Ariel Zhao

Ariel Zhao is a Pre-Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Economics at Princeton University, working under Professor Zachary Bleemer. She holds a B.A. in Economics and Physics from Swarthmore College. Her research focuses on education policy, particularly how access to educational opportunities impacts short- and long-term well-being and economic outcomes. Current work examines the economic returns of education on human capital, emphasizing the effects of course and major choices on individuals and local labor markets.

She also serves as a UC Cliometric Associate, collaborating with institutions to analyze historical quantitative data in education. Contact: az6812@princeton.edu.