Peilu Zhang

Peilu Zhang, PhD

Languages spoken: English

Academic Information

Departments Primary - Population Health Sciences

Peilu Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences and holds an adjunct appointment with the Department of Economics at the University of Utah. She earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University and specializes in the field of behavioral and experimental economics. Before joining the University of Utah in 2023, Peilu completed her postdoctoral training at Cornell University.

Research Statement

Dr. Zhang applies behavioral economics principles to conduct both lab and field experiments. Her research seeks to gain insights into human behavior, uncover underlying motivations, and create innovative 'nudges' to facilitate better decision-making and enhance overall well-being. Her research interests revolve around gender differences, health-related decision-making, risk preferences, and the influence of social norms.

Education History

Undergraduate Southwestern University of Finance and Economics
 BS
Graduate Training University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
 MS
Graduate Training Texas A&M University
 PhD
Postdoctoral Fellowship Cornell University
 Postdoctoral Associate

Selected Publications

Journal Article

  1. Zhang P, Palma MA (2020). Compulsory Versus Voluntary Insurance: An Online Experiment. Am J Agric Econ, 103(1), 106-125.
  2. Zhang P, Palma MA (2022). Stability of Risk Preferences During COVID-19: Evidence From Four Measurements. Front Psychol, 12, 702028. (Read full article)
  3. Palma, Marco A., Peilu Zhang, Karen Cornell, Matthew Salois, Bridget Bain, and Clinton Neil (2023). The unintended detrimental effects of pursuing a professional vocation: The case of veterinarians. PLoS One, 18(5),
  4. Blemings, Benjamin, Peilu Zhang, and Clinton L. Neil (2023). Where is the value? The impacts of sow gestation crate laws on pork supply and consumer value perceptions. Food Policy, 117, 102447.
  5. Zhang, Peilu, Yinjunjie Zhang, and Marco A. Palm (2024). Social roles and competitiveness: My willingness to compete depends on who I am (supposed to be). Games and Economic Behavior, 143(January 2024), 125-151.
  6. Clinton L. Neill and Peilu Zhan (2024). Payment Plans and Veterinary Services: Do They Reduce the Pain of Pet Owner Payment. Journal of agricultural and resource economics, 49(1), 124-142.
  7. L., Jayden Roberts, Jorge Colon, Peilu Zhang (2023). Managing the risks of clinic-backed payment plans. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association,