinical trials with stroke patients, performing neuroimaging scans such as fMRI, DTI, and structural MRI, and analyzing electrophysiological signals including EEG, EMG, and LFP. His skillset also extends to neuromodulation experiments using transcranial ultrasound stimulation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation, combined with advanced kinematic signal recording systems. In addition, he has strong programming and analytical abilities in machine learning, Matlab, Python, and C/C++, which support his work in neural decoding and brain network analyses. These skills, coupled with experience in mentoring, peer review, and system development, demonstrate his ability to design, implement, and translate research into impactful clinical and technological outcomes.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Pathway-specific cortico-muscular coherence in proximal-to-distal compensation during fine motor control of finger extension after stroke
Year: 2021
Citation: 32

Title: Corticomuscular integrated representation of voluntary motor effort in robotic control for wrist-hand rehabilitation after stroke
Year: 2022
Citation: 24

Title: Effect of pulsed transcranial ultrasound stimulation at different number of tone-burst on cortico-muscular coupling
Year: 2018
Citation: 20

Title: Optimization of relative parameters in transfer entropy estimation and application to corticomuscular coupling in humans
Year: 2018
Citation: 18

Title: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound modulates multi-frequency band phase synchronization between LFPs and EMG in mice
Year: 2019
Citation: 17

Title: Impairments of cortico-cortical connectivity in fine tactile sensation after stroke
Year: 2021
Citation: 15

Title: Medical image segmentation using deep semantic-based methods: A review of techniques, applications and emerging trends
Year: 2022
Citation: 5

Title: Automatic theranostics for long-term neurorehabilitation after stroke
Year: 2023
Citation: 4

Title: Estimation of corticomuscular coherence following stroke patients
Year: 2017
Citation: 4

Title: Decoding Visual Experience and Mapping Semantics through Whole-Brain Analysis Using fMRI Foundation Models
Year: 2024
Citation: 1

Title: Personalized cognitive enhancement for older adults: An aging-friendly closed-loop human-machine interface framework
Year: 2025

Title: Relationships between neuropsychiatric symptoms, subtypes of astrocyte activities, and brain pathologies in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
Year: 2025

Title: Neural Correlates of Dual‐Functional Local Dynamic Stability in Older Adults
Year: 2024

Title: Profiles of brain topology for dual-functional stability in old age
Year: 2024

Title: Neuromuscular networking connectivity in sensorimotor impairments after stroke
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Dr. Sa Zhou is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award for his outstanding contributions at the intersection of biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and psychiatry, with impactful research in neuroimaging, brain-machine interfaces, stroke rehabilitation, and cognitive enhancement for aging populations. His work has advanced both theoretical understanding and practical applications, supported by high-quality publications, patents, and international collaborations that bridge engineering and medicine. Beyond research, his leadership in teaching, mentoring, and reviewing reflects a strong commitment to the scientific community and knowledge dissemination. With his growing expertise, innovative approaches, and dedication to addressing critical health challenges, Dr. Zhou shows great promise for future research breakthroughs and leadership in shaping the fields of neuroengineering and translational neuroscience.

Jong-Hyun Kim | Applied Visual Computing | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Computer Vision Awards

Prof. Jong-Hyun Kim | Applied Visual Computing | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Inha University, South Korea

Prof. Jong-Hyun Kim is an Associate Professor at the College of Software and Convergence, Department of Artificial Intelligence, Design Technology at Inha University, with a joint appointment at the Graduate School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is a distinguished researcher with expertise spanning computer graphics, visual effects, physically based simulation, physics engines, artificial intelligence, VR/AR, geometry processing, and GPU optimization. His career bridges academia and industry, having led and participated in numerous national research projects and industry collaborations in areas such as digital twin technology, immersive simulation systems, and AI convergence. With an impressive record of award-winning publications in reputed conferences and journals indexed in IEEE and Scopus, he has contributed significantly to advancing emerging technologies. His leadership in collaborative initiatives and dedication to innovative research continue to strengthen his impact on both scientific communities and practical applications.

Professional Profile 

ORCID Profile

Education

Prof. Jong-Hyun Kim completed his Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from Korea University, following his master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in the same field from Korea University and Sejong University, respectively. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of computer science, equipping him with advanced skills in simulation, visualization, and artificial intelligence. His studies covered a broad spectrum of technical disciplines, from physics-based modeling and geometry processing to interactive graphics and human-computer interaction. The rigorous academic training at prestigious institutions provided him with the expertise to excel in interdisciplinary research and to address complex computational challenges. This solid educational background has enabled him to integrate advanced computing techniques with creative technological solutions, laying the groundwork for his influential research contributions in academia and his ability to collaborate effectively with industry partners on innovative projects.

Professional Experience

Prof. Jong-Hyun Kim currently serves as an Associate Professor at Inha University, having previously held the same position at Kangnam University. He has also served as a lecturer and teaching fellow at Korea University, contributing to the development of academic programs and mentoring students in advanced computing topics. Before his academic career, he worked extensively in the industry as a senior research engineer and research engineer at multiple companies, gaining hands-on experience in simulation technologies, visual effects, and interactive systems. His professional trajectory reflects a balance between academic scholarship and practical application, with roles that involved designing innovative solutions, leading research teams, and collaborating on both government-funded and industry-driven projects. His combined academic and industrial experience has strengthened his expertise in bridging theoretical research with real-world implementation, enhancing his ability to deliver impactful outcomes in both educational and technological domains.

