Zhang Yiwei

Zhang Yiwei is an Assistant Professor of Consumer Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Human Ecology. She specializes in applied microeconomics, focusing on financial decision-making at the intersection of economics and psychology. Her work examines how institutional environments influence household financial choices, particularly among low-income populations. Prior roles include a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and work at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Education:

• PhD in Applied Economics, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
• BS in Economics and BS in Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Research Interests:

• Consumer budgeting strategies and their impact on well-being
• Energy insecurity and systemic solutions
• Policy effects on financial behavior (e.g., utility moratoriums)
• Behavioral nudges in public programs

Recent Research Trends: Her publications emphasize experimental methods and policy analysis, including studies on wage reporting nudges, budgeting under income unpredictability, and the strategic use of utility payment moratoriums.

Affiliations:

• Center for Financial Security
• Institute for Research on Poverty

Advising & Grants: While no advisees are listed, her work with the CFPB and current policy-focused research implies engagement with institutional grant mechanisms. Active in interdisciplinary collaborations addressing systemic economic challenges.

Labs/Teams: Engaged with the School of Human Ecology's financial security initiatives and cross-disciplinary poverty research networks.