Faculty Directory

EDUCATION

Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University, 1991

BACKGROUND

Professor Tao's research has been focused on advanced bioimaging, machine vision, and AI-driven robotics technologies for applications in bioengineering, food engineering, biomedical and biopharmaceutical fields, as well as smart manufacturing.  See current projects in: https://taolab.umd.edu/

Earlier, Professor Tao's research projects include the development of a new system for de-capping up to 120 strawberries per second while increasing worker and product safety, and a hyperspectral imaging system used to help separate the meat of the North American black walnut—a more difficult nut to crack than the familiar English walnut—from its shell.

HONORS AND AWARDS

• Fischell Family Distinguished Professor, 2025
• Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, 2024
• Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars Program Faculty Mentor Award, 2021.
• Fellow, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2013.
• 2006 Excellence in Research Award from the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2006.
• USDA Secretary Ann Veneman’s Award for Excellence for increasing the efficiency, security, sustainability and profitability of the fruit and vegetable industry through applications of the technologies developed, 2003.
• USDA CSREES (Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services)’ Award (for the same efforts above), 2003.
• Outstanding Services Award, Association of Overseas Chinese Agricultural, Biological and Food Engineers, 2003.
• 2002 Award for Excellence by Northeastern Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors for outstanding contributions to the Northeastern Multistate Research.
• ASAE 2000 Superior Paper Award, Trans. of ASAE. (Given to top 2.5% of annually published articles.)
• ASAE 1999 Superior Paper Award, Trans. of ASAE. (Given to top 2.5% of annually published articles.)
• ASAE 1994 Engineering Achievement of the Year - Sunkist Engineering Young Designer Award.
• ASAE 1993 AE50 award for outstanding innovation of technology in food and agriculture.
• Outstanding Teacher Award, 1999-2000, College of Engineering, University of Arkansas.
• Outstanding Researcher Award, 1998-1999, College of Engineering, University of Arkansas.