معرفی
Susan M Wachter is the Albert Sussman Professor of Real Estate and Professor of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, where she has been on faculty since 1972. She serves as Co-Director of the Penn Institute for Urban Research and Director of the Wharton Geographical Information Systems Lab. Her extensive career includes significant public service as Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from 1998-2001, following presidential appointment and Senate confirmation.
Professor Wachter's research focuses on housing finance, real estate economics, and urban economics, with particular expertise in mortgage markets, housing policy, and the intersection of climate risk with real estate. Her work addresses critical issues including minority homeownership, housing affordability, financial regulation, and the macroeconomic implications of housing markets. She has been instrumental in analyzing the Great Financial Crisis and developing policy responses to housing market challenges.
Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on contemporary housing finance issues including the impact of remote work on urban real estate (Doom Loop or Boom Loop), climate risk in mortgage markets, the role of government-sponsored enterprises, and innovative strategies to advance equity in housing finance. Wachter's research increasingly addresses the intersection of digital assets with real estate and the evolving challenges in banking stability related to real estate exposure.
- American Real Estate and Urban Economics Lifetime Achievement Award (2005)
- American Real Estate and Urban Economics Best International Paper Award (1995)
- Undergraduate Division Excellence in Teaching Award (1991)
- Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, University of Pennsylvania (1975)
- Anvil Award for Teaching Excellence (1974)
- Presidential Appointment as Assistant Secretary of HUD (1998-2001)
- Best Published Paper in Real Estate Economics (1996)
Professor Wachter actively mentors students through independent studies and honors theses, as evidenced by her work with undergraduate researcher Aidan Thornton. She serves on multiple editorial boards including the Journal of Housing Economics and Housing Policy Debate, and provides critical policy guidance as a member of the Financial Research Advisory Committee at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Her research has been consistently funded through institutional affiliations and has directly informed housing policy at federal and international levels.
As Director of the Wharton Geographical Information Systems Lab, Professor Wachter leads a research team applying spatial analysis to urban economics and real estate problems. Her lab's work connects geospatial data with housing market dynamics, providing valuable insights for policymakers and industry professionals addressing urban development challenges.
