Liu Cao

  • Assistant Professor
    Environmental Science & Engr.

Watch a Biography of Liu Cao

From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the natural world. My passion for environmental issues began in middle school, where I first became aware of the intricate connections between human activities and the environment. This early interest blossomed into a lifelong commitment to studying and protecting our planet.

As an assistant professor at Gannon University, I am dedicated to exploring multidisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges. My research spans various fields, including environmental microbiology, water quality, and the detection of emerging pollutants such as microplastics and nanoplastics. I am particularly focused on addressing the environmental issues faced by the Erie region, with ongoing projects that assess legacy pollution, urban runoff, and the health of Lake Erie’s ecosystem.

My academic journey has always been driven by a desire to understand the complexities of environmental systems and to find innovative solutions that integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines. This passion for multidisciplinary research is matched by my enthusiasm for education. I am deeply committed to fostering the next generation of environmental scientists and engineers, guiding students not only in the classroom but also through hands-on research experiences that prepare them to tackle real-world environmental challenges.

When I’m not teaching or conducting research, you can often find me outdoors, embracing the beauty and serenity of nature. Whether I’m hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in the woods, these experiences continually renew my connection to the environment and inspire my work.

At Gannon University, I am excited to be part of a community that values innovation, education, and environmental stewardship. I look forward to continuing my research, collaborating with colleagues, and mentoring students who share my passion for preserving our planet.
  • Jun Lin (PI), Liu Cao (Co-PI), William C. Davis, and Yuehe Lin. 2023. 2023 UTIA AgResearch Seed Grant. Development of innovative anti-polystyrene mouse monoclonal antibodies and immunoassays for microplastic and nanoplastic analysis. $50,000
  • Jun Lin (PI), Xinmin Sun, Liu Cao (Coinvestigator). 2021. NIH 1R21 AI159745-01A1. Effect of bile salt hydrolase inhibitors on Clostridium difficile infection. $427,183. 09/01/2021 – 08/31/2023
  • ENV 120 Principles of Environmental Science
  • ENV 121 Principles of Sustainability and Climate Change
  • ENV 400 / GENV 542 Environmental Toxicology
  • ENV 401 Environmental Health and Toxicology Lab
  • ENV 403 / GENV 503 Environmental Engineering
  • ENV 440 Industrial Health Risk Assessment
  • ENV 494/495 Senior Design
  • GENV 500 Research Methods
  • GENV 536 Environmental Chemistry
  • GENV 537 Environmental Chemistry Lab
  • GENV 695 Research Paper/Projects
  • Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville 2019
  • M.S., University of Missouri, Columbia 2014
  • B.S., East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China 2012
  • American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE)
  • American Society of Microbiology (ASM)
  • Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP)

Refereed Journal Articles:

