研究领域：能源经济学，环境经济学，大宗商品贸易。
已发表的学术论文如下：
W.D. Walls and Xiaoli Zheng, “Pipeline Capacity Rationing and Crude Oil Price Differentials: The Case of Western Canada”, EnergyJournal, 241-258, (January 2020).
J.C. Herbert Emery and Xiaoli Zheng, “Would Better Access to Preventive Care Reduce Use of Acute Care? Evidence from a Large-Scale Not-for-Profit Intervention in Alberta”, Canadian Public Policy, (March 2018), DOI: 10.3138/cpp.2017-015.
W.D. Walls and Xiaoli Zheng, “Shale oil Boom and The Profitability of US Petroleum Refiners”, OPEC Energy Review, 337-353, (December 2016), DOI: 10.1111/opec.12089