Mechanical Engineering Technology

Joe Zhang

Assistant Professor 10 Months Email Lupton Hall, 168B
Dr. Zhou (Joe) Zhang is an Assistant Professor at SUNY Farmingdale State College. Prior to this, he served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and the Ph.D. Program of Computational and Data Science at Middle Tennessee State University from August 2022 to August 2024. From August 2017 to August 2022, Dr. Zhang was an Assistant Professor at the CUNY New York City College of Technology.
He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology, where his research focused on leveraging robotics and virtual reality to advance engineering education. Dr. Zhang also holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Southeast University and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Southwest Jiaotong University.
With over seven years of industrial experience as both an electrical and mechanical engineer, Dr. Zhang brings significant practical expertise to his academic work. His teaching and research emphasize interdisciplinary approaches that seamlessly integrate Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science, fostering a rich and comprehensive learning experience for students across these fields.

 

Education:

Ph.D. Summa cum Laude, Mechanical Engineering (Virtual Reality and Robotics in Engineering Education), Stevens Institute of Technology, 2017
Master Electrical Engineering (Power Electronics), Southeast University, 2009
Bachelor Summa cum Laude, Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 1999
 

Publications and Patents:

Patents:

  1. Zheng, J., Mei, J., Zhang, Z. & Wu, G., 2009, “Ultra-rapid operation mechanism for high voltage switch”, CN 101510475 A.
  2. Zheng, J., Mei, J., Zhang, Z. & Wu, G., 2009, “Rapid response permanent magnet control mechanism”, CN 101510474 A.

Book:

  1. Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Chang, Y., Aziz, E.-S., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2018, “Collaborative virtual laboratory environments with hardware in the loop”, Cyber-Physical Laboratories in Engineering and Science Education, pp. 363-40

Book chapters:

  1. Zhang, Z., Aziz, E.-S., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2018, “A virtual proctor with biometric authentication for facilitating distance education”, Online Engineering & Internet of Things, Vol. 22, pp. 110-124.
  2. Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Chang, Y., Aziz, E.-S., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2018, “Collaborative virtual laboratory environments with hardware in the loop”, Cyber-Physical Laboratories in Engineering and Science Education, pp. 363-401.

Journal publications:

  1. Zhang, Z., and Ali, M., 2025, “Advancing Virtual Lab Immersion through YOLO-Powered Gesture Recognition in Natural HCI”, ASEE Computers in Education Journal, Under Review.
  2. Ali, M., and Zhang, Z., 2024, “The YOLO framework: a comprehensive review of evolution, applications, and benchmarks in object detection”, Computers, Vol. 13, No. 12: 336.
  3. Ali, M., and Zhang, Z., 2024, “The YOLO framework: a comprehensive review of evolution, applications, and benchmarks in object detection”, Preprints, DOI:10.20944/preprints202410.1785.v1.
  4. Zhang, Z., Zhang, A.S., Zhang, M. and Esche, S.K., 2020, “Project-based courses for B. Tech. program of robotics in mechanical engineering technology”, Computers in Education Journal, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 1-10.
  5. Zhang, Z., Zhang, A.S., Zhang, M. and Esche, S.K., 2019, “Design and application of a platform of wireless sensor and control network in robotics course of mechanical engineering technology”, Computers in Education Journal, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 1-7.
  6. Zhang, M., Zhang, Z., Chang, Y., Aziz, E.S., Esche, S. & Chassapis, C., 2018, “Recent developments in game-based virtual reality educational laboratories using the Microsoft Kinect, International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 138 -159.
  7. Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Chang, Y., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2016, “A virtual laboratory system with biometric authentication and remote proctoring based on facial recognition”, Computers in Education Journal, Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 74-84.
  8. Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Chang, Y., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2016, “Real-time 3D reconstruction for facilitating the development of game-based virtual laboratories”, Computers in Education Journal, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 85-99.
  9. Chang, Y., Aziz, E.-S., Zhang, Z., Zhang, M. & Esche, S. K., 2016, “Usability evaluation of a virtual educational laboratory platform”, Computers in Education Journal, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 24-36.
  10. Zhang, M., Zhang, Z., Chang, Y., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2015, “Kinect-based universal range sensor and its application in educational laboratories”, International Journal of Online Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 26-35.
  11. Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Tumkor, S., Chang, Y., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2013, “Integration of physical devices into game-based virtual reality”, International Journal of Online Engineering, Vol. 9, pp. 25-38.
  12. Ma, Y., Zheng, J., Mei, J. & Zhang, Z., 2010, “Information modeling and communication of SF6 circuit breaker online monitoring system based on IEC61850”, Electric Power Automation Equipment, Vol. 30, No. 2, pp 131-134.
  13. Wu, G., Zheng, J., Yu, Y. & Zhang, Z., 2009, “Research on the real-time communication of WAMS simulated substation”; Electric Power Automation Equipment; Vol. 29, No. 7, pp. 105-108.
  14. Mei, J., Zhang, Z., Zheng, J., Ding, Z. & Gu, D., 2008, “Design of fast hybrid transfer switch”; Electric Power Automation Equipment; Vol. 28, No. 11, pp. 70-73, 78.
  15. Zhang, Z., Zheng, J. & Mei, J., 2008, “Modeling and realization about digital intelligent switch controller based on IEC62271-3”; Electrotechnical Application, Vol. 27 No. 24, pp. 76-80.
  16. Mei, J., Zheng, J., Ding, Z., Zhang, Z. & Rao, Y., 2008, “Design of optimal digital filter for transfer switch”, Electric Power Automation Equipment, Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 101-104.