Research Interest

Prof. Jong-Hyun Kim’s research interests cover a broad and interdisciplinary range of topics, including computer graphics, visual effects, physically based simulation, physics engines, and game physics. He actively explores artificial intelligence techniques for scientific visualization, geometry processing, image processing, and immersive VR/AR experiences. His work often focuses on GPU optimization to achieve real-time performance in complex simulations, enabling practical applications in gaming, virtual reality, and industrial simulations. Additionally, he is interested in human-computer interaction, particularly in developing intuitive interfaces for creative expression and realistic virtual environments. His projects integrate physics-based modeling with AI-driven approaches to address challenges in simulation accuracy, interactivity, and scalability. By combining deep technical expertise with creativity, his research aims to advance the capabilities of simulation and visualization technologies, making them more efficient, accessible, and adaptable for diverse fields ranging from entertainment and education to engineering and healthcare.

Award and Honor

Prof. Jong-Hyun Kim has received numerous awards and honors recognizing his excellence in research, innovation, and academic contributions. His accolades include multiple Best Paper Awards from prestigious conferences such as those organized by the Korea Society of Computer and Information and the Korean Association of Data Science, acknowledging his groundbreaking work in simulations, VR frameworks, AI-driven modeling, and GPU optimization. He has been honored by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korean Ministry of Education for his creative and impactful research ideas. His achievements extend beyond academia, with awards recognizing his leadership in industry-academic cooperation and excellence in teaching. These recognitions reflect his sustained contributions to advancing cutting-edge technologies, fostering collaboration between academia and industry, and mentoring future innovators. His consistent recognition at national and professional levels underscores his influence in both research and education, and his ongoing commitment to delivering impactful technological advancements.

Research Skill

Prof. Jong-Hyun Kim possesses advanced research skills in multiple technical domains, including physically based simulation, visual effects, GPU optimization, and complex animation systems. He is proficient in designing real-time interactive environments, implementing physics engines, and integrating artificial intelligence into simulation and visualization frameworks. His expertise includes scientific visualization, geometry processing, VR/AR development, and image processing, enabling him to create innovative solutions that merge creativity with computational precision. He has extensive experience managing large-scale research projects funded by national agencies and industry partners, demonstrating strong project management, team leadership, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills. His technical abilities are complemented by his capacity to translate theoretical models into practical applications across entertainment, engineering, and scientific research. By combining analytical thinking, problem-solving, and creative design, he continues to push the boundaries of simulation and visualization technologies, contributing significantly to both academic advancements and industry innovation.

Publications Top Notes

Title: A Geometric Approach to Efficient Modeling and Rendering of Opaque Ice With Directional Air Bubbles
Authors: Jong-Hyun Kim
Year: 2025

Title: Advanced GPU Techniques for Dynamic Remeshing and Self-Collision Handling in Real-Time Cloth Tearing
Authors: Jong-Hyun Kim; Jung Lee
Year: 2025

Title: Improved Air Mesh Refinement for Accurate Strand-Solid and Self-Collision Handling
Authors: Jong-Hyun Kim
Year: 2025

Title: Neural Network-Based Projective Grid Model for Learning Representation of Surface and Wave Foams
Authors: Jong-Hyun Kim
Year: 2025

Title: Porous Models for Enhanced Representation of Saturated Curly Hairs: Simulation and Learning
Authors: Jong-Hyun Kim; Jung Lee
Year: 2025

Title: A 3D Visual Tool for Analyzing Changes in Hair Volume and Length Caused by Medications
Authors: Jong‐Hyun Kim; Jung Lee; Seungbin Kwon; Minji Jo; Yunjin Hwang; In‐Sook An
Year: 2025

Title: Numerical Dispersed Flow Simulation of Fire-Flake Particle Dynamics and Its Learning Representation
Authors: Jong-Hyun Kim; Jung Lee
Year: 2025

Title: Unified GPU Framework for Simulating Wave Turbulence, Diffusion, and Wrinkling in Fluid-Cloth Interaction
Authors: Eun Su Park; Juyong Lee; In Kyu Park; Jong-Hyun Kim
Year: 2025

Title: Scalable and Rapid Nearest Neighbor Particle Search Using Adaptive Disk Sector
Authors: Jong-Hyun Kim; Shaofeng Xu; Jung Lee
Year: 2025

Title: Depth-of-Field Region Detection and Recognition From a Single Image Using Adaptively Sampled Learning Representation
Authors: Jong-Hyun Kim; Youngbin Kim
Year: 2024

Title: Motion Generation and Analyzing the User’s Arm Muscles via Leap Motion and Its Data-Driven Representations
Authors: Jong-Hyun Kim; Jung Lee; Youngbin Kim
Year: 2024

Title: Visualization of Vector Fields from Density Data Using Moving Least Squares Based on Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Jong-Hyun Kim
Year: 2024

Title: Isoline Tracking in Particle-Based Fluids Using Level-Set Learning Representation
Authors: Jun Yeong Kim; Chang Geun Song; Jung Lee; Jong-Hyun Kim; Jong Wan Lee; Sun-Jeong Kim
Year: 2024

Title: Efficient and Stable Generation of High-Resolution Hair and Fur With ConvNet Using Adaptive Strand Geometry Images
Authors: Jong-Hyun Kim; Jung Lee
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Prof. Jong-Hyun Kim is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award for his outstanding contributions to cutting-edge research in computer graphics, AI-driven simulation, and immersive technologies, as well as his significant role in bridging academia and industry through impactful collaborative projects. His innovative work has advanced both scientific understanding and practical applications, benefiting diverse sectors and inspiring the next generation of researchers. With a proven track record of excellence, leadership, and innovation, he holds strong potential to make even greater contributions to research and society in the future.