Faculty Directory

Li, Ang

Li, Ang

Assistant Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Maryland Robotics Center
2365 A.V. Williams Bldg.

Dr. Li joined the University of Maryland, College Park as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Aug. 2023. During the deferral time before joining, he was a research associate at Qualcomm AI Research.

Dr. Li received his Ph.D. in 2022 from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Duke University. Li has also earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Arkansas. He has an MS in Management of Innovation and Venture Capital from Peking University, and a BS in Computer Science from Henan University in China.

His research interests lie in the intersection of machine learning and edge computing, with a focus on building large-scale networked and trustworthy intelligent systems to solve practical problems in a collaborative, scalable, secure, and ubiquitous manner. Dr. Li has been recognized with a variety of awards, including the IEEE TCCPS Outstanding Ph.D. Dissertation Award, ACM KDD Best Student Paper Award in 2020, and the 2022-2023 Duke ECE Department Outstanding Dissertation Award.

Two Years Running, Maryland #12 Among Publics for Undergrad Engineering

Maryland Engineering ranks among nation’s top 25 undergraduate programs for the 24th consecutive year.

Project, Problem, Solution: MATRIX Interns Make an Impact

University of Maryland MATRIX Lab interns get real-world, hands-on experience solving problems.

Smooth Sailing: MATRIX Dives Into Ship Inspecting

MARAD grant will help researchers explore options for a standardizing method of measuring disruptive buildup

Grand Challenges 2.0: Engineers Partner to Unlock Solutions

Seven of 11 collaborative projects include contributions from engineering

Aircraft May Refuel Themselves - With Help From AI

Research published in journal with University of Maryland graduate student as first author

Costello: Advancing Aerial Autonomy

New Aero faculty member is an expert on testing and certifying autonomous systems.

New Lecture Series Unites Experts to Solve Critical Challenges

Series is hosted by the University of Maryland A. James Clark School of Engineering and supported by HII

Celebrating APIDA and SWANA Heritage Month 2026

We are proud to have a dynamic community, and we are honored to build and strengthen it together.

NIH Funds "Smart Pill" for Gut Health Monitoring

University of Maryland research is advancing the early detection of gut inflammation

Engineering safer, more sustainable AI for all

We are equally focused on what AI can achieve and the infrastructure required to achieve it.

MATRIX Lab Advancing Smarter, More Affordable Autonomy

University of Maryland MATRIX Lab researchers present work at global forum

University of Maryland Research is Redefining Health Care

Work published in award-winning technology magazine IEEE Spectrum

MATRIX Lab Workshop Focuses on Fielding Autonomous Systems

An event by University of Maryland organizations gathers ideas to improve test and evaluation

Sensor Advancement Breaks Barriers in Brain-Behavior Research

Interdisciplinary University of Maryland study published in "Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X" journal

University of Maryland Represented at International Forum

Dr. Reza Ghodssi, University of Maryland Distinguished University Professor, among keynote speakers at AUKUS Forum

Small Business Connections Help Meet Researcher Needs

UMD MATRIX Lab partners with Southern Maryland companies, bridging basic and applied science

Engineering at Maryland magazine solves for excellence

How a high-impact strategy launched by a transformative, $220 million investment in UMD is creating new, tangible momentum for engineering progress on important societal challenges.

UMD Student Bridging Research Innovation and Education Advocacy

Engineering PhD student Sydney Overton advancing research while supporting peers

Taking Healthcare Higher: Drones Deliver Medicine in Crisfield

UMD UAS Research and Operations Center Leads Medical Drone Demonstrations to Improve Rural Healthcare Access

Maryland #12 Among Publics for Undergraduate Engineering

The A. James Clark School of Engineering ranks #12 among the country’s public colleges and universities in undergraduate engineering, according to U.S. News & World Report’s (USNWR) 2025–26 rankings of more than 200 degree programs.

Maryland Engineers Recognized with Faculty Honors

Annual Convocation event celebrates academic and service excellence and achievement.

AI Robotics Research at UMD Puts Safety and Trust First

University of Maryland's Dr. Pratap Tokekar shares methods to create reliable AI-driven autonomous robots

Summer Interns Build Pro-Level Skills at UROC

Unique internship program offers opportunities not found in the classroom.

