My name is Yunxia Lu. I hold a PhD as my highest academic degree, and I am an associate professor at the University of California Irvine, Joe C. Wen School of Population and Public Health. My research focuses on the etiology, prevention, and prognosis of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, with a particular interest in obesity's role in cancer development. I explore how diet and nutrition, sex hormones, and microbiota are associated with gastrointestinal cancers, using data from diverse sources including clinics, communities, health registries, labs, and public databases. My studies have highlighted the critical impact of obesity, especially abdominal obesity and metabolic disorders, as risk factors for various GI cancers, including esophageal adenocarcinoma, small intestinal adenocarcinoma, and colorectal cancer. I also investigate the role of sex hormones and plant estrogens, examining their interactions with dietary factors and their effects on cancer through anti-inflammatory pathways. My work integrate multidisciplinary collaboration with cancer advocates, dietitians, psychologists, clinicians, biologists, and bioinformaticians to develop practical strategies for cancer prevention. My ultimate goal is to promote sustainable healthy lifestyles to reduce cancer incidence and improve patient outcomes. I have made significant academic contributions, particularly in cancer epidemiology, nutrition, and chronic diseases. I have published around 100 research articles, including 21 articles as first author and 29 articles as senior author. My studies have published in prestigious journals, such as Gastroenterology, British Journal of Cancer, International Journal of Cancer, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers Prevention, Annals of Surgery, American Journal of Epidemiology, European Journal of Cancer, European Journal of Nutrition and more. I am the member of American Association for Cancer Research, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Preventive Oncology and Society for Epidemiology. I have peer-reviewed numerous research articles and reviews for prestigious journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, BMJ, Gastroenterology, and more. My long-term research goals aim to understand the etiology and prevention of early-onset gastrointestinal cancer, particularly colorectal cancer in underserved populations. I aim to develop comprehensive strategies that integrate diet and nutrition, obesity control, anti-obesity medication, and promoting healthy behaviors to prevent and manage these cancers. I am particularly interested in creating digital health tools powered by artificial intelligence to facilitate the implementation of these strategies. By leveraging AI technology, I hope to provide personalized, accessible solutions that support individuals in adopting healthier lifestyles and improving their cancer outcomes. With extensive experience in cancer epidemiology, my research focuses on the etiology, prevention,and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly cancer. I possess strong listening and communication skills via collaborations with researchers from different disciplines and teaching courses in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. My interpersonal skills are honed through mentoring and supervising postdocs, PhD, master, and undergraduate students. In my research team, I create an inclusive environment that promotes learning among junior researchers and students. My leadership and management skills have been showcased in overseeing large, multidisciplinary research projects and managing data for registry-based, hospital-based, and population-based studies. I excel in problem-solving, particularly in managing and analyzing large data sets and adapting research strategies to meet the evolving research needs in cancer epidemiology. I enjoy traveling to different countries and experiencing diverse cultures. I also play pickleball, table tennis, badminton and love cooking various dishes.