Rachel M Heath

Rachel M Heath is a Professor of Economics at the University of Washington with tenure since 2024. She specializes in development economics with particular focus on labor markets in developing countries and gender economics. Her groundbreaking research examines how female labor force participation in Bangladesh and other developing nations affects marriage decisions, educational attainment, and domestic violence rates.

• Alberta C. Corkery Professor of Economics
• PhD from Yale University
• Co-editor with multiple institutions

Her research has significant policy implications for international development, particularly through her work on garment industry impacts in Bangladesh following the Rana Plaza collapse. Current working papers explore harassment monitoring in organizations and digital financial services for women's empowerment in Tanzania.

• Recipient of Milliman Distinguished Scholar award
• World Bank Economic Review refereeing excellence
• Multiple grants from International Growth Centre

Professor Heath has advised numerous graduate students including Zhe Liu and Andres Sanchez, and serves on multiple academic advisory boards including the Women’s Economic Empowerment and Digital Connectivity initiatives. She regularly presents at major conferences like the American Economic Association Annual Meeting and World Bank events.