Visiting Assistant Professor
Department of Business and Economics
Allegheny College, Quigley Hall 208
Meadville, PA 16335
hzhao@allegheny.edu
814-332-3337
Website: https://hangzhao.netlify.app/
EDUCATION:
- PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Connecticut
- Master of Science in Actuarial Science, Boston University
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics, University of Colorado Denver
I am an applied economist and data scientist whose research focuses on public health, health economics, aging, and policy evaluation. My work combines causal inference, econometrics, machine learning, and data visualization to examine how policies, economic conditions, and social factors affect health and well-being.
My research has examined food insecurity, diet quality, aging, family transitions, substance-use policy, and related public health outcomes. I am especially interested in using large administrative, longitudinal, and survey datasets to generate evidence that can inform healthcare organizations, policymakers, and communities.
I currently serve as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Business and Economics at Allegheny College. I teach courses in economics, statistics, data science, database systems, and quantitative research methods.
Outside of teaching and research, I enjoy spending time with my kids and staying active. I am an enthusiastic Ping-pong player and am always up for a match. Basketball is another passion of mine, and I usually play small forward. I am also good at cooking and experimenting with new recipes.