  • Ximin Zeng, Jessica Vidlund, Barbara Gillespie, Liu Cao, Getahun Ejeta Agga, Jun Lin, and Oudessa. 2023 Evaluation of immunogenicity of enterobactin conjugate vaccine for the control of Escherichia coli mastitis in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science 106(10): 7147-7163. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-23219
  • Liu Cao, Ximin Zeng, and Jun Lin. 2023 Generation of polystyrene-specific antibodies for developing immunoassays to analyze microplastics and nanoplastics. Chemical Engineering Journal 465(1): 142843. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.142843
  • Dmitry S. Karlov, Sarah-Louise Long, Ximin Zeng, Fuzhou Xu, Kanhaya Lal, Liu Cao, Karim Hayoun, Jun Lin, Susan A. Joyce, and Irina Tikhonova. 2023 Characterization of the mechanism of bile salt hydrolase substrate specificity by experimental and computational analyses. Structure 31(5): 629-638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.str.2023.02.014
  • Clifford S. Swanson, Rajiv Dhand, Liu Cao, Jennifer Ferris, C. Scott Elder, and Qiang He. 2023 Microbiome-scale analysis of aerosol facemask contamination during nebulization therapy in the hospital. Journal of Hospital Infection 134: 80-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2023.01.008
  • Huiwen Wang, Liu Cao, Catherine M. Logue, Nicolle L. Barbieri, Lisa K. Nolan, and Jun Lin. 2022 Evaluation of immunogenicity and efficacy of the enterobactin conjugate vaccine in protecting chickens from colibacillosis. Vaccine 41(4): 930-937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.12.057
  • Yangkai Zhang, Liu Cao, Haibin Fu, Min Zhang, Jun Meng, Jalal T. Althakafy, Hala M. Abo-Dief, Salal M. El-Bahy, Yushun Zhang, Huanhuan Wei, Ben Bin Xu, and Zhanhu Guo. 2022 Effect of sulfamethazine on anaerobic digestion of manure mediated by biochar. Chemosphere 306: 135567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135567
  • Clifford S. Swanson, Rajiv Dhand, Liu Cao, Jennifer Ferris, C. Scott Elder, and Qiang He. 2022 Microbiome profiles of nebulizers in hospital use. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery 35(4): 212-222. https://doi.org/10.1089/jamp.2021.0032
  • Clifford S. Swanson, Rajiv Dhand, Liu Cao, Jennifer Ferris, C. Scott Elder, and Qiang He. 2022 Microbiome-based source identification of microbial contamination in nebulizers used by inpatients. Journal of Hospital Infection 122: 157-161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2022.01.008
  • Huiwen Wang, Li Zhang, Liu Cao, Ximin Zeng, Barbara E. Gillespie, and Jun Lin. 2022 Isolation and characterization of Escherichia albertii originated from the broiler farms in Mississippi and Alabama. Veterinary Microbiology 267: 109379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109379
  • Atsushi Hinenoya, Huiwen Wang, Erin M. Patrick, Ximin Zeng, Liu Cao, Xingping Li, Rebecca L. Lindsey, Barbara E. Gillespie, Qiang He, Shinji Yamasaki, and Jun Lin. 2022 Longitudinal surveillance and comparative characterization of Escherichia albertii in wild raccoons in the United State. Microbiological Research 262: 127109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2022.127109
  • Liu Cao, Lu Yang, Clifford S. Swanson, Shuai Li, and Qiang He. 2021 Comparative analysis of impact of human occupancy on indoor microbiomes. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engieering 15: 89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-020-1383-1
  • Liu Cao, Chris D. Cox, and Qiang He. 2021 Patterns of syntrophic interactions in methanogenic conversion of propionate. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 105: 8937-8949. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-021-11645-9
  • Huiwen Wang, Ximing Zeng, Liu Cao, Qiang He, and Jun Lin. 2021 Passive Immunization of chickens with anti-enterobactin egg yolk powder for Campylobacter control. Vaccines 9(6): 569. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9060569
  • Shuai Li, Zhiyao Yang, Da Hu, Liu Cao, and Qiang He. 2021 Understanding building-occupant-microbiome interactions toward healthy built environments: A review. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering 15: 65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-020-1357-3

Conference Presentations:

  • Liu Cao, Ximin Zeng, Jun Lin (2024). Microplastics exposure enhanced natural transformation efficiency of Campylobacter jejuni. Poster Presenter of ASM Microbes 2024. Atlanta, Georgia
  • Liu Cao, Ximin Zeng, Jun Lin (2024). Impact of micro-/nanoplastics on natural transformation efficiency of Campylobacter jejuni. Poster Presenter of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases 2024. Chicago, Illinois
  • Liu Cao (2023). Microplastics – what do we know and what are the challenges? Invited Speaker of Seminar in Civil and Environmental Department at University of Tennessee
  • Liu Cao, Linan Jia, Li Zhang, Xue Zhang, Wes Schilling, Jun Lin (2023). Oral administration of microplastic polystyrene increased incidence of woody breast myopathy in broilers. Speaker of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases 2023. Chicago, Illinois
  • Liu Cao, Huiwen Wang, Jun Lin (2021). Evaluation of three different commercial DNA extraction kits for chicken gut microbiota profiling. Speaker of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases 2021. Chicago, Illinois
  • Liu Cao, Qiang He, John Schwartz, Salley Reamer, Jen Schweitzer (2020). Impacts of fire on soil microbial communities in the GSMNP. Speaker of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Science Colloquium 2020. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  • Liu Cao and Qiang He (2019). Modeling methanogenic processes: Conversion of short-chain fatty acids by syntrophy. Speaker of 28th Tennessee Water Resources Symposium. Montgomery Bell State Park, Burns, Tennessee
  • Liu Cao, Qiang He, and Chris Cox (2018). Deterministic shift of microbial community during stable anaerobic conversion. Speaker of ENVR/WR Seminar. Civil and Environmental Engineering. University of Tennessee
  • Liu Cao, Qiang He, and Chris Cox (2018). Major microbial community shift despite stable performance of anaerobic digestion. Speaker of 27th Tennessee Water Resources Symposium. Montgomery Bell State Park, Burns, Tennessee
  • Liu Cao and Enos Inniss (2013). Fabric settling screens for enhanced sedimentation at drinking water facilities. Poster Presenter of 18th Middle America Environmental Engineering Conference. University of Washington in St. Louis, Missouri
  • Liu Cao and Enos Inniss (2013). Enhanced sedimentation using fabric screens for reduction of organic precursors. Speaker of MWEA & AWWA Joint Annual Meeting, University Forum. Osage Beach, Missouri
  • Liu Cao and Enos Inniss (2012). Application of fabric settling plates enhancing sedimentation at drinking water facilities. Poster Presenter of 17th Middle America Environmental Engineering Conference. Edwardsville, Illinois
  • Liu Cao and Enos Inniss (2012). Using fabric settling plates to enhanced sedimentation at drinking water facilities. Poster Presenter of 2012 Spring Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum. Columbia, Missouri

