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Consumer Science seeks scholars who conduct applied research that informs policy to the study of consumer and household well-being in all three current RISE initiative focus areas:
Artificial intelligence
RISE-AI provides an opportunity to better understand how the unique challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) will affect consumers. As a unit, we are not only interested in how AI might influence the decision-making process, but also how it might influence consumer well-being.
We seek scholars interested in the following types of questions:
- What new vulnerabilities does use of AI in the marketplace create and how can we craft new policies to protect consumers?
- How might AI provide opportunities to better identify vulnerable households and deliver targeted programs and services that address the needs of families?
- How might AI enhance the research methods we use to study and advance consumer well-being?
Sustainability
RISE-EARTH presents an opportunity to explore the sustainability of households and communities. We seek scholars interested in helping consumer choices about the clothing they purchase, the foods they eat, the mode of transportation they use, how they heat and cool their homes, and the many other daily consumption choices that contribute to sustainable and resilient communities.
We seek scholars interested in the following types of questions:
- How might we help consumers understand their consumption patterns, habits and lifestyle choices in shaping a sustainable future?
- How might we nudge them toward sustainable choices using incentives and/or disincentives, regulation, information and education?
Healthy aging
RISE-THRIVE elevates concerns around healthy aging. We study consumers throughout their life course but we have strong emphasis on retirement well-being through research ties with UW–Madison’s Retirement and Disability Research Center and UW Division of Extension. As consumers age, their access to healthcare, safe housing options, and healthy food, as well as their ability to live fulfilling, purposeful lives is dependent on having sufficient financial resources.
We seek scholars interested in the following types of questions:
- How can we better prepare households for healthy aging by helping them plan for their future financial needs?
- How can policy help seniors to age in place?
- Which groups of seniors are most financially vulnerable and how might policy and programs be designed to ensure they are well cared for as they age?
Ignite change. Shape policy. Drive impact. Advance equity. Become faculty.
Our Consumer Science faculty
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Lydia AshtonAssistant Professor of Consumer Science
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Judi BartfeldProfessor of Consumer Science | Division of Extension Faculty Liaison
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Megan Doherty BeaAssistant Professor of Consumer Science
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Melissa BublitzLiz Kramer Professor of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Professor of Civil Society & Community Studies, Consumer Science
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J. Michael CollinsFetzer Family Chair in Consumer and Personal Finance | Professor of Consumer Science
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Katie FitzpatrickAssociate Professor of Consumer Science
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Melody HarveyAssistant Professor of Consumer Science
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Gisella KagyAssistant Professor of Consumer Science | Global Human Ecology & 4W Faculty Fellow
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David J. Pate Jr.Associate Professor of Consumer Science, Human Development & Family Studies | Dean’s Fathers and Fathering Faculty Fellow
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Cliff RobbLorna Jorgenson Wendt Professor in Money, Relationships & Equality (MORE) | Department Chair and Professor of Consumer Science
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Soyeon ShimElizabeth Holloway Schar Dean of the School of Human Ecology | Ted Kellner Bascom Professor of Consumer Science
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Nancy WongKohl's Chair in Retail Innovation | Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs | Professor of Consumer Science
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Yiwei ZhangAssistant Professor of Consumer Science
Civil Society & Community Studies
Human Development & Family Studies
The Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative is a multifaceted effort focused on faculty hiring, research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration and student opportunity.
