Yonggao Yang, Ph.D.

Dr. Yonggao Yang is a tenured professor and the Department Head in the Department of Computer Science at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) in Texas. He joined CS Department at PVAMU as an Assistant Professor in August 2002 immediately upon receiving a Ph.D. degree in Information Technology & Computer Science from George Mason University (Fairfax, VA). He worked as a faculty member at Southwest Jiaotong University (Chengdu, China) from 1987 through 1998.

Dr. Yang’s research interests include Smart Human-Computer Interface, Smart Sensor Systems, Computer Graphics, Scientific Visualization, Distributed Virtual Reality Learning/Training Environment, and Computer Networks.

Major Research Projects

  • “Excellence in Research: Collaborative Research: Strengthen the Foundation of Big Data Analytics via Interdisciplinary Research among HBCUs”, awarded by NSF with a total of $1M. 10/01/2018-0/30/2021. (Co-PI)
  • “Intel HBCU Grant Initiatives (PVAMU),” Intel, $650,000, 9/2017—8/2020 (PI)
  • “CBG – Establishing a Novel Livestock Diagnostic Information Delivery System Phase II,” awarded by the Department of Agriculture with a total of $217,063, 5/2017—5/2020. (Co-PI)
  • “Acquisition of Big Data Analytics Instruments for Research and Education in Big Military Data Intelligence at PVAMU”, awarded by DoD with a total of $498,819. 2016-2017. (Co-PI)
  • Animal Health Management Information Reporting and Sharing System,” PVAMU mini-grant, Summer 2016, $20,000.
  • Center of Excellence in Research and Education for Big Military Data Intelligence (CREDIT)”, awarded by DoD, with a total of $5M. 2015 – 2020. (Co-PI)
  • “Drone Controlling System and Application,” awarded by NSF (sub-contract), $8,500. June 2015 – July 31, 2016. (PI)
  • “Using gaming technology to create a visualization of a hazardous operation,” Northrop Grumman, Sep. 2014 – Dec. 2015. ($18,000)
  • “Mobile Environmental Massive Data Collection,” awarded by NSF (sub-contract), $8,500. June 2014 – July 31, 2015. (PI)
  • “BPC -DP: Building Computing Aptitude, Confidence, and Engagement for Students (Computing ACES),”awarded by NSF with the total amount of $599,085. March 2010 ~ 12/2015. (Co-PI)
  •  “Intelligent Energy Supply Control System Study and Renewable Energy Science Education Initiative,” TMCF, $100K, 6/2011~7/2012.  (PI)
  • “Target Infusion Grant: Infusing the Tablet PC and Problem Based Learning into Computer Science Curriculum to Enhance Student Ability in Computing Problem Analysis and Software Design,” Awarded by NSF, $170K, 9/2010~12/2013.  (PI)
  • “Thurgood Marshall College Fund Technology Awards for Faculty Innovation in Education,” awarded by TMCF with the total amount of $60,000 for one year starting from Sep. 2010.  (PI)
  • “MRI: Acquisition of a PowerWall Virtual Reality System for Enabling Research/Teaching in Virtual Prototyping,” Funded by NSF (awarded no.: 0923447, awarded amount: $216,779), effective 10/1/2009.
  • “Feasibility and Applications of RFID Technologies to Support Right of Way Functions,” Funded by TxDoT ($78,697); 2008~2009 (Co-PI)
  • “Asset Management for Safety and Operations” , Funded by TxDoT ($104,553); 2008~2010 (Co-PI)
  • “Benchmarking and Improving Texas Rural Public Transportation Systems,” Funded by the TxDoT ($25,244); 2008~2009. (Co-PI)
  • “A Virtual Reality Infrastructure for Enhancing Undergraduate Math Teaching and Learning,” Funded by the Department of Education ($381,221). A five-year project starting from Oct. 1, 2007. (Co-PI)

Major Publications

  • Y. Yang and R. Ren, and P.Johnson, “Design and Implementation of a Livestock Disease Management System – VetLink,” IEEE Potentials, Aug 2019.
  • P. Johnson, Y. Yang, and others, “An Innovative New Approach to Animal Care,” IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC), 2018.
  • David Zhou, Y. Yang, and H. Yan, “A Smart Virtual Eye Mobile System for the Visually Impaired”, IEEE Potentials Nov./Dec. 2016.
  • Y. Yang and L. Li, “A smart sensor system for air quality monitoring and massive data collection,” Proc. International Conference on ICT convergence 2015, Oct. 27-30, 2015.
  • Y. Yang, etc., “Design and Implementation of a Remote Resident Power Monitor and Control System,” IEEE Potentials; July/August 2015, Vol.34, No.4, pp.19-23.
  • Y. Yang and L. Li, “Design and Implement a Smart e-Receptionist,” IEEE Potentials, Vol. 32, No. 4, July/August 2013, pp. 22-27.
  • Y. Yang, X. Wang, and L. Li, “Use Mobile Devices to Wirelessly Operate Computers,” International Journal of Technology and Human Interaction (IJTHI), Vol. 9, No. 1, January-March 2013, pp. 64-77.
  • Y. Yang and L. Li, “Expose Engineering Students to Renewable Energy Science and Experiment Intelligent Energy Supply Control System,” American Journal of Engineering Education, 2013.
  • Y. Yang and L. Li, “Turn Nintendo Wiimote into Handheld Computer Mouse,” IEEE Potentials, Vol. 30, No. 1, Jan/Feb 2011, pp.12-16.
  • S Cui, Y. Wang, Y. Yang, F. Nave, and K. Harris, “Connecting Incoming Freshmen with Engineering Through Hands-On Projects,” American Journal of Engineering Education, Oct., 2011.
  • Jian-ao Lian and Y. Yang, “A New Cross Subdivision Scheme for Surface Design,” Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications, Vol. 374, Issue 1, February , 2011, pp. 244-257.
  • Y. Yang and J. Lian, “Make 3D Object Surfaces Smoother: Two New Interpolating Subdivision Schemes,” IEEE Computing in Science and Engineering, May/June 2010, pp. 44-50.
  • Jian-ao Lian, Yonghui Wang, and Y. Yang, “Circular Nonlinear Subdivision Schemes for Curve Design,” Applications and Applied mathematics: An International Journal (AAM), Vol.4, No. 1, June 2009, ISBN: 1939-9466, pp 1 – 12.
  • Y. Wang, S. Cui, Y. Yang, and J. Lian, “Virtual Reality Mathematic Learning Module for Engineering Students,” Technology Interface Journal, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2009, pp 1 – 10.
  • Y. Yang and J. Lian, “Make 3D Object Surfaces Smoother: Two New Interpolating Subdivision Schemes,” submitted to an IEEE magazine; 2008
  • Y. Yang, A. Lodgher, and S. Xing, “Bring Rigid Bodies to Life,” IEEE Potentials, Vol. 26, No. 5, Sep./Oct., 2007, pp. 26-31.
  • Y. Yang, A. Lodgher, and W. Zhang, “Reconstruct 3D Objects from 2D Boundaries,” IEEE Potentials, Nov./Dec., 2006, pp. 8-13.
  • Y. Yang and A. Lodgher, “Use 3D Graphics Learning Environment to Help Comprehend Non-Intuitive Concepts,” Computers in Education Journal, Vol. XVI, No. 4, October/December 2006, pp.51-57.
  • Y. Yang, V. Soto, and A. Lodgher, “Raster to Scalable Vector Graphics Conversion,” Journal on Graphics, Vision and Image Processing (ICGST), Special Issue on Image Retrieval and Representation, March 2006.
  • Y. Yang, M. Beheshit, and X. Wang, “Blurry When Wet: Animating Raindrop Behavior,” IEEE Potentials, August/September 2005, pp. 33-36.
  • Y. Yang, J. Chen, and M. Beheshit, “Nonlinear Projections and Magic Lenses: 3D View Deformation,” IEEE Computer Graphics & Applications, Vol. 25, No. 1, Jan./Feb., 2005, pp.76-84.
  • Y. Yang and J. Chen, “Real-Time Simulation: Water Droplets on Glass Windows,” IEEE Computing in Science and Engineering, Vol. 6, No.4, July/August 2004, pp. 69-73.
  • Y. Yang and J. Chen, “Gene Expression Clustering and 3D Visualization,” IEEE Computing in Science and Engineering,Sep./Oct., 2003, pp. 37-43.
  • Y. Yang and J. Chen, “Nonlinear Projection: Using Deformations in 3D Viewing,” IEEE Computing in Science and Engineering, Vol. 5, No.2, March/April 2003, pp. 54-59.
  • Y. Yang and J. Chen, “Rendering Avatars in Virtual Reality: Integrating 3D Model with 2D Images,” IEEE Computing in Science and Engineering, Vol. 4, No. 1, Jan/Feb 2002, pp. 86-91.
  • J. Chen, Y. Yang, and X. Wang, “Physics-Based Modeling and Real-time Simulation,” IEEE Computing in Science and Engineering, Vol. 3, No. 3, May/June 2001, pp. 98-102.
  • Y. Yang and J. Chen, “3D Graphics Formats and Conversions,” IEEE Computing in Science and Engineering, Vol. 2, No. 5, September/October 2000. pp. 82-87.
  • Y. Yang and Q. Pan, “The Design and Analysis of a New Reliable Multicast Protocol for DVE,” Chinese Journal of Computers, Vol.22, No.4, May 1999.
  • Y. Yang, “A Network Architecture and Protocol for DVE,” Journal of Southwest Jiaotong University, Vol. 31, No.2, February 1999.