Dr. Zhiru Zhang

Professor

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Biography

Zhiru Zhang is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University, where he joined as an Assistant Professor in August 2012, before becoming an Associate Professor in July 2018 and a Professor in November 2024. He is a member of the Computer Systems Laboratory. Zhang earned both his M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and received his B.S. in Computer Science from Peking University in 2001. In 2006, he co-founded AutoESL Design Technologies, Inc., leveraging his dissertation research in high-level synthesis, which was later acquired by Xilinx in 2011. His work predominantly revolves around new applications, optimization algorithms, and design automation tools for heterogeneous computing, with recent publications addressing high-level synthesis, accelerator architectures, and algorithm-hardware co-design in machine learning. Zhang has received numerous accolades, including the Ross Freeman Award for Technical Innovation from Xilinx, and several paper awards and nominations in prestigious conferences. He is also recognized for his teaching excellence with multiple awards from the College of Engineering at Cornell University.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2024-11-01 — Present

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, with research in areas such as design automation and machine learning.

Associate Professor

2018-07-01 — 2024-10-31

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

Served in a role focusing on advanced research in electrical and computer engineering.

Assistant Professor

2012-08-01 — 2018-06-30

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

Began academic career in electrical and computer engineering, focusing on design automation.

Software Development Manager

— Present

Xilinx •

Led software development projects and initiatives.

Awards

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Paper Award

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Fellow

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Michael Tien ’72 Excellence in Teaching Award

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DAC 40 Young Innovator Award

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Michael Tien '72 Excellence in Teaching Award

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IEEE CEDA Ernest S. Kuh Early Career Award

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DARPA Young Faculty Award

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NSF Career Award

Requirements for Cornell University

Master Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:15
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Portfolio (SlideRoom)
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Department of Architecture