Dr. Gao's research focuses on transportation network optimization, econometric and psychological models of traveler behavior, equilibrium analysis of transportation systems with traveler information, with applications in smart and shared mobility, transportation planning under both normal and emergency conditions, and sustainable transportation systems. Prior to joining the faculty of the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2007, Dr. Gao worked as a transportation engineer at Caliper Corporation, Newton, MA for three years, and developed advanced traffic assignment modules for TransCAD, a GIS-based transportation planning software. Dr. Gao received her Ph.D. and M.S. in Transportation from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2005 and 2002 respectively. She received her B.S. in Civil Engineering from Tsinghua University of China in 1999.