Dr. Qi Zhang is a 2025–26 CAST Research Fellow and an associate professor in the School of Information Technology, leading transformative research to improve pediatric heart diagnostics using artificial intelligence. His work focuses on an AI-assisted system that supports quicker and more equitable pediatric cardiac care.
“Most AI tools in cardiology are built for adults, yet children’s hearts develop differently and deserve their own technologies. I was drawn to the challenge of designing AI that truly serves young patients,” Zhang said. “Seeing how early diagnosis shapes a child’s life makes this work deeply personal for me.”
Project overview
This project focuses on data online. It turns complex ECG data into clear, shareable insights that support better and more equitable care.
Zhang mentioned that partnerships with OSF HealthCare and Illinois State University kept the project grounded, providing all the necessary elements. OSF provides pediatric data and medical expertise, while Illinois State supplies high-performance computing, AI expertise, and student researchers who advance the technical work.
“Together, we bridge the gap between engineering and medicine, translating laboratory research into practical tools that can improve patient care,” Zhang said.
“Together, we bridge the gap between engineering and medicine, translating laboratory research into practical tools that can improve patient care.”
Dr. Qi Zhang
Student involvement
Zhang mentioned that Illinois State students are integral to the project’s success. Under his mentorship, they contribute to his research by developing code modules, analyzing cardiac data, and designing visualization tools that make complex medical information easier to interpret.
“Students’ participation not only strengthens the project’s outcomes but also provides them with valuable, hands-on experience in applying artificial intelligence to real-world health care challenges,” Zhang noted.
“Students’ participation not only strengthens the project’s outcomes but also provides them with valuable, hands-on experience in applying artificial intelligence to real-world healthcare challenges.”
Dr. Qi Zhang
Challenges and solutions
According to Zhang, developing AI and telemedicine tools for children presents unique challenges in terms of data accuracy and secure data sharing. Zhang and his team focus on refining data quality through collaboration with clinicians and implementing encrypted communication systems that ensure patient privacy.
Moreover, their work also addresses health care inequality. Many rural families live hours away from pediatric specialists. The AI system will enable local doctors to securely share ECG data with experts, thereby helping to shorten diagnosis times and improve outcomes. “Our goal is to make advanced cardiac care more accessible to every child, regardless of where they live,” Zhang said.
“Our goal is to make advanced cardiac care more accessible to every child, regardless of where they live.”
Dr. Qi Zhang
Zhang’s team plans to expand the system to include real-time heart monitoring and early risk prediction for pediatric heart conditions. Future phases will integrate wearable sensors and imaging data to build a broader platform that supports both diagnosis and clinician training.
Support from CAST
According to Zhang, the College of Applied Science and Technology research fellowship and internal funding have given him the time and support to innovate while mentoring students who share a passion for applying AI for social good.
“The support from CAST has allowed me to turn technical concepts into meaningful initiatives that benefit both patients and students,” Zhang said.
Through innovation, collaboration, and mentorship, Zhang’s research reflects his commitment to advancing technology and improving lives by transforming the future of pediatric cardiology.
Learn more about the College of Applied Science and Technology.