I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU). My research resolves around the development and deployment of non-destructive sensing (e.g., machine vision, optical imaging, and spectroscopy) and automation/robotics technologies for addressing pressing challenges in agricultural systems encompassing production and postharvest processes.
Before joining the faculty at MSU, I was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Mississippi State University during 2020-2022. I did my postdoctoral research on optical imaging for quality evaluation of horticultural products, and apple harvest-assist and in-field sorting technology development (click here) when with USDA-ARS at East Lansing, MI, and worked on several projects on imaging-based high-throughput plant phenotyping and precision agriculture while in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University.
Fo prospective students who are determined to work with me, you need to be devoted, proactive, creative, and adaptive, while being willing to go beyond your comfortable zone and embrace challenges. Research is never trivial but a real journey. I will strive my best to support you to fulfill your academic goals and enhance your profession and beyond. If you would like to have a glimpse of my personality, you may read some of my writings (in Chinese) while a student.
PhD in Biosystems Engineering, 2018
Michigan State University
MS in Plant Nutrition, 2014
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
BS in Facility Agriculture Engineering, 2011
Northwest A&F University
2023 Fall: BE491/891 Sensors & Robotics for Agricultural Systems, Michigan State University
2022 Fall: ABE 4463/6463 Introduction to Imaging in Biological Systems, Mississippi State University
2022 Spring: ABE 4423/6423 Bioinstrumentation II, Mississippi State University
2021 Fall: ABE 4990/6990 Introduction to Imaging in Biological Systems, Mississippi State University
Fall Semester: Problem Solving in Agricultural and Biological Engineering (to be developed for 2022 Fall)
I am actively looking for a PhD graduate student to start in Spring/Fall 2024 in the Department of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University. The student will be expected to conduct original research within the fields of sensing and automation for agriculture-food systems. Potential research topics include but are not limited to postharvest sensing and assessment of food quality and safety, in-orchard sensing & automation, imaging-based plant phenotpyping, and artificial intelligence and robotics for precision plant/animal production. Students with engineering backgrounds (e.g., agricultural/food engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, etc.) and strong experience in computer vision and machine learning are highly welcome to apply. Please email me (luyuzhen@msu.edu) with your CV if you are interested.
See the GRA position (in English). See the GRA position (in Chinese).
In additon, I also have Postdoc positions focusing on real-time machine vision system development for in-orchard and postharvest applications. The position can be started in Fall/Spring 2024 (for an intial one year with possibility of extension). Qualifications for this position include demonstrated experience in machine/computer vision, sensors and control, software-hardware integration, and strong publication records in engineering journals.
See the Postdoc position .