Assistant Professor of Consumer Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Areas of Research Interest: Zhang’s research lies at the intersection of economics and psychology, with a particular interest in understanding how consumers make financial decisions and how such decisions affect well-being and market outcomes. Her research also explores how the financial decisions of households may be unintentionally influenced by features of the institutional environment that surrounds them.
Assistant Professor of Consumer Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Areas of Research Interest: economic sociology, sociology of finance, and social stratification literatures to examine a range of topics, including financial security among young adults and consumer access to financial services
Associate Director of Training, CFS
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Yale University
Areas of Research Interest: the interplay between health and intergenerational economic mobility; inequality, demography and the structure of subnational tax systems; and how social context influences financial decision-making. Health
Outreach Specialist
I joined CFS in 2019 as an Outreach Specialist after having worked for many years at the state education agency where I focused on delivering clear policy communications and data interpretation to a diverse array of stakeholders. The goal of this work was to improve the educational and economic outcomes in Wisconsin, especially for the most marginalized populations in our state. I’ve carried this aim with me to CFS, which has the shared goal of improving economic outcomes for our most vulnerable residents. I love to foster inter-disciplinary connections, and CFS’ approach to the interconnected work – and home within the School of Human Ecology – are perfectly suited to this.
My educational background is in the social sciences. I hold a Master’s degree in Political Science (International Relations & Human Rights). Outside of CFS, along with my husband, I am a small business owner.
(608) 263-1719
