Michael Zink

Michael Zink is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an adjunct assistant professor in the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS). He is affiliated with the Microwave Remote Sensing Laboratory and has held roles including assistant research professor in computer science. His research focuses on network protocols, multimedia distribution systems, and high-bandwidth data networks, with contributions to the KOMSSYS streaming platform and FPGA-based network architectures. Zink's work spans topics like secure video streaming, LED wall calibration, and federated learning for sustainable UAV operations. He received the Best Paper Award at Multimedia Computing and Networking (2008).

Education: PhD from Darmstadt University of Technology.

Research Interests: Sensor networks, wireless and wired multimedia distribution, network protocol optimization, video streaming security, and distributed cloud platforms. Recent work includes innovations in hue-preservation for virtual production and carbon-efficient federated learning (CEFL).

Technical Contributions: Developed systems for real-time route configuration of entertainment content, scanner noise elimination in film restoration, and profile-based HDR content generation. His team explores network-attached FPGAs in cloud environments and edge-to-cloud workflows for scientific applications.

Labs & Teams: Active in the Microwave Remote Sensing Laboratory and collaborates with the Open Cloud Testbed (OCT) for cloud infrastructure research. Engaged in federated cyberinfrastructure projects like the ERN Cryo-EM Pilot.