Conference publications:

  1. Zhang, Z., Li, W., Shirvani, K., Hung, Y., Chang, Y., & Esche, S., 2025, “Flipped Classroom and Collaborative Learning in Tool Design Education for Mechanical Engineering Technology”, ASEE Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada, June 22-25, 2025, Accepted.
  2. Li, W., Hung, Y., Aultuger-Genc, G., Zhang, S., Tatoglu, A., & Zhang, Z., 2025, “Integrating AI/ML Learning in Senior Projects for Mechanical Engineering Technology Students”, ASEE Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada, June 22-25, 2025, Accepted.
  3. Zhang, Z., & Chang, Y., 2024, “Leveraging Generative AI to enhance engineering education at both low-level and high-level study”, ASEE Mid-Atlantic Section Conference, Farmingdale, NY, USA, October 25-26, 2024.
  4. Ali, M., and Zhang, Z., 2024, “Natural human-computer interface based on gesture recognition with YOLO to enhance virtual lab users’ immersive feeling”, ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon, USA, June 23-26, 202
  5. Zhang, Z., Chang, Y., and Esche, S.K., 2023, “Ergonomic design of a virtual proctor system with reliable face recognition and tracking”, IMECE International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition, New Orleans, LA, USA, October 29-November 2, 2023.
  6. Zhang, Z., Chang, Y., Esche, S.K. and Zhang, A.S, 2022, “Application of internet of things in online robotics class”, ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 26-29, 2022.
  7. Wang, Y., Zhang, Z, and Chang, Y., “A project-based platform for students’ Robot Operation System (ROS) programming experience”, ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 26-29, 2022.
  8. Zhang, Z., Zhang, A.S., Chang, Y. and Esche, S.K., 2021, “IoT to enable remote collaboration in robotics class of mechanical engineering technology”, Proceedings of the 2021 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Virtual Annual Conference, July 26-29, 2021.
  9. Zhang, Z., 2020, “Soft-body simulation with CUDA based on mass-spring model and Verlet integration scheme”, Proceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition IMECE’20, Virtual Conference, November 16-19, 2020.
  10. Beckwith, C., Zhang, A.S., Esche, S.K., & Zhang, Z., 2020, “Vision-based SLAM robot spider: an undergraduate project of advanced robotics of bachelor of technology”, Proceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition IMECE’20, Virtual Conference, November 16-19, 2020.
  11. Zhang, Z., Zhang, A.S., Zhang, M. and Esche, S.K., 2019, “Project-based robotics courses for the students of mechanical engineering technology”, Proceedings of the 2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Tampa, Florida, USA, June 15-19, 2019.
  12. Zhang, Z., Zhang, A.S., Zhang, M. and Esche, S.K., 2018, “Immersive educational systems with procedure-oriented combinations of real and virtual environments”, Proceeding of ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition IMECE’18, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. November 9-15, 2018.
  13. Zhang, M., Duan, P., Zhang, Z. and Esche, S.K., 2018, “Development of telepresence teaching robots with social capabilities”, Proceeding of ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition IMECE’18, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. November 9-15, 2018.
  14. Zhang, Z., Zhang, A.S., Zhang, M. and Esche, S.K., 2018, “Conceptual framework for integrating a wireless sensor and control network into a robotics course for senior students of mechanical engineering technology”, Proceedings of the 2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, June 24-27, 2018.
  15. Zhang, M., Zhang, Z., Lotfi, N. & Esche, S. K., 2017, “Development of automatic reconfigurable robotic arms using vision-based control”, Proceedings of the 2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Columbus, Ohio, USA, June 25-28, 2017.
  16. Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Chang, Y., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2016, “A virtual laboratory combined with biometric authentication and 3D reconstruction”, Proceeding of ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition IMECE’16, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, November 11-17, 20
  17. Chang, Y., Aziz, E.-S., Zhang, Z., Zhang, M. & Esche, S. K., 2016, “Evaluation of a video game adaptation for mechanical engineering educational laboratories”, Proceeding of 46th ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, October 12-15, 2016.
  18. Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Chang, Y., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2016, “A virtual laboratory system with biometric authentication and remote proctoring based on facial recognition”, Proceedings of the 2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, New Orleans, LA, USA, June 26-29, 2016.
  19. Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Chang, Y., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2015, “Real-time 3D reconstruction for facilitating the development of game-based virtual laboratories”, Proceedings of the 2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Seattle, Washington, USA, June 14-17, 2015.
  20. Chang, Y., Aziz, E.-S., Zhang, Z., Zhang, M. & Esche, S. K., 2015, “Usability evaluation of a virtual educational laboratory platform”, Proceedings of the 2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Seattle, Washington, USA, June 14-17, 2015.
  21. Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Chang, Y., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2015, “A smart method for developing game-based virtual laboratories,” Proceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition IMECE’15, Houston, Texas, November 13-19, 2015.
  22. Zhang, M., Zhang, Z., Chang, Y. & Esche, S. K., 2015, “Simultaneous tracking and reconstruction of objects and its application in educational robotics laboratories”, Proceedings of the 2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Seattle, Washington, USA, June 14-17, 2015.
  23. Zhang, M., Zhang, Z., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2014, “Algorithm modification approach to improve the Kinect’s performance in point cloud processing”, Proceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition IMECE’14, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, November 14-20, 2014.
  24. Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Chang, Y., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2014, “An efficient method for creating virtual spaces for virtual reality”, Proceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition IMECE’14, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, November 14-20, 2014.
  25. Chang, Y., Aziz, E.-S., Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2014, “A platform for mechanical assembly education using the Microsoft Kinect”, Proceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition IMECE’14, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, November 14-20, 2014.
  26. Zhang, M., Zhang, Z., Aziz, E.-S., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2013, “Kinect-based universal range sensor for laboratory experiments”, Proceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition IMECE’13, San Diego, California, USA, November 13-21, 2013.
  27. Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Chang, Y., Aziz, E.-S., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2013, “Real-time 3D model reconstruction using Kinect for a game-based virtual laboratory”,” Proceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition IMECE’13, San Diego, California, USA, November 13-21, 2013.
  28. Zhang, M., Zhang, Z., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2013, “Universal range data acquisition for educational laboratories using Microsoft Kinect”, Proceedings of the 2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, June 23-26, 2013.
  29. Tumkor, S., Zhang, M., Zhang, Z., Chang, Y., Esche, S. K. & Chassapis, C., 2012, “Integration of a real-time remote experiment into a multi-player game laboratory environment”, Proceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition IMECE’12, Houston, Texas, USA, November 9-15, 2012.


 

Courses Taught

MET117 Manufacturing Processes
MET 207 Tool Design
MET 406 Electronic Packaging Applications

Education

  • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering (Virtual Reality and Robotics in Engineering Education), Stevens Institute of Technology, 2017 – Summa cum Laude
  • Master, Electrical Engineering (Power Electronics), Southeast University, 2009
  • Bachelor, Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 1999 – Summa cum Laude

Certificates & Licensures

  • Certificate in Effective College Instruction, THE ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY EDUCATORS AND THE AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION, 05/01/2021

Publications

  • Momina L. Ali and Zhou Zhang, The YOLO Framework: A Comprehensive Review of Evolution, Applications, and Benchmarks in Object Detection, Computers, 13(12) 2024, 336.
  • Zhou Zhang and Yizhe Chang, Leveraging Generative AI to Enhance Engineering Education At Both Low-Level And High-Level Study in , : (2024).

Presentations

  • Zhou Zhang, “Natural Human-Computer Interface Based on Gesture Recognition with YOLO to Enhance Virtual Lab Users’ Immersive Feeling.” Paper presented to the 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon, USA on October 24, 2024.
Joe Zhang