Research Scientist
San Diego State University
Dr. Cao is a biomolecular nutritionist with expertise relating to the metabolism and function of phytochemicals and the regulatory role of bioactive components identified from medicinal herbs and functional food on vitamin and mineral metabolism. She earned her doctorate in molecular nutrition from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She completed post-doctoral training at Purdue University and the Ohio State University where she investigated the effects and mechanisms of herbal medicines and functional foods on regulating the metabolism of bone-protective minerals and fat-soluble vitamins in both animal models and humans. Dr. Cao's current research agenda at San Diego State University involves leadership of clinical studies using dual calcium isotopic techniques to investigate the effect of dietary salt on calcium metabolism in people from different race/ethnicity groups.