I got my master’s and Ph.D. from environmental engineering, in which I worked on the following projects:

  1. Drinking water treatment – to eliminate the disinfection by-products in the drinking water treatment utilities.
  2. Wastewater treatment – to utilize anaerobic digestion process to treat high-load organics from waste such as cow manure, food waste, etc. In this project, I also extracted DNA and did the next-generation sequencing to analyze the bacterial food-web in the anaerobic digesters. Mechanisms of ecological microbial succession were also studied.
  3. Surface microbiome in built environment and medical devices – to investigate the human impact on surface microbial communities. Using sequencing techniques, we were able to provide insights into processes shaping the indoor microbiomes which help the development of effective strategies to control microbial exposure risks.

I also spent 2 and half years doing postdoc in Animal Science, where I conducted multidisciplinary research on the following topics:

  1. Micro-/nano-plastics detection – to develop antibody-based immunoassays to detect micro/nanoplastics in the environmental and animal samples.
  2. Impact of micro/nanoplastics on animal growth and health – to conduct animal studies to investigate the health effects of micro/nanoplastics on poultry production.
  3. Animal gut microbiomes – to assist evaluation of immunogenicity and efficacy of the animal vaccine (chicken and cow), to help assess the effectiveness of food animal growth promoter, and to study the mechanisms of antibiotics function on host.
  4. Environmental/foodborne pathogens analysis – to use sequencing and other molecular techniques to characterization of pathogens such as Escherichia albertii and Campylobacter jejuni and develop preventive strategies to control them.

University Services at Gannon:

  • Orientations (Summer 2024)
  • Member/Department representative of the University Academic Safety Committee (UASC) (2024)
  • Advisor to Students presenting at Celebrate Gannon
  • Chaperone to go and drive student to SWE Baltimore 2024 (2024)
  • Volunteer server at Late Knight Bites (2023-2024)
  • Volunteer representative and lab guide at Gannon Open House (2023-2024)
  • Volunteer at Gannon Give Day (2023-2024)
  • Volunteer presenter at Powering Our Future: Woman in Cyber, Engineering, & Computing (2023)

Community Service:

  • Volunteer at Girl Scout Day for student chapter of SWE (2024)
  • Volunteer Grader for MATHCOUNTS (2024)
  • Volunteer and events associate for Erie Chinese Association (2023-2024)
  • Member of Hold Erie Coke Accountable (HECA) (Participation of regular monthly meetings and activities) (2023-2024)
  • Volunteer for Keep Knoxville Beautiful (2014-2023)

Selected Professional Services:

  • Peer-reviewed Journal Reviewer for Scientific Reports, mLife, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Applied Science, BMC microbiology, Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, Frontiers in Pharmacology, Veterinary Sciences, Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science, etc.
  • Reviewer for SWE Breakout Sessions (Lectures, Panels, Snap Sessions) proposed to the WE24 Call for Participation (CFP) (2024)
  • Volunteer Judge for SWE Awards and SWENext Awards (2024)
  • Reviewer for Women in Engineering Division (WIED) for the 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition (2024)
  • Volunteer Judge at Tennessee Science Bowl (2015-2024)
  • Volunteer Judge at Broadcom MASTERS, Environmental & Earth Science Section (2022)
  • Volunteer Judge at International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), Environmental Engineering Section (2021)
  • Volunteer Judge at Southern Appalachian Science & Engineering Fair (SASEF), Environmental Engineering Section (2020-2021)
Liu Cao

+1 8148715516
Office: Z 421

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