Dean JC Zhao of the UConn College of Engineering is pleased to appoint Professor Liang Zhang as the new head of the electrical and computer engineering (ECE) department. Zhang’s appointment will start in August 2025. 

“I am honored to lead the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UConn, where our commitment to innovation and education continues to drive impactful research and student success,” Zhang said. “Together with the talented faculty and staff of the ECE department, we will advance the field of electrical and computer engineering to meet the challenges of tomorrow.” 

Zhang joined UConn Engineering in 2013 as an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. 

Since then, he has held various positions within the department, including the director of undergraduate studies, Pratt & Whitney Associate Professor in Advanced Systems Engineering, and director of the Department of Energy Southern New England Industrial Training and Assessment Center. He also holds an affiliated position with the management and engineering for manufacturing program. 

“Dr. Zhang exemplifies the strengths we value at the UConn College of Engineering—rigorous research, deep commitment to student success, and impactful engagement with industry,” said Dean JC Zhao. “His leadership will play a vital role in advancing the department’s strategic goals and driving innovation that benefits both Connecticut and the broader engineering community.” 

Zhang’s research focuses on smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0, with an emphasis on energy-efficient operations, human-robot collaboration, industrial data analytics, and the resilience of cyber-physical systems. 

Before arriving at UConn, he was an assistant professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 2009 through 2013. 

Zhang earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering systems from the University of Michigan in 2009. Previously, he earned a master’s in control theory and engineering and a bachelor’s in automation from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China in 2004 and 2002, respectively. 

Zhang will take the reins from John Chandy, the outgoing department head who has served since 2018. 

“Dr. Zhang has been an integral part of our department’s success, leading impactful research, mentoring students, and building strong industry partnerships,” says Chandy. “His vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit make him the ideal leader to guide ECE into its next chapter.” 

According to Chandy, the department is in good hands.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Professor John Chandy for his leadership and service as head of the ECE Department here at UConn,” says Zhao. “John devoted his time and energy for the betterment of the department and is highly respected by his colleagues at peers.”