The faculty, students, and staff of the Consumer Science department at UW–Madison are committed to fostering a fair and healthy marketplace that promotes the well-being of families and individuals across the U.S. and internationally. We apply social science theories and rigorous quantitative methods to the study of household and consumer interactions, offering keen insights and innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing socioeconomic challenges.
Consumer Science faculty include interdisciplinary scholars working across research, program, and clinical capacities to address key economic and policy opportunities in our field. Our areas of specialization include:
- Social security, disability assistance and retirement savings
- Food security and nutrition assistance
- Financial capability and access
- Alternative financial services (e.g., payday lending, military lending)
- Consumer decision making and well-being
- Family relationships and financial well-being
Department Chair
Consumer Science News & Research
Consumer Science Faculty
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Lisa AndrewsTeaching Faculty
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Rima D. AppleVilas Life Cycle Professor Emerita
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Lydia AshtonAssistant Professor
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Judi BartfeldMeta Schroeder Beckner Outreach Professor; Food Security Research and Policy Specialist
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Megan Doherty Bea Assistant Professor
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J. Michael CollinsFetzer Family Chair in Consumer and Personal Finance, Professor
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Lindsay DritsasAssistant Director, Financial Life Skills Program
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Melody HarveyAssistant Professor
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Karen C. HoldenProfessor Emerita
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Cynthia JasperVaughan Bascom Professor of Women and Philanthropy; Civil Society & Community Studies Department Chair; Professor Consumer Science
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Linda LepeDirector of Consumer Finance and Financial Planning; Director Badger$ense Financial Life Skills Program
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Nancy MurrayTeaching Faculty
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Jerry O'BrienExecutive Director, Kohl's Center for Retailing
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Cliff RobbAssociate Professor
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Soyeon ShimElizabeth Holloway Schar Dean, School of Human Ecology | Ted Kellner Bascom Professor, Consumer Science
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Patty SiglerTeaching Faculty
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Christine B. WhelanTeaching Faculty; Director of Money, Relationships and Equality Initiative
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Nancy WongKohl's Chair in Retail Innovation; Department Chair; Professor
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Yiwei ZhangAssistant Professor