Assistant Professor
Allegheny College, Quigley Hall 211
Meadville, PA 16335
xsun@allegheny.edu
(814) 332-3346
Website: xiaohansun.netlify.app
Degrees: B.A., University of Colorado Denver, Economics. B.A., China Agricultural University, Economics. M.A., Boston University, Economics. Ph.D., University of Connecticut, Agricultural and Resource Economics.
Research Interests and Publications
I am a health economist and policy analyst studying how health, education, and social policies shape the well-being of vulnerable populations, including children, low-income families, and older adults. Across different policy settings, from early childhood programs and school-based interventions to policies affecting older adults and populations affected by substance use, I pursue a common question: how can policy design reduce disparities and improve well-being?
I have published 10 peer-reviewed journal articles in journals including Early Childhood Research Quarterly, Nutrients, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Frontiers in Psychology, Frontiers in Pharmacology, and Journal of Health Behavior and Policy Review.
I have also contributed to a research report for the World Health Organization (WHO) conducting a scoping review of price impacts on dietary and health outcomes. I presented my research at conferences and seminars, such as the Population Association of America Annual Meeting, and the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Conference.
Teaching
I teach Advanced Healthcare Management (master’s level), Health Management, Topics in Health and Education Economics, Economic Statistics, Health Economics, Introductory Econometrics, and Intro to Macroeconomics. My teaching emphasizes applying economic reasoning and empirical evidence to real-world questions in health, education, management, and public policy.
College and Professional Engagement
I contribute to the development of the Healthcare Management program through curriculum development, advising, student recruitment, and engagement with healthcare professionals and alumni. As an Exploratory Advisor, I have taught both Advising@Allegheny I, and Advising@Allegheny II. I also serve as Allegheny College’s liaison to the American Economic Association’s Committee on the Status of Women in the Economics Profession (CSWEP).
Beyond Academia
Outside of my professional endeavors, I have a wide range of interests that extend beyond economics. I find joy in playing the piano and traveling. I was born and raised in a captivating coastal city in China, so I love swimming, enjoying the beach, and various water recreation activities. I love pets and have a 4-pound tiny poodle. Some of my favorite moments are simply those spent with my family, especially my son and daughter, and our dog.