I am a professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics at the Baskin School of Engineering at University of California, Santa Cruz. My recent research focuses on mathematical foundation of machine learning, learning based optimal feedback control, computational methods for nonlinear optimal control problems, and control applications. I also conduct research on nonlinear control theory, robust and adaptive control, output feedback control, output regulation of nonlinear systems, and industry control applications. I am an Associate Editor for AIAA Journal of Guidance, Control and Dynamics. I was a member of the National Organizing Committee and Area Chair on optimal control for IFAC Symposium on NonLinear Control Systems (NOLCOS 2016). I served as a member of Program Committee for 2017 SIAM Conference on Control and Its Applications and a member of Organizing Committee for 2013 SIAM Conference on Control and Its Applications. From 2007 to 2013 I was an Associate Editor for IEEE Control Systems Society Conference Editorial Board. 

Education

    • Ph.D., Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Case Western Reserve University, 2004
    • M.E., Automatic Control, Southeast University, China, 1999
    • B.E., Automation, Dalian University of Science and Technology, China, 1996 

UCSC Appointments

    • 2018 - present   Professor, Dept. of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Baskin School of Engineeing
    • 2012 - 2018        Associate Professor, Dept. of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Baskin School of Engineeing
    • 2008 - 2012        Assistant Professor, Dept. of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Baskin School of Engineeing  

Research Areas

    • Mathematical foundation of machine learning
    • Machine learning methods for feedback control design
    • Optimal control of uncertain dynamical systems
    • Computational methods for nonlinear optimal control
    • Aerospace control applications: spacecraft attitude control, trajectory optimization, motion planning of unmanned vehicles
    • Feedback control of nonlinear systems