Zhizhen Zhao

Zhizhen Zhao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois. He holds additional appointments as Associate Professor in the Coordinated Science Lab, Department of Statistics, and Department of Mathematics, and is an Affiliate at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. He is also recognized as a William L. Everitt Faculty Fellow.

His research encompasses machine learning, computational imaging, high-energy physics, climate modeling, cryo-electron microscopy, and quantum computing. He develops algorithms for complex data analysis, inverse problems, and interdisciplinary scientific applications.

Recent publications (2023–2025) focus on generative AI, FAIR-compliant models for physics, climate prediction, and advanced imaging techniques. Key trends include deep learning for inverse problems, community detection in networks, and energy informatics.

Scientific Awards:

• William L. Everitt Faculty Fellow

He collaborates with the Coordinated Science Lab and the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, contributing to cross-disciplinary initiatives in AI, physics, and computational biology.