Jingjie Cao

Jingjie Cao holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from China Agricultural University, where she conducted interdisciplinary research on agriculture, rural development, and sustainability.

Her research uses data-driven methods, environmental assessment, and policy analysis to evaluate sustainable food system transformation and the role of emerging agricultural technologies such as Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). By combining meta-analysis, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), she evaluates environmental and economic trade-offs across food systems to build climate resilience and advance public well-being.

Prior to beginning her doctoral studies at Notre Dame, Jingjie participated in field research projects across China and Ghana focused on climate-smart agriculture, farmer participation, and food security, including FAO-funded research on agroecology adoption, black soil quality, and food policy. She also brings experience leading collaborative research teams and engaging with local communities and industry partners.