Zhanli joined the LEAM project and University of Illinois in Fall 2000. Before that, he worked with Center of Environmental Information Technology and Application (CEITA), Eastern Michigan University. He has broad research interests in spatial information theory and technology, including spatial modeling, spatial data handling, and system development.
His current research interests are Decision Support Systems (DSS) for urban planning using the Sytem Dynamics (DS) tool, Stella, and Spatial Modeling Environment (SME).

He has a strong technical background in GIS software, especially ESRI ArcView/AvenueÃ’, ArcInfoÃ’; and is very proficient in database and C/C++, MFC, Java programming. He has been involved in GIS software development, 3D environmental data analysis and visualization, and water resource database design/development projects. Dr. Sun has also developed the Dynamic Urban Evolution Model (DUEM) system, which is a windows-based urban evolution simulation environment based on his dissertation research.

Zhanli completed his Ph.D. in Geographic Information Systems and Cartography on Cellular Automata (CA) Based Spatial Dynamic Modeling at the Institute of Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in 1999.  His LEAM Contributions include Model and System Integration, GIS works, Open Space, Transportation sub-models and LEAM lab management.

In his spare time, Zhanli is a sports fan. He loves watching football, basketball and soccer games; and he also plays volleyball, and badminton. He also enjoys a long road-trips with friends.