
معرفی
Cindy Chan is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), cross-appointed to the Rotman School of Management. She holds a Ph.D. from the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania), an M.S. from Wharton, and dual B.A. degrees in Business Administration and Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. Her research focuses on social relationships, consumer behavior, and the psychological impacts of experiences, emotions, and gifts. Chan teaches marketing courses and has received accolades for teaching excellence, including the Dean's Merit Award and being voted Professor of the Year by students.
- Education:
- Ph.D. Marketing, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (United States)
- M.S. Marketing, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (United States)
- B.A. Honors Business Administration, Ivey Business School, University of Western Ontario (Canada)
- B.A. Psychology, Huron University College, University of Western Ontario (Canada)
Her research investigates how social interactions, emotions, and gift-giving shape consumer behavior and relationships. Notable themes include the fear of missing out (FOMO) in the digital age, the impact of social media on engagement, and the role of experiential vs. material gifts in fostering connections. Her work has been published in top journals like the Journal of Consumer Research and Journal of Consumer Psychology, and featured in media outlets such as The New York Times and NPR.
Chan’s articles explore topics like FOMO amplification through social media, the psychological drivers behind consumer decisions (e.g., reliance on reviews for material vs. experiential purchases), and the ethical implications of gratitude expression in competitive contexts. Her research has been honored with the Robert Ferber Award and C.W. Park Best Paper Award.
- Awards:
- Robert Ferber Award
- C.W. Park Best Paper Award
- Dean's Merit Award (Teaching Excellence)
- Student-Voted Professor of the Year
- Professional Experience:
- Prior to academia: Worked at JWT (JWT) developing global advertising campaigns for brands like Johnson & Johnson and Nestlé.
Her work bridges consumer psychology with real-world marketing strategies, emphasizing the societal and emotional dimensions of consumer behavior.




