Dr Lu Liang has a background in geography and ecosystem science. She is an associate professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at the University of California, Berkeley. She has authored or co-authored 65 scientific papers and book chapters, including high impact journals such as the Lancet, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Environment International, Remote Sensing of Environment. Her work has been cited over 9,000 times. She is a member of three Lancet health committees. In support of her research project, Dr. Liang is also a certified remote pilot.