Meet Baylor’s nationally recognized expert in autonomous transportation

Self-driving cars (and other vehicles) are quickly moving from science fiction to present reality. As such technologies leap from research labs to roadways, Baylor’s Dr. Liang Sun is focused on what comes next.

Sun is a leading researcher on autonomous transportation, developing technologies that could power future air taxis, autonomous aircraft, intelligent drone networks and more.

As director of Baylor’s Advanced Vehicle Intelligence and Autonomy Lab, Sun leads research focused on autonomous systems, robotics and artificial intelligence. His work aims to make next-generation transportation safer, more efficient, and more versatile — whether that’s a delivery drone, an autonomous aircraft, or an intelligent transportation network serving entire communities.

“That Baylor can play a role in these dynamic areas — not only the research that benefits society, but also bringing our lives of faith to collaborations and to the world… It’s a beautiful thing,” says Sun, a Baylor engineering professor since 2024.

A major focus of Sun’s work is Advanced Air Mobility, a rapidly emerging field that seeks to expand transportation options through technologies like air taxis, autonomous aircraft and on-demand aerial services. He currently serves as lead researcher for a NASA University Leadership Initiative, studying the infrastructure needed to support these new forms of transportation. His work also includes collaborations with organizations like the Toyota Research Institute on projects ranging from autonomous flight operations to innovative energy systems.

Sun’s expertise has earned recognition from leaders in aerospace and engineering. In 2025, he was elected a Class of 2026 Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the world’s largest aerospace technical society — an honor reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing aeronautics and astronautics. He is also a senior member of both AIAA and IEEE, and has helped launch an AIAA chapter for students right here at Baylor.

Sic ’em, Dr. Sun!