Xiang Ao is a Research Assistant and Geospatial Data Scientist at the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science where he works on the Mapineq project. This includes reviewing data sources, maintaining a geospatial database, performing analyses, and contributing to dashboard programming.

Xiang is currently pursuing a DPhil in economic geography and transport geography at the University of Oxford’s School of Geography and the Environment. His DPhil project focuses on the dynamics of inter-city migration patterns in China’s urban system and their implications for industrial development and economic growth. His broader research interests include migration patterns, spatial distribution of service and other industries, and urban climate. Xiang earned his Bachelor's and Master’s degree at Tongji University in Shanghai.