1982 and 1984 obtained the bachelor's and master's degrees from the Department of Mechanics of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, respectively, and 1990 obtained the doctor's degree in engineering and applied science from California Institute of Technology.

He is currently a professor at the University of California, Riverside, department of mechanical engineering.

He is also a visiting scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Consultant scientist of the United States Naval Research Office, and consultant scientist of Raytheon Missile Systems, USA.

Former Dean of School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology.

On June 24, 2009, he served as Dean of Engineering College of Sun Yat-sen University.