Xiao has expertise in the research on climate change effect, represented as various hazards. The methodology includes machine learning (ML) & deep learning (DL) approaches and satellite imaging (e.g., SAR & InSAR and GPS) to characterize and assess the changes/damage due to the hazards (e.g., winter storms, extreme rainfall, and earthquakes). Xiao is also engaged in investigating natural or anthropogenic triggers and mechanisms using statistical, analytical, and numerical models.