Boston, MA, January 21, 2026
News Summary
The University of Massachusetts Boston announces that Dr. Xiaohui Liang, an Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Computer Science, has been named a Fellow for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). This prestigious recognition honors her substantial contributions to Internet of Things (IoT) communication and data security. The announcement underscores UMass Boston’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking research and academic excellence. Dr. Liang’s elevation to Fellow reflects her dedication and the vibrant research environment at the university.
Boston, MA — The University of Massachusetts Boston proudly announces that Dr. Xiaohui Liang, an accomplished Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Computer Science, has been named a 2026 Fellow for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). This distinguished recognition highlights Dr. Liang’s significant contributions to the fields of electrical engineering, electronics engineering, and computer science, particularly in the critical area of Internet of Things (IoT) communication and data security. The announcement, made on January 14, 2026, underscores UMass Boston’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking UMA research and cultivating academic excellence that resonates globally.
The IEEE Fellowship stands as one of the highest honors within the international technology community, celebrating individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary records of accomplishment and made substantial advancements in engineering, science, and technology. This esteemed status is awarded to less than 0.1% of IEEE’s global membership each year, signifying a profound impact on the profession and society at large. Dr. Liang’s elevation to Fellow reflects not only her individual dedication and intellectual rigor but also the vibrant research environment at UMass Boston, contributing to Massachusetts higher education‘s reputation for innovation.
A Prestigious Recognition for Groundbreaking Research
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is recognized globally as the world’s leading professional organization dedicated to advancing technological innovation for the benefit of humanity. Attaining the grade of IEEE Fellow is a testament to an individual’s unusual distinction in the profession and an outstanding record of accomplishments that advance or apply engineering, science, and technology, bringing significant value to society. Dr. Liang’s work in Internet of Things (IoT) communication and data security has earned her this rare distinction, solidifying her standing as a leader in her field.
Professor Liang’s Academic Journey and Impactful Contributions
Dr. Xiaohui Liang serves as an Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Computer Science at UMass Boston. Her extensive research portfolio primarily focuses on crucial aspects of IoT communication and data security. This encompasses ensuring the safety and privacy of connected devices as they exchange information, ranging from everyday smart home systems to advanced tools for medical monitoring and healthcare. Her research interests also span mobile healthcare, mobile systems, wearable computing, network security, speech and language processing, and artificial intelligence, showcasing a broad and interdisciplinary approach to complex technological challenges.
Driving Innovation in Connected Technologies
Dr. Liang’s research directly addresses the increasing reliance on IoT devices in various sectors. Her work is vital for developing robust security protections, which are foundational for the reliable and safe adoption of IoT technologies in an increasingly connected world. As these devices become ubiquitous, ensuring their security is not merely a technical necessity but a cornerstone for safeguarding user confidence and enabling these innovations to reach their full potential, transforming lives and industries. Her collaborations with medical professionals to deploy IoT solutions in clinical and home settings, and her efforts to prevent unnecessary information disclosure to online AI models, exemplify her commitment to practical, privacy-conscious technological advancement.
Academic Excellence and Prior Accolades
Before achieving the IEEE Fellow distinction, Dr. Liang has been recognized with numerous awards for her scholarly work and contributions. These include the Early Career Research Excellence Award from UMass Boston College of Science and Mathematics in 2020, the Early Career Award for Excellence in Scalable Computing from the IEEE Technical Committee on Scalable Computing in 2017, and the Internet of Things Technology Research Award from Google in 2016. These accolades demonstrate a consistent record of impactful research and a dedication to advancing the understanding and application of computer science principles.
Fostering Leadership and Student Development
Dr. Liang’s elevation to IEEE Fellow serves as a powerful inspiration for students and faculty across the University of Massachusetts system, particularly those in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering programs at UMass Boston. The Department of Engineering, within UMass Boston’s College of Science and Mathematics, is dedicated to applying mathematical and scientific principles to solve real-world challenges. Faculty achievements such as Dr. Liang’s reinforce the importance of academic rigor, disciplinary excellence, and personal responsibility in contributing to technological advancement. This fosters an environment where students are encouraged to engage in cutting-edge research and pursue innovative solutions, building future leaders in technology.
Boston’s Role in Advancing Technology and Education
This achievement further solidifies Boston’s reputation as a dynamic hub for technological innovation and academic distinction. Boston MA college news frequently highlights advancements from its many esteemed institutions, and UMass Boston’s success in cultivating top-tier researchers like Dr. Liang contributes significantly to this narrative. The university’s focus on critical areas like IoT security and artificial intelligence ensures that Massachusetts remains at the forefront of developing technologies that address global challenges and drive economic growth. Such accomplishments emphasize how higher education in the Commonwealth plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology and its societal impact.
Dr. Xiaohui Liang’s recognition as a 2026 IEEE Fellow is a landmark achievement for her, for UMass Boston, and for Massachusetts higher education. It underscores the profound impact that dedicated academic research has on advancing technology and ensuring its responsible application in an interconnected world. Readers are encouraged to explore the innovative programs at the University of Massachusetts Boston and stay updated on how Boston’s vibrant college community continues to lead in research and development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is Dr. Xiaohui Liang?
A: Dr. Xiaohui Liang is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Q: What prestigious honor did Dr. Liang receive?
A: Dr. Liang has been named a 2026 Fellow for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Q: When was Dr. Liang’s IEEE Fellow recognition announced?
A: The announcement of Dr. Liang’s IEEE Fellow recognition was made on January 14, 2026.
Q: What are Dr. Liang’s primary research interests?
A: Dr. Liang’s primary research interests include Internet of Things (IoT) communication and data security, mobile healthcare, mobile systems, wearable computing, network security, speech and language processing, and artificial intelligence.
Q: What is the significance of being an IEEE Fellow?
A: The IEEE Fellow status is a highly prestigious honor awarded to less than 0.1% of IEEE’s global membership, recognizing individuals with extraordinary records of accomplishment and significant contributions to the advancement or application of engineering, science, and technology.
Q: What are some of Dr. Liang’s previous awards?
A: Dr. Liang’s previous awards include the Early Career Research Excellence Award from UMass Boston College of Science and Mathematics in 2020, the Early Career Award for Excellence in Scalable Computing from the IEEE Technical Committee on Scalable Computing in 2017, and the Internet of Things Technology Research Award from Google in 2016.
Key Achievements and Recognition for Dr. Xiaohui Liang
| Achievement/Award | Date/Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| IEEE Fellow | 2026 | One of the highest honors in electrical and electronics engineering, awarded to less than 0.1% of IEEE members for extraordinary accomplishments and significant contributions to engineering, science, and technology. |
| Early Career Research Excellence Award (UMass Boston College of Science and Mathematics) | 2020 | Recognition for outstanding research contributions early in her career. |
| Early Career Award for Excellence in Scalable Computing (IEEE Technical Committee on Scalable Computing) | 2017 | Award for excellence in the field of scalable computing. |
| Internet of Things Technology Research Award (Google) | 2016 | Acknowledges impactful research in IoT technology. |
| Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Computer Science, UMass Boston | Current | Leadership and faculty role at a prominent University of Massachusetts institution. |
| Research Focus | Ongoing | IoT communication and data security, mobile healthcare, AI, network security. |
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