Clark School Seed Grant Awards Announced

Projects promote multidisciplinary collaboration and innovative research

Ghodssi Awarded Distinguished University Professor Title

Honor recognizes excellence, impact, and significant contribution

MATRIX Interns Overcome Setbacks and Succeed

Summer 2025 cohort pushing boundaries and turning curiosity into impact

MATRIX Facilities and Talent Featured in New Video

Lab serves as hub for autonomous technologies and uncrewed systems research and education

Adjustable Drug Release Marks New Milestone in Ingestible Capsule Research

Work from Distinguished University Professor Reza Ghodssi’s team advances precise, localized therapies for GI diseases

Celebrating a Legend: Musings from Matt Scassero

University of Maryland retiree reflects on career and looks forward to future plans in retirement

Celebrating a Legend: Matt Scassero's Retirement Event

University of Maryland MATRIX Lab hosts retirement sendoff for former leader Matt Scassero

MATRIX-Affiliated Faculty Solving Challenges From Sea to Space

Research provides opportunities for students and creates efficient systems that address needs

How To (and Not To) AI Your Career Search

10 Dos and Don’ts for Job Hunt Success in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Innovation and Collaboration: Congressional Leaders Visit Southern Maryland

Academic institutions; nonprofit and government organizations highlight what makes the ecosystem strong

Wired to Contribute

"I wanted to do something to promote hands-on experiences for students. I want to see ideas come forward as solutions to our greatest engineering challenges."

MATRIX-Affiliated Faculty Solving Tomorrow's Challenges Today

Research covers fields from engineering to language to healthcare

Maryland Engineering: Top 10 Among Public Graduate Programs, 7 Years Running

For the seventh consecutive year, the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland ranks among the country’s top 10 public universities in graduate engineering programs, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025–26 rankings.

Celebrating APIDA and SWANA Maryland Engineers

Join us this April, as we celebrate Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month and Southwest Asian and North African Heritage Month.

Advancing Autonomous Systems Education and Research

MATRIX Lab initiatives outlined in Evening@SMART presentation

Developing Efficient Systems for Deep Sea Exploration

MATRIX Lab PhD’s research published in Applied Ocean Research journal

The Clark School Celebrates Women and Multiracial Engineers and Engineering Professionals

Join us this March as we celebrate Women’s History Month and Multiracial Heritage Month.

Ingestible Capsule Advances May Lead to Earlier Detection of Diseases

Research published in "Microsystems and Nanoengineering" journal

The Clark School Celebrates the Legacy and Impact of Black Engineers

At the A. James Clark School of Engineering, we honor the contributions of Black engineering trailblazers, whose accomplishments improve our society through innovation and leadership.

Looking A“Head” to the Future of Autonomous Robots

MATRIX Lab apprentice working toward fully functional autonomous robotic head

Autonomy Summit Explores Potential and Challenges of AI

University of Maryland MATRIX Lab Summit brings together academia, government, and industry

Project Embraces Tribal History With Modern Technology

Piscataway, UMD Team Up to 3D-Print Replicas of Peace Medals

Augmented Reality Improves Healthcare, Traffic - Even Shopping

University of Maryland professor explains how AR technology can help the world in Evening@SMART presentation

Sueños Sin Fronteras: The Clark School Celebrates Latine Engineers

At Maryland Engineering, we recognize and celebrate the diversity of stories and contributions among our students, faculty, staff, and alums.

Inspired by Nature, Researchers Improve System Movement

MATRIX Lab PhD using concepts behind schooling fish to help robots move in groups more efficiently

Maryland Engineering and Partners Win $26M to Develop Better HVACR Systems and Fight Climate Change

Clark School faculty and partners join prestigious U.S. National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center.

Event Aims to Construct an Interest in STEM

Students Compete, and Learn Engineering Principles, With Rubber Band-Powered Carts

Ghodssi Honored With Gaede-Langmuir Award

AVS recognizes UMD faculty member for contributions to the MEMS field.

Forty years of MEMS research at the Hilton Head Workshop

UMD Professor Reza Ghodssi is president of Transducer Research Foundation (TRF), the organization that sponsors the event.

University of Maryland Has Strong Presence at ICRA 2024

Researchers detail advancements in navigation, trajectory planning.

