Zhou Hai

Hai Zhou is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northwestern University, with a courtesy appointment in Computer Science. He directs the NuLogiCS Research Group, focusing on Logical Methods for Computer Systems (LogiCS), integrating logic into hardware/software protocols and their verification for security, efficiency, and correctness. His work bridges formal methods, algorithms, and optimization with applications in security, machine learning, and economics.

Education: PhD in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin, ME and BE in Computer Science and Technology from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.

Research Interests
Zhou’s research emphasizes formal methods for constructing and verifying reactive systems. Key areas include logic encryption, hardware security, VLSI design automation, and AI-driven optimization. He explores how graph signal processing and machine learning can accelerate chip placement and floorplanning. Recent work addresses vulnerabilities in cellular networks and develops obfuscated locking frameworks like ObfusLock for circuit IP protection.

Grants & Advising
While specific grants are not listed, his publications suggest sustained funding in hardware security and VLSI. No listed advisees indicate possible omission in provided data.

Labs & Teams
Leads the NuLogiCS Research Group, collaborating on projects spanning formal verification, cryptographic hardware, and interdisciplinary applications in economics and machine learning.