Lei earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology and a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Engineering from Chongqing University, where Lei also worked for one year as a research assistant after graduation. During the master’s program and subsequent research work, Lei focused on agri-food systems, exploring lifecycle-based strategies to mitigate their climate change impacts. Currently, Lei’s research interests center on advancing the transition to renewable energy while ensuring the sustainability and resilience of agri-food systems, with the aim of supporting better land-related decision-making.