Rong Hai

Rong Hai serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at the Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami. Holding a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, his research bridges economic theory with real-world policy applications.

His research focuses on two interconnected domains: Human Capital (examining inequality, education, health, addiction, crime, skill formation, and preference development) and Household Finance (analyzing consumption patterns, insurance mechanisms, and financial inclusion). Notably, he collaborates with Nobel Laureate James J. Heckman on studies of youth addiction and human capital formation.

Recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on causal mechanisms in socioeconomic disparities, with significant work on racial wealth inequality, juvenile justice impacts, and consumption welfare. His 2024 paper in the Journal of Political Economy demonstrates methodological rigor in isolating addiction effects on educational attainment.

Scientific Recognition:

• Poets&Quants 50 Best Undergrad Professors (2023)

Professor Hai maintains active engagement with policy communities, evidenced by his Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis publication on juvenile conviction impacts. His ORCID (0000-0001-6304-9328) documents ongoing collaborations with leading economists across household finance and human capital domains. Office: 523F Jenkins; Contact: (305) 284-5731.