**Bio** # Position held # Bio Dr. Liang Kong’s research bridges scientific computing, and machine learning. He teaches mathematics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence at both undergraduate and graduate levels and is strongly committed to student mentorship. His dedication to engaging students in research has been recognized through teaching grants and the Faculty Mentor Award. Dr. Kong has received multiple research awards and external grants, including funding support from regional industry partners. He is the co-founder and director of an interdisciplinary research hub at UIS, which serves as a vibrant platform for faculty–faculty and faculty–student collaboration.