Marcie (Xi) Mao

1. What do you do?

My research is significant in the fields of development and health economics. It encompasses social determinants, environmental factors, and human behavior and often involves collaboration with faculty from various departments within the schools of business and medicine. My investigations span a wide range of scales, from detailed genetic studies to broad evaluations of country-level economic efficiencies.

2. What's the coolest part of your job?

A major focus of my current research is the impact of the environment on phenotypic variations, particularly within socioeconomic contexts. I study chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By exploring the interplay between socioeconomic status and genetic factors, I aim to understand how such factors influence health outcomes in the aging minority