Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Professor Yi Guo, Thomas E. Hattrick Chair in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, recently served as Program Chair for the 2025 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) in Hangzhou, China –– the world’s premier robotics conference. IROS 2025 brought together an all-time high of over 7,700 experts, researchers, and industry representatives from over 60 countries to discuss the latest advances in robotics, intelligent systems, and autonomous technologies.

In her role as Program Chair, Professor Guo highlighted the contributions of fellow Stevens faculty, with Mechanical Engineering Professor Brendan Englot invited to deliver a keynote talk. Professors Damiano Zanotto and Long Wang served on the organizing committee, helping to develop the technical program and shape the conference’s agenda. Professor Guo also presented at the opening ceremony, debate panel and award ceremony, engaging with the global community on the latest research and innovations in autonomous robotic systems.

Her leadership and participation not only emphasized Stevens’ commitment to advancing robotics research but also provided a platform for faculty to gain visibility on the international stage.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is proud to announce that Charles and Rosanna Batchelor Memorial Chair Professor Hongbin Li and his collaborators have received the 2025 IEEE Jack Neubauer Memorial Award, one of the highest honors presented by the IEEE Vehicular Technology Society.

This award is given annually to the authors of the best systems paper published in the IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology over the past five years. Only one paper is selected each year, underscoring the exceptional impact of this work.

The winning paper, “Intelligent Reflecting Surface-Assisted Millimeter Wave Communications: Joint Active and Passive Precoding Design” (December 2020), was co-authored by Professor Li with four other collaborators, including Dr. Jun Fang, a former Stevens postdoctoral researcher.

The research explores how intelligent reflecting surfaces—a new wireless technology—can strengthen millimeter wave communications. Millimeter waves allow ultra-fast data speeds but are often blocked by obstacles in cities or buildings. The team’s work shows how reflective surfaces can overcome this challenge by redirecting signals, boosting reliability, and paving the way for stronger next-generation wireless networks.

The award will be formally presented at the IEEE VTC-Fall 2025 Conference, the flagship meeting of the IEEE Vehicular Technology Society, taking place in Chengdu, China this October.

The Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kevin Lu as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, effective Aug. 1, 2025 through July 31, 2028.

Dr. Lu, a teaching professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, joined Stevens in 2018 and has played a pivotal role in undergraduate education. He teaches courses in digital system design, engineering design, first-year experience and the Internet of Things, and received the 2019 Henry Morton Distinguished Teaching Professor Award. He has led curriculum innovations including the launch of an Artificial Intelligence concentration and contributed to the development of the Stevens SUCCESS Core Curriculum.

Dr. Lu brings extensive industry experience from Bellcore, Telcordia Technologies and Broadcom, where he led global standardization efforts in optical networks. He has served on the IEEE Standards Association Standards Board since 2016 and received the 2024 IEEE SA Distinguished Service Award for leadership in governance and industry connections.

Lu takes over for Dr. Frank Fisher as Associate Dean. Fisher's leadership advanced cooperative education, mentoring programs and curriculum integration across SES.