Niu Gao

Niu Gao's expertise is in PK-12 educational policy. Her recent work focuses on understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education and identifying effective strategies to support an equitable recovery. Her previous work used big data methods to document the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on students, including the digital divide, inequitable reopening, food insecurity, and housing insecurity.  

Gao is broadly interested in policies, programs, and practices that close the opportunity gaps and improve student outcomes. Prior to the pandemic, her work examined college pathways, the effects of the new college and career ready math and science standards, and technology infrastructure in schools.