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Dr. Jiaying Zhao aims to utilize psychological principles to design behavioral solutions that address sustainability challenges. Her research provides insights into the cognitive mechanisms that govern human behavior and how behavioral interventions can inform the design and implementation of public policy. Her current work examines the cognitive causes and consequences of resource scarcity and explores behavioral interventions to improve performance among low-income individuals, increase recycling and composting behaviors, and promote water and energy conservation. She investigates the cognitive, motivational, and sociocultural factors that shape perceptions of climate change and public engagement with biodiversity conservation. Her group employs real-time visual feedback mechanisms to reduce water and electricity consumption in residential and office buildings and conducts field experiments to understand recycling and composting behaviors better. Dr. Zhao has authored several publications in this domain and actively contributes to advancing knowledge in behavioral sustainability.
Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.