University of Maryland Represents at International Autonomy Event

Xponential brings together experts to address concerns and look to the future

Students with Entrepreneurial Curiosity: Launch Your Business Idea at Maryland

The Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Engineering at Maryland magazine celebrates a UMD campus ecosystem that's ripe for entrepreneurial excellence.

MATRIX Lab Research Spotlight: Dr. Anthony Malatesta

Bringing real-world experience to University of Maryland engineering education

Celebrating Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Engineers

The impact made by APIDA engineers—at the Clark School, and on our country and world—improves our community and field in numerous and significant ways.

Dean's Circle Spotlight: Investing in Ideas, and Access

One of Maryland Engineering's most generous philanthropists, Tom Scholl helped to brainstorm what the IDEA Factory could become: a place "where the imagination can run wild."

Agents of Positive Change: Highlighting Women Maryland Engineers

In celebration of Women's History Month, we highlight some of the important contributions of women engineers within our campus community.

Transforming Engineering: Highlighting Maryland Engineers

In celebration of Black History Month, we highlight the many impactful contributions of Black engineers in our community—students, alums, faculty, and staff—to the Clark School, our university, and world.

Celebrating the Impact of Black Maryland Engineers and Leaders

The Clark School pays tribute to the many contributions and legacies of Black Americans in the United States by learning more about some of our most pioneering and influential community members, past and present.

Six Clark School Faculty Receive 2024 DURIP Awards

DURIP awards support university research in technical areas of interest to the Department of Defense.

Alum Fumin Zhang elected to IEEE Fellow

His citation reads, “for contributions to autonomy of robotic sensing networks and control of marine robots.”

Celebrating Native and Indigenous Voices in Engineering

The Clark School joins UMD's celebration of Native and Indigenous Heritage Month 2023.

Alumnus Receives National Medal of Technology and Innovation

Biden recognizes Jeong H. Kim for advances in broadband optical systems, data communications, wireless.

Introducing the Clark Scholars Program Network

A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation and University of Maryland Partner to Educate the Next Generation of Engineers

Maryland Engineering Ranks Among the Nation’s Top 20 Undergraduate Engineering Programs

The A. James Clark School of Engineering ranks 19 overall among more than 200 undergraduate engineering programs—up three positions from its previous undergraduate ranking.

UMD's 40th Annual Convocation Honors Engineering Staff, Faculty

The University of Maryland's 40th annual Convocation will honor 33 faculty and staff—including four from the A. James Clark School of Engineering—for their contributions to education, research, and the campus community.

UMD Student Team Lauded for Award-Winning Drone

U.S. Representative Glenn F. Ivey presented a proclamation honoring the AMAV team's NIST competition victory.

ECE and ISR alumni feature prominently at American Control Conference

Xiaobo Tan, Sean Andersson and Fumin Zhang played key roles at the conference.

MRC Faculty, Researchers, and Students Present 24 Papers at ICRA 2023

MRC researchers have a strong showing at ICRA 2023.

Snow, Wind, and Drone Ops

UMD UROC pilots and engineers handle austere conditions while helping NOAA with satellite calibration.

University of Maryland entities partnering with defense company BlueHalo

UMD Clark School of Engineering and BlueHalo support defense mission and workforce development in Southern Maryland

Just keep swimming, and schooling

MATRIX Lab research features robotic fish autonomously swimming together

Maryland Engineering Graduate Programs: Top 10 Among Public Universities, Five Years in a Row

For the fifth consecutive year, the University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering ranks among the country's top 10 public universities in graduate engineering programs, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023–24 rankings.

Engineering at Maryland magazine spotlights research to reduce fire risks in refugee camps

In the Spring 2023 issue, read how Maryland fire protection engineers are working to better understand the causes and order of magnitude of fires in humanitarian settlements.

Crank Up the AC, Not Global Warming

Maryland engineers advance heating and cooling technology to push for a greener future

2023 Hackathon to focus on climate change

Make an impact, earn prize money at VelocityX: Climate Innovation Hackathon

Gearing Up for Battle

Sparks and creativity fly when combat robotics club enters arena

UMD’s SeaDroneSim can generate simulated images and videos to help UAV systems recognize ‘objects of interest’ in the water

The suite’s simulated objects could fill a large dataset gap for the UAV-based computer vision systems used in searching for maritime objects.

Alumnus Udit Halder’s work published as cover article in Proceedings of The Royal Society A

Now a postdoctoral researcher, Halder and his UIUC colleagues developed mathematical models and control based on flexible octopus arms.

Maryland Engineers Awarded Grants to Address Humanity's Grand Challenges

Twelve projects led by or involving Maryland Engineering faculty have been awarded funding through the Grand Challenges Grants Program, the largest and most comprehensive program of its kind ever introduced at the University of Maryland.

Three UMD Faculty Elected to National Academy of Engineering

Three University of Maryland professors are among the 124 engineers newly elected to the 2023 Class of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).

Maryland Engineers Graham, Nau, Zhao elected Fellows of AAAS

Three Clark School professors have been newly chosen as 2022 Fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the Science family of journals.

New algorithms for multi-robot systems in low communication situations

Work by Clark School faculty, alumni and students is published on IEEE Access.

Aloimonos, Sandini contribute chapter to MIT Press book, Cognitive Robotics

Their chapter defines and provides examples and explanations of 'computer vision.'

Ask An Engineer: Space Travel

While science fiction isn't always engineering fact, it inspires generations to make it so.

Autonomous drones based on bees use AI to work together

The minute robots could one day provide backup to pollinators.

Exploring STEM dreams at the SMART building

Local nonprofit works to expose Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to students

Giving Students "Space" for Galactic Discovery, and a Launch into Research

Among the precious cargo launching to the ISS aboard SpaceX CRS-26 is an experiment designed by UMD students.

SoCal Edison Taps UAS Service Provider for Inspections

Baltimore-based MissionGO wins one of the largest UAS service contracts in the world and traces roots to UMD. 

'A Hub for Discussion, Integration of Ideas, Innovation and Discovery'

UMD holds ceremonial groundbreaking of Stanley R. Zupnik Hall

"This Is Where It's At"

U.S. Commerce Secretary's Visit Highlights Importance of UMD, Higher Ed to Future of Domestic Electronics Industry

Engineering at Maryland magazine highlights federal partnerships to tackle big questions

The feature story, Ask Big Questions, describes research collaborations with the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and other federal agencies.

Dean's Circle Spotlight: A Blueprint for Human-Oriented Innovation

Anthony Ephremides, the founder of the field of ad-hoc wireless networks, is one of Maryland Engineering's most philanthropic faculty members.

Introducing the Early Career Distinguished Alumni Society

The ECDA Society launches an exclusive professional network of Maryland Engineering alums leading the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and change agents.

Maryland Engineering ranks #11 among public colleges in the U.S.

The University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering ranks #11 among the country’s public universities in U.S. News & World Report 2022-23 Best Colleges rankings, rising one spot from #12 in 2022.

Convocation to Honor Faculty, Staff Accomplishments

Four Maryland Engineers among awardees from across campus

Maryland Engineers Get Cracking on Sustainability with Crab Shell-based Battery

Biodegradable electrolyte could lessen pollution burden of electric vehicles

'They Are Playing With a Huge Fire'

With Ukraine's massive Zaporizhzhia plant in Putin's crosshairs, nuclear facilities must be taken off battlefield, UMD risk expert says.

It's Getting Hot in Here

New Maryland Engineering video series asks engineering experts to explore science fact versus fiction in TV and film.

Ghodssi named to new Clark School research and innovation position

He will lead Clark School research, partnership and outreach activities in Southern Maryland.

Young minds take on STEM challenges

STEM Summer Camp held at the SMART building and MATRIX lab

Have Drone, Will Travel: UMD Team Conducts Tests in O’ahu

UMD UAS Test Site pilots were on site to help NASA and NOAA test SARSAT interfaces in Hawaii.

Extreme Drone Ops: Measuring Ice Packs

UAS Test Site teams up with NOAA to test use of drones in validating satellite imagery.

UMD Helps Test New Search and Rescue Technology

UMD UAS Test Site assists NASA, NOAA with beacon system.

USMSM Debuts SMART Innovation Center

New, $86 million facility to expand educational opportunities, autonomous vehicles research.

UMD, UMBC, ARL Announce Cooperative Agreement to Accelerate AI, Autonomy in Complex Environments

The agreement leverages Maryland's national leadership in engineering, robotics, computer science, operations research, modeling and simulation, and cybersecurity.

UMD Transplant Organ Flight Named Invention of the Year

The Technical.ly Awards honored an history-making drone flight that helped save the life of a kidney patient.