I am a social scientist who draws on policy analysis, economics, and human ecology to study how public policies affect financial capability, financial decisions, and financial well-being among economically vulnerable populations. I seek to understand what is needed in public policy through which mechanisms to improve their financial health. Currently, my research primarily focuses on the effect of K-16 financial education policies on the financial outcomes of youth and young adults across different socioeconomic groups. My research also examines heterogeneities in consumer policy implementation and explores the role of financial regulations on accessing alternative financial services.
Recent press
Alternative financial services in the time of coronavirus, Qrius, June 1, 2020
Publications
Harvey, Melody. 2019. “Impact of Financial Education Mandates on Younger Consumers’ Use of Alternative Financial Services.” Journal of Consumer Affairs 53, no. 3: 731-769. https://doi.org/10.1111/joca.12242
Classes Taught
- Course number: CNSR SCI 275: Course title: Consumer Finance
- Course number: CNSR SCI 579: Course title: Consumer Policy Analysis
Department
- Consumer Science
Degree Program
- PhD Human Ecology: Consumer Behavior and Family Economics
Affiliations
- Center for Financial Security
- Center for Demography and Ecology
- Institute for Research on Poverty
- La Follette School of Public Affairs
Education
- PhD, Policy Analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School
- MPP, Pepperdine University
- BA, Economics, Reed College
Contact
Office: 4228 Nancy Nicholas Hall
Phone: 608-262-9213
Email: maharvey3@wisc.edu
Websites: