Chenxi Dylan Liu, Ph.D.

My research lies at the intersection of AI, connected/autonomous systems, and transportation engineering, where I develop situation-aware, customized machine intelligence for safer, more equitable, and more resilient mobility. By integrating real-time data from vehicles, infrastructure, and external sources with generative AI (including LLMs, LVMs, and diffusion models), I can simulate rare or complex traffic conditions and proactively manage transportation networks. This approach enhances safety through robust training and decision-making, addresses equity by creating representative datasets that help mitigate biases, and fosters resilience through fault-tolerant designs capable of adapting to disruptions like adverse weather or cyberattacks. Ultimately, I aim to translate cutting-edge research into scalable, real-world solutions by collaborating with stakeholders across academia, industry, and government.

I am eager to collaborate with academia, industry, and government to drive impactful research in connected and autonomous transportation. My approach fosters strong interdisciplinary teamwork, spanning from technical development to real-world application. Please feel free to reach out at chenxi.liu@utah.edu.

Fengze Yang, Research Assistant

Hi, I’m Fengze Yang, a researcher specializing in traffic engineering and artificial intelligence. I strive to grow personally and professionally by embracing curiosity, resilience, effective communication, and collaboration. Challenges inspire me, setbacks teach me, and meaningful connections drive my work. Outside of research, I enjoy snowboarding, car racing, and painting—creative outlets that keep me balanced and energized. Whether you’re here to connect, exchange ideas, or learn more about my journey, I’m excited to engage with you. Let’s work together to make a meaningful impact!

Research Interests: Large Language Models (LLMs), V2X Communication, Edge Computing, Traffic Safety, Smart Transportation Systems.

Contact / Links:
Email | LinkedIn | Google Scholar

Bo Yu, Research Assistant

Hi, my name is Bo Yu, and you can just call me Bo. I am a researcher working at the intersection of AI and transportation. I am passionate about leveraging innovative AI technologies such as multi-modal machine learning and generative models to solve challenging problems in mobility systems. I am also a strong advocate for making transportation research reproducible (RR). Outside of research, I enjoy sports, such as playing basketball and hiking. A fun fact about me is that I also research I Ching in my spare time, which is a famous concept in traditional Chinese philosophy and also a key inspiration in my research and life.

Research Interests: Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Generative Models, Multi-modal Machine Learning, Reproducible Reasearch (RR) in transportation

Contact / Links:
Email | LinkedIn | Google Scholar

Xuewen Luo, Research Assistant

Hi, I’m Xuewen(Snow) Luo, an enthusiastic researcher blending transportation with a solid artificial intelligence background. My research centers on using advanced AI, such as multimodal large language models, to enhance perception and decision-making in autonomous driving and intelligent transportation systems. Beyond research, I love traveling, cooking, savoring diverse cuisines, and letting my imagination run wild—activities that spark creativity and fuel my passion for innovation. If you’re interested in my work, feel free to reach out. Let’s do some interesting and meaningful work together!

Research Interests: Autonomous Driving, V2X, Intelligent Transportation System, Large Language Models (LLMs), Traffic Sensing

Contact / Links:
Email | LinkedIn | Google Scholar

Lucas Shen, Summer Intern Student

I'm a high school junior at the Waterford School in Sandy, with a strong interest in engineering and computer science. Whether I’m programming for my school’s robotics team or exploring new ideas on my own, I love using technology to solve complex problems. I also stay active with crew rowing and compete in Science Olympiad. Additionally, I play saxophone in my school’s jazz band. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, playing chess, and playing strategy games like Starcraft and Civilization.

Isabel Nielson, Summer Intern Student

Hi, I'm Isabel Nielson, a rising senior from Richfield, Utah. This summer I am working as a research intern through the University of Utah's internship program, and I am using this opportunity to become more involved with the engineering field as I prepare to go to college. I have a passion for learning, and I'm always looking for new ventures to explore. My other interests include baking, skiing, playing soccer, and theatre.

Weijia Li, Summer Intern Student

Hi, I'm Weijia Li, an intern researcher eager to get some hands-on experience with how artificial intelligence can be applied to solve infrastructure and transportation problems in our world. I hope to gain experience that can guide my future pursuits and challenge myself in a professional setting. My focus is on the computer science element of AI application, though the practical side of integrating it with physical systems also intrigues me. Outside of academics, I enjoy tabletop games, cooking, watersports, and clockwork mechanisms. I'm always interested in new opportunities, so feel free to reach out!