Cai is recognized for research that combines sustainability, artificial intelligence and data-driven systems to address challenges in transportation, infrastructure and resilient cities. Her work examines the environmental impacts of emerging technologies such as electric and autonomous vehicles, smart mobility systems and sustainable urban infrastructure, helping policymakers and industries make more informed decisions about the future of transportation and energy systems.

 

 

Cai’s research and leadership have continued gaining visibility across Purdue and beyond. She has helped advance interdisciplinary sustainability initiatives through Purdue’s Institute for a Sustainable Future, while also leading projects that use AI, systems modeling and immersive visualization tools to better understand climate change impacts and infrastructure resilience. Cai was also recognized as an Outstanding Faculty Mentor in Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering and has contributed to new educational initiatives focused on sustainability and emerging technologies.