We are a growing group working at the intersection of optimization, machine learning, and transportation systems. We host project-based students at all levels — see Openings.

Principal Investigator

  • Zhichen Liu Zhichen Liu Assistant Professor

Zhichen Liu is an Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering at Stony Brook University. Her research focuses on innovating next-generation modeling and computational tools for mobility and logistics systems, with an emphasis on connectivity, electrification, and automation.

She received her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and her M.S. in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2025 and 2024 respectively. She earned her B.Eng. in Transportation Engineering from Southeast University in 2020. She previously served as a Visiting Scientist at General Motors.

Dr. Liu is a recipient of the Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship and was honored as the sole global awardee of the prestigious Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship (2025) by the WTS International Foundation. She was also the recipient of the HKSTS Outstanding Dissertation Award cum Gordon Newell Memorial Prize (2026). She serves as the area editor of Networks and Spatial Economics.

Ph.D. Students

  • Zhanyu Feng Zhanyu Feng Ph.D. Student

    Zhanyu Feng received his B.S. degree in Traffic and Transportation from Hefei University of Technology in 2022, and his M.S. degree in Communication and Transportation from Southeast University. Prior to joining the M2 Lab, he served as a Research Assistant at NYU Shanghai. His research focuses on decision-focused learning, transportation network modeling, and optimization and control for connected and autonomous electric vehicles.

  • Rui Chen Rui Chen Ph.D. Student

    Rui Chen received her Master's degree in Logistics Engineering and Management from Tsinghua University in 2023, and her Bachelor's degree from Central South University. She joined the lab as a Ph.D. student in Fall 2026. Previously, she worked as an algorithm engineer focusing on dispatch and optimization for shared bicycle systems. Her research interests include operations research, reinforcement learning, and intelligent transportation systems.

Undergraduate Students

  • Evelyn Sun Evelyn Sun Undergraduate Student

    Evelyn Sun is a senior at Stony Brook University studying Computer Science and Applied Mathematics & Statistics, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. She is passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems, with experience in software development, machine learning, research, and fintech. Beyond academics, Evelyn serves as President of the Women in Science and Engineering Honors Program and Secretary of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. She is currently researching autonomous vehicles and human interaction in traffic settings, and loves swimming.

  • Charlotte Cain Charlotte Cain Undergraduate Student

    Charlotte Cain is a senior at Stony Brook University studying Computer Science and Applied Mathematics and Statistics, with a specialization in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. She is planning to pursue a Ph.D. in Computer Science, with interest in interdisciplinary research on the effects of AI. She is currently researching students' use of generative AI chatbots using natural language processing. Beyond academics, Charlotte is the Corresponding Secretary for the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and the Outreach Coordinator for Paper Airplanes Volunteer Tutoring. She is also an avid knitter and loves to travel.

  • Jacqueline Louie Jacqueline Louie Undergraduate Student

    Jacqueline Louie is a senior studying Computer Science and Philosophy, interested in the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, and technology governance in relation to critical infrastructure. She plans to pursue a master's degree and possibly a Ph.D. to further explore these interconnected fields. She is currently researching human-AV interactions in traffic environments, with the goal of informing traffic policy. She also serves as President of Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society. In her free time, she enjoys reading literary fiction, swimming, and nail art.