Mar VenturaGraduate Student

I am a first-generation and first-year doctoral student in the Consumer Behavior & Family Economics department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With a foundation in public health and economics, my research focuses on anti-poverty initiatives, access to contraception, and child welfare, aiming to bridge economic research with policy interventions. I hold dual Master of Health Science (MHS) degrees from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, concentrating in mental health and global health economics. My thesis work explored the socioecological impacts of child maltreatment and the use of behavioral economics in poverty alleviation.

My professional experience spans roles as a budget analyst, clinical research accountant, and business intelligence specialist. Through these positions, I developed strong skills in data analysis, budget management, and data visualization, using platforms like Tableau and Excel. My background in research and analytics is complemented by my ability to work across multiple sectors, from clinical trials to educational finance, making me adept at translating data insights into actionable recommendations. Fluent in both English and Spanish, I also engage in social advocacy work. As a court appointed special advocate (CASA) for children in the welfare system, I support children facing difficult circumstances, working closely with social workers and educators to secure better outcomes.

I bring a strong foundation in academic research, developed through my roles as a research assistant at Metropolitan State University of Denver. During this time, I supported studies on cognitive health and social behavior, including a project examining the effect of probiotics on cognition. I contributed to all phases of the research process — from institutional review board (IRB) submissions to participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis. Another key study I worked on involved surveying attitudes toward animal welfare, where I was responsible for data cleaning and coding. Additionally, I collaborated on a project exploring factors that influence academic performance in psychology students. Recognizing my research potential, I received a grant to fund a research proposal during my undergraduate studies.

My commitment to my field has been recognized with awards, including the Dean’s Academic Achievement Award and the Outstanding Student in the Department of Economics. I am motivated by a passion for family welfare and economic stability, aiming to use my research to inform policy and bring measurable improvements to underserved communities.

​In my spare time, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, reading, and photography.

Awards and Recognition

• College of Business Outstanding Student in the Department of Economics
• Outstanding Student Graduating with Honors in the College of Business
• Dean’s Academic Achievement Award
• Research Grant Recipient
• Outstanding Senior Researcher Nominee

Certifications

• Registered Cardiac Sonographer, CCI
• Registered Vascular Specialist, CCI