Hua Cai
Thomas and Jane Schmidt Rising Star Associate Professor Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering and Associate Professor of Environmental and Ecological Engineering
huacai@purdue.edu
(765) 494-7701
Research Links
engineering.purdue.eduEducation
- Ph.D., Environmental Engineering & Natural Resources and Environment (jointly conferred), University of Michigan, 2015
- M.S., Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 2007
- B.S., Environmental Engineering, Tsinghua University, 2005
Research Summary
Dr. Cai uses agent-based modeling, life cycle assessments, system dynamics, big data analytics, and GIS to study the environmental implications of emerging technologies from the systems perspective. Her research interests include energy-water nexus, emerging transportation systems, energy policy, and urban sustainability.
Selected Publications
- Cai, H., Jia, X., Chiu, A., Hu, X., Xu, M. (2014) “Siting Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations using Big-Data Informed Travel Patterns”, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 33:39-46.
- Cai, H., and Xu, M. (2013) “Greenhouse Gas Implications of Fleet Electrification based on Big Data-Informed Individual Travel Patterns”. Environmental Science and Technology, 47(16): 9035-9043.
- Cai, H., Hu, X., and Xu, M. (2013) “Impact of Emerging Clean Vehicle System on Water Stress”. Applied Energy, 111: 644–651.
Awards and Honors
- EEE Outstanding Faculty Mentor, 2025
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Traineeship (NRT) Funding, 2024
- Teaching for Tomorrow Award - Junior Fellow, 2024-2025