# Junchao Li

> Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Iowa | Deep reinforcement learning, AI decision-making, Robotic motion/path planning, Embedded Systems

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/junchaoli

As a recent Ph.D. graduate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa, I specialized in robotic motion planning, AI decision-making, and intelligent transportation systems. Serving as a Research Assistant at the University's Multiscale Computational Science and Engineering Laboratory, my primary contributions involved developing cutting-edge Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) algorithms to tackle complex robotic motion planning challenges in partially known environments with high uncertainties. Subsequently, with an emphasis on safety and reliability, our team developed a new framework that prioritizes ethical considerations in the AI decision-making process.

I have extensive experience in mechatronics and robotic embedded systems, including working with robotic end effectors, various embedded sensors (such as cameras and Lidar), Wi-Fi modules, and microcontroller board programming.

## Work Experience
### Research Assistant @ University of Iowa
Jan 2020 – Present | Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Multiscale Computational Science and Engineering Laboratory

Developed model-based and model-free DRL algorithms for solving robotic motion planning problems in partially observable environments with uncertainty while satisfying complex tasks. Created a safe and reliable autonomous agent for ethical decision-making through DRL. Developed an optimized traffic light control agent on Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) using DRL.

### Research Assistant @ University of Iowa
Jan 2019 – Jan 2020 | Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Control, Automation, and Robotics Laboratory (CAR Lab)

Programmed KUKA KMR platforms, focusing on motion planning for both ground navigation and gripper-based object pickup.

### Teaching Assistant @ University of Iowa
Jan 2018 – Jan 2019 | Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Scientific Computing and Machine Learning
Fluid Mechanics
Experimental Engineering
Thermodynamics II

### Research Assistant @ University of Iowa
Jan 2017 – Jan 2019 | Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Networked System and Robotics (NSR)

Motion planning on Sawyer Robot, Khepera Robot platforms, and Arduino-based Nexus Omni Wheel Robot.


## Education
### Doctor of Philosophy - PhD in Mehcanical Engineering
University of Iowa

### Bachelor of Engineering - BE in Mechanical Engineering
University of Iowa


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/junchao-li-13263580
- GitHub: https://github.com/JunchaoLi001

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Source: https://flows.cv/junchaoli
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/junchaoli/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-04-17