caPP Lab — Computation and Algorithms for People and the Planet

Advancing computation and algorithms to sustain people and the planet, with emphasis on people and the planet.

Led by Prof. Lily Xu, our research group at Columbia University develops AI methods across machine learning, optimization, and causal inference to tackle planetary health challenges, from biodiversity conservation and restoration to public health and disaster relief. Our work bridges rigorous theory with real-world deployment in partnership with NGOs, industry, and intergovernmental organizations.

  • May 2026 Our group received a grant through Columbia Global and Turkish Philanthropy Funds for work on disaster response in Türkiye, with Burcu Balçık (Özyeğin), Nabila El-Bassel (Columbia), and Aras Selvi (UCL).
  • May 2026 Lily Xu named one of Columbia Global's 2026 Scholars-in-Residence for ongoing research in Kenya.
  • Fall 2025 Students join, projects are begun...
  • July 2025 Our group launched at Columbia!

Email

lily.x@columbia.edu

Please note that lily.xu@colum... is NOT me. I do not know who that person is, and any emails sent there will not get to me!

Office

Mudd Hall, office 312
500 W 120th St
New York, NY 10027