Angela Lyons

Dr. Angela Lyons is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Director of the Center for Economic and Financial Education. She holds leadership roles in academic governance, including serving as incoming Chair of the University Senate. Her research focuses on economic and financial inclusion, behavioral economics, and the economic empowerment of vulnerable populations. She has advised over 40 countries on financial inclusion strategies and contributes to global policy through the T20 (Think20) network under multiple G20 Presidencies.

Education: Ph.D. and M.S. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin (2001 and 1997). Professional roles include Fellowships at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) and the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTA) Leadership Program.

Research emphasizes leveraging data science tools like machine learning and geospatial analysis to address poverty, financial literacy, and climate change impacts. Notable projects include collaborations with UN agencies to support Syrian refugees in Lebanon and analyzing fintech's role in emerging economies.

Awards include the 2024 Global Impact Award and recognition for teaching excellence. Her work bridges academic research with policy, aiming to enhance livelihoods and resilience through evidence-based strategies.