Jun Zhuang Named AAAS Fellow

By Mylous Hairston

Jun Zhuang, associate dean for research in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Morton C. Frank professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, has been elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

AAAS is universally acknowledged as the largest scientific society in the world, and fellows are recognized for their outstanding achievements across varying disciplines. To be elected a fellow, candidates must demonstrate that their efforts to advance science and its applications are distinguished in society.

“Being named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science is a great honor and humbling recognition of the collective efforts of my students, collaborators, and colleagues,” says Zhuang.

Zhuang joined the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering in 2008. The focal point of his research addresses improving complex security challenges through rigorous methods — especially game theory and decision analysis.

“My work focuses on applying these tools to homeland security and disaster management problems, where decisions involve uncertainty and strategic interactions,” says Zhuang. “I am equally committed to mentoring students and helping them develop strong analytical skills while encouraging them to pursue impactful, real-world problems and contribute meaningfully to society.”

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a larger part of Zhuang’s research efforts. One example is data-driven and AI-enabled risk analysis for emerging threats. The goal is to enhance real-time situational awareness and support operational decision-making in rapidly evolving environments.

Another research area of emphasis is game-theoretic models for homeland security resource allocation. Defender-attacker-defender models are developed to guide how limited security resources (e.g., patrols, inspections) should be allocated under strategic adversaries. As a result, models have been applied to problems such as infrastructure protection and counterterrorism.

Zhuang’s research aligns with his passion, of which he says, “I am motivated by the challenge of tackling high-stakes problems involving uncertainty, strategic behavior, and competing objectives. I am also driven by a commitment to service — through research, mentorship, and professional leadership — to make meaningful contributions to both the field and society.”

Zhuang has been published 170 times during his distinguished career, and his research has been supported by numerous federal agencies. He is also a fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and the Society for Risk Analysis, and he is the editor-in-chief of the journal Decision Analysis.

He has received several awards, including the SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, UB Teaching Innovation Award, UB Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Award, UB President Emeritus and Mrs. Meyerson Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching and Mentoring, UB's Exceptional Scholar Awards, Buffalo Business First 40 Under 40, and the Koopman Prize from the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.

Zhuang received a doctorate and master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky, and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Southeast University.