Dr. Jiaying Zhao

Associate Professor

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Biography

Jiaying Zhao is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), specializing in Psychology and the Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability. She holds a Ph.D. from Princeton University and is the director of the Behavioural Sustainability Lab at UBC. Her research focuses on using cognitive principles to design behavioral solutions for addressing sustainability challenges. Zhao seeks to understand the cognitive mechanisms that generate behavior and to apply behavioral insights in public policy design and implementation. She has received the Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Sustainability and is recognized for her contributions to the field of language and sustainability. Zhao is involved in various talks, research projects, and studies related to climate change and how linguistic communication shapes public perception, especially concerning sustainable practices such as plant-based diets. Her work emphasizes the importance of understanding behavioral insights to inform and guide policy development in sustainability issues.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

Associate Professor focusing on cognitive principles in sustainability.

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.