Prof. Xiao has been doing innovative multidisciplinary research on building energy and automation, specifically in optimal control and diagnosis of building energy systems as well as big data analytics and AI for smart energy-efficient and resilient buildings. She is a pioneering and leading researcher in big building data analysis and applications. She has published over 110 SCI journal papers including two ESI highly cited papers and secured 24 competitive research grants as the PI or Co-PI. She has received numerous awards including Hanson I&T Outstanding Award in 2018 Energy Saving Championship Scheme launched by Environment Bureau and EMSD of the Hong Kong SAR Government, 2018 Outstanding ICAE Paper Award, 2017 Annual Best Paper Award in Journal of Refrigeration, Merit Award in 2017 PolyU Distinguished Knowledge Transfer Awards, ASHRAE Technology Award 2014, Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research Funding 2013, etc.