IEEE Honors Wenjia Li, Ph.D.

Wenjia Li, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science in NYIT College of Engineering and Computing Sciences, is the recipient of the 2019 IEEE Region 1 Technological Innovation (Academic) Award. Li is honored for his work in applying machine learning and data analytics techniques to a wide variety of research domains such as cybersecurity, Internet of Things, intelligent transportation systems, mobile devices, and automated RNA sequencing. Each year, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) presents awards to individuals who demonstrate significant accomplishments and contributions of volunteers in Region 1, home to the IEEE organizational units in the Northeast.

Li is an active researcher and has received funding from federal government agencies including the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Region 2 University Transportation Research Center as well as industry partners such as Northrop Grumman.

He teaches various graduate courses including algorithms and programming languages, as well as programming I and II, data structures, and programming language concepts for undergraduates. Li also mentors undergraduate students in the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences’ Undergraduate Research and Entrepreneurship Program (UREP) and the National Science Foundation-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), where he works with students in areas such as security and trust in blockchain and its applications, malware detection for mobile devices, and wireless network security.

“New York Institute of Technology is proud of Dr. Wenjia Li for being the recipient of the 2019 IEEE Region 1 (Northeastern United States) Technological Innovation (Academic) Award,” said Babak Beheshti, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences. “The IEEE Region 1 Awards recognize significant accomplishments and contributions of members in Region 1. This award is given for distinguished development, advancement, and pursuit of the IEEE’s technical objectives. Our warmest congratulations to Dr. Li.”