Marco Palma is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University and Director of the Human Behavior Laboratory, a transdisciplinary facility integrating neurophysiological technology to study decision-making. His roles include leadership in AgriLife Research and Extension programs. With a Ph.D. in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida, his expertise spans consumer behavior, food choices, experimental economics, and neuroeconomics. His work focuses on merging biological and traditional behavioral research to improve health and well-being outcomes. Education: B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Food and Resource Economics from University of Florida Research Interests: Consumer decision-making, neuroeconomic mechanisms, food policy interventions, and behavioral responses to environmental and health risks. His lab employs eye-tracking, biometric sensors, and experimental economics methods to analyze how physiological states influence choices. Recent work examines the cognitive impacts of fasting, visual-nature stimuli effects, and public perceptions of chemical exposures like PFAS. Recent Research Trends: His articles emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, linking neuroscience with economic decision models. Key themes include behavioral interventions for dietary change, competitive market dynamics, and the neurophysiological basis of social preferences. Over 2024-2025, he has published extensively on experimental methods validation, environmental policy communication, and gender differences in competition. Awards: Texas A&M Presidential Impact Fellow (2025), recognizing his transformative contributions to interdisciplinary research. Labs/Teams: Leads the Human Behavior Laboratory, collaborating with neuroscientists and behavioral economists to develop innovative measurement tools for decision-making studies. Actively involved in AgriLife Extension programs addressing agricultural industry challenges.








