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Postdoctoral Scholar
The Ohio 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 Chinese herbs on calcium and vitamin D metabolism. Prior to joining OSU, she earned her doctorate in molecular nutrition from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and completed a post-doctoral training at Purdue University where she collaborated on a randomized controlled trial studying polyphenol intakes on calcium metabolism and bone health in postmenopausal women. Dr. Cao's current research agenda at the Ohio State University involves leadership of clinical studies using deuterium-labeled plants to examine the bioavailability of lipophilic phytochemicals and how effective food pairings potentiate their absorption and distribution in humans.