Peilu Zhang

Peilu Zhang, PhD

Languages spoken: English

Academic Information

Departments Primary - Population Health Sciences

Research Interests

  • Behavioral and Experimental Economics
  • Gender Differences
  • Social Norms
  • Risk Preferences
  • Gift-Exchange
  • Consumer Behavior

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

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

Selected Publications

Journal Article

  1. Zhang, Peilu, Yinjunjie Zhang, and Marco A Palma (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.
  2. Clinton L Neill and Peilu Zhang (2024). Payment Plans and Veterinary Services: Do They Reduce the Pain of Pet Owner Payment. J Agric Resour Econ, 49(1), 124-142.
  3. L, Jayden Roberts, Jorge Colon, Peilu Zhang (2023). Managing the risks of clinic-backed payment plans. J Am Vet Med Assoc.
  4. Palma, Marco A, Peilu Zhang, Karen Cornell, Matthew Salois, Bridget Bain, and Clinton Neill (2023). The unintended detrimental effects of pursuing a professional vocation: The case of veterinarians. PLoS One, 18(5).
  5. Blemings, Benjamin, Peilu Zhang, and Clinton L Neill (2023). Where is the value? The impacts of sow gestation crate laws on pork supply and consumer value perceptions. Food Policy, 117, 102447.
  6. Zhang P, Palma MA (2022). Stability of Risk Preferences During COVID-19: Evidence From Four Measurements. Front Psychol, 12, 702028. (Read full article)
  7. Zhang P, Palma MA (2020). Compulsory Versus Voluntary Insurance: An Online Experiment. Am J Agric Econ, 103(1), 106-125.