Dr. Gao's research is focused on the development and application of land-surface models, and using satellite remote sensing data to investigate precipitation events and hydrologic properties, including storm frequency and duration, soil wetness, and vegetation biophysical parameters. Her recent work has addressed land-climate interactions, the global water cycle, Arctic processes, and remote sensing of vegetation biophysical parameters. Prior to joining MIT, Dr. Gao was a Research Scientist at the Center for Ocean Land Atmosphere Studies (COLA) in Calverton, Maryland.