Professor & Director , FIU , United States
Dr. Kang Kenneth Yen is a distinguished Professor and Director of the External Program at the College of Engineering and Computing, Florida International University (FIU). With a prolific career spanning several decades, Dr. Yen’s expertise lies in Electrical Engineering, particularly in cybersecurity, digital signal processing, and advanced control systems. His contributions extend to significant roles such as Assistant Provost for the China Program, Graduate Program Director, and Chairperson of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at FIU
Profile
Scopus
Strengths for the Award
- Extensive Academic and Professional Experience: Dr. Kang Kenneth Yen has a rich academic background with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and a notable career spanning multiple prestigious positions, including Chairperson of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at FIU and Director of International Program Development. His extensive experience in academia demonstrates a long-standing commitment to both research and education.
- Leadership and Administrative Roles: Dr. Yen’s roles as Assistant Provost (China Program) and Director of External Programs highlight his leadership capabilities and ability to manage complex programs. His leadership in developing international programs and directing graduate studies underscores his contributions to expanding educational and research opportunities.
- Funded Research and Projects: Dr. Yen has successfully secured funding for a diverse array of projects, including work with NASA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Florida Center for Cybersecurity. This indicates a strong ability to attract and manage substantial research grants, reflecting his research’s relevance and impact.
- Published Research: Dr. Yen has published numerous articles in high-impact journals and conferences, with a focus on machine learning, control systems, and sensor networks. His publications on topics such as false data injection attacks and machine learning applications in industrial systems demonstrate significant contributions to his field.
- International Recognition: His invited talks at various international institutions and collaborations with researchers from different countries enhance his global presence and demonstrate his influence in the field of electrical and computer engineering.
Areas for Improvement
- Broader Impact and Interdisciplinary Work: While Dr. Yen’s research is highly specialized, there may be opportunities to broaden his impact by engaging in more interdisciplinary projects. Exploring collaborations with other departments or fields could enhance the applicability and reach of his research.
- Recent Innovations and Emerging Trends: While Dr. Yen’s work is substantial, focusing more on emerging trends and innovations in electrical engineering and related fields could further strengthen his research portfolio. Staying abreast of the latest technological advancements and integrating them into his research could offer new avenues for exploration.
- Student and Community Engagement: Expanding efforts to involve students in research projects and community outreach programs could enhance the educational experience and contribute to the broader impact of his work. Initiatives aimed at increasing student participation in research and fostering industry partnerships might also be beneficial.
Education
Dr. Yen holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt University (August 1985), an M.E.E in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia (December 1979), and a B.S. in Geophysics from National Central University, Taiwan (July 1974). His educational background reflects a robust foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of Electrical Engineering.
Experience
Dr. Yen’s extensive experience includes roles as the Director of International Program Development, Chairperson of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Visiting Professor at Universite de Nancy I, France. He has also served as a Mechanical Engineer and Instructor in Taiwan. His leadership in various academic and administrative positions has significantly advanced the engineering programs at FIU.
Research Interests
Dr. Yen’s research interests encompass cybersecurity for safety-critical cyber-physical systems, advanced signal processing, and machine learning applications in control systems. His work focuses on developing innovative solutions for enhancing system security, optimizing sensor technology, and improving control systems’ performance.
Awards
Dr. Yen has been recognized for his contributions to engineering and education, including various funded projects and grants for research in cybersecurity, sensor optimization, and control systems. His achievements include significant projects funded by NASA, DHS, and the US DOT, showcasing his impact on both academia and industry.
Publications
Dr. Yen has authored numerous influential papers in top-tier journals. Some of his notable publications include:
- Mokhtari, S., & Yen, K. K. (2023). Dynamic state estimation with additive noise for load frequency control using bilateral fuzzy adaptive unscented Kalman filter. Electric Power Systems Research.
- Mokhtari, S., Yen, K. K. (2022). Fault detection and identification in industrial control systems based on measurement data, a machine learning approach. Springer Nature.
- Mokhtari, S., Yen, K. K. (2021). Neural network-based active fault-tolerant control design for unmanned helicopter with additive faults. Remote Sensing, 13(12), 2396.
- Mokhtari, S., Yen, K. K. (2021). Measurement data intrusion detection in industrial control systems based on unsupervised learning. Applied Computing and Intelligence, 1(1), 61-74.
Conclusion
Dr. Kang Kenneth Yen is highly deserving of the Research for Best Faculty Award due to his extensive experience, leadership in academia, successful track record in securing funding, and significant contributions to electrical and computer engineering research. His ability to manage large-scale projects and publish influential research highlights his excellence in the field. Addressing areas for improvement, such as expanding interdisciplinary work and engaging more with emerging trends and student communities, could further enhance his already impressive profile. Overall, Dr. Yen’s accomplishments and ongoing contributions make him a strong candidate for this prestigious award.