Dr. Paola Sapienza

Professor

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Biography

Paola Sapienza is a Professor Emerita of Finance at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Her research centers on the impact of cultural norms on economic decisions and outcomes, applying concepts from financial development, political economy, and education. She has addressed how trust, social capital, and civic attitudes influence economic and financial development, as well as how cultural transmission affects educational outcomes. Sapienza's work has been published in major journals, including the American Economic Review and the Journal of Finance, and she has been recognized as a highly cited researcher multiple times. She has served as a faculty research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research and is a co-editor of the Journal of Finance: Insights and Perspectives. She received her Bachelor's degree in Economics from Bocconi University and both her Master's and Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2009-01-01 — Present

Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University • Evanston, IL, USA

Leading professor in finance; contributed to multiple research projects and courses.

Faculty Affiliate

2008-01-01 — Present

International Organizations & International Law (IO/IL) Working Group, Buffett Center for International Comparative Studies, Northwestern University • Evanston, IL, USA

Involved in research on international law and its implications for economics.

Research Fellow

2007-01-01 — Present

Centre for Economic Policy Research • Evanston, IL, USA

Conducting economic research with a focus on policy implications.

Research Associate

2007-01-01 — Present

National Bureau of Economic Research • Evanston, IL, USA

Collaborating on various economic research projects.

Faculty Fellow

2006-01-01 — Present

Zell Center for Risk Research, Northwestern University • Evanston, IL, USA

Engaged in research and teaching focusing on risk in finance.

Associate Professor

2006-01-01 — 2009-01-01

Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University • Evanston, IL, USA

Taught finance courses and supervised student research projects.

Assistant Professor

1998-01-01 — 2006-01-01

Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University • Evanston, IL, USA

Responsible for teaching and research in finance.

Requirements for Northwestern University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
U.S. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Standard PhD requirements for TGS departments including Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology.