CHENYU ZHANG

PhD candidate
Smart Civil Infrastructure Systems

The Department of Civil Engineering is proud to shine a spotlight on Chenyu Zhang, a remarkable PhD student whose research is advancing the field of Smart Civil Infrastructure Systems. With a prolific publication record, numerous presentations, and a string of prestigious awards, Chenyu exemplifies the innovative and dedicated spirit of our graduate program.

Chenyu joined our department after earning his Bachelor of Science (2018) and Master of Science (2021) degrees from Chang’an University. His research focuses on developing intelligent systems for civil infrastructure, a critical area for modernizing the way we inspect and maintain our bridges, roads, and buildings. His work leverages cutting-edge technology, including deep learning and computer vision, to automate structural condition assessments and manage infrastructure assets more efficiently.

A testament to his dedication and the high impact of his work, Chenyu has been exceptionally productive. He has published eight peer-reviewed journal papers and one conference paper, with several appearing in top-tier journals with high impact factors, such as Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (IF: 9.1) and Automation in Construction (IF: 9.6). His papers, including “Attention-enhanced co-interactive fusion network (AECIF-Net) for automated structural condition assessment in visual inspection,” are at the forefront of combining artificial intelligence with civil engineering challenges.

From Lab to Stage: A Master of Communication

This year, Chenyu has distinguished himself not only through his research but also through his exceptional ability to communicate it to a wide range of audiences. He participated in two major Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competitions, turning complex research into a compelling, three-minute story.

In his presentation, titled "From Scribbles to Safety: Drones and AI for Smarter Bridge Inspections," Chenyu introduced a faster, safer, and more efficient way to inspect aging bridges using drones and artificial intelligence. He explained how his unique method, which he calls “scribble supervision,” allows him to train AI to recognize defects with high accuracy while reducing the time it takes to prepare the data by a remarkable 83%. This innovation allows engineers to assess more bridges in less time, ultimately improving public safety.

On January 5, Chenyu competed at the 104th Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, the world’s largest transportation research conference with over 14,000 attendees. Selected as one of just 21 finalists from nearly 100 applicants, he was honored to be named Runner-Up. He describes the experience of presenting in front of a global audience of civil and transportation professionals as "both humbling and exhilarating."

A few months later, on March 28, Chenyu took on a new challenge at Stony Brook University’s 2025 3MT Competition. Here, he presented his work to a broad, general audience and was thrilled to receive Third Place for Best Talk. He reflected on the experience as a "powerful exercise in clarity, storytelling, and connection," one that pushed him outside his comfort zone and taught him to connect his work with people beyond his field.

Awards and Gratitude

Beyond his success in the 3MT competitions, Chenyu’s academic excellence has been recognized with several other significant honors, including the 2025 Research Merit Award from our department and the 2022 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award.

Chenyu is deeply grateful for the support he has received throughout his journey. "My advisor, Dr. Ruwen Qin, and the SBU Civil Engineering Department have provided continuous support, and their guidance and encouragement have made these opportunities possible," he says.

When asked for his advice to fellow students, Chenyu emphasizes the importance of balance and seizing opportunities. "Make the most of your time here by staying focused on your goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance," he advises. He encourages students to "use the resources available to build your skills, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Some of the most rewarding experiences come from trying something new."

Chenyu Zhang's remarkable journey as a PhD student serves as an inspiration to our entire department. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and look forward to his future contributions to the field of civil engineering.