Dr. Cao is William C. and Joan E. Davis Endowed Professor in Cancer Research, the Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University (OSUCCC-James). She isa tenured professor in the Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University

Dr. Cao's research focuses on neural regulation of metabolism and cancer. Her work provides insights on how one's living condition, social contract, and lifestyle can efficiently influence brain activity (cognition, stress, mood, etc.) and how these changes in the brain interact with other systems (fat, endocrine, immune systems, etc.) both at the molecular level and the systematic level to influence the metabolism and various diseases including obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disease, and cancer.

The Cao lab also aim to foster genetic and pharmacological approaches to combat obesity, metabolic syndromes, aging, and cancer.