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Biography
Dr. Cao completed his education at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, where he graduated from the joint program of Public Health School and Social and Behavior Sciences School with a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Epidemiology and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Sociology. Since 2010, he has been dedicated to economic and social impacts, and rehabilitation outcomes research for individuals with neurological conditions, starting with his Postdoctoral training at the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.
Dr. Cao's research incorporates the interdisciplinary approaches of Epidemiology and Sociology to investigate various aspects of neurological conditions rehabilitation outcomes, the socioeconomic implications of disability, health behaviors and health disparities. Dr. Cao has made significant contributions to the field, with 55 publications in esteemed peer-reviewed journals and 53 presentations at national and international academic conferences. Among them, 20 papers were published in the top-tier journals. Dr. Cao has also been actively involved in mentoring the next generation of researchers. He has successfully guided 3 postdoctoral fellows, resulting in the publication of 9 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, he has mentored 8 summer students, leading to the publication of 6 manuscripts. As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Cao has demonstrated his ability to secure external funding for his research endeavors. He has been awarded three extramural grants, including two from the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund and one from the Administration for Community Living of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Currently, he is funded by three ongoing federal grants, further supporting his research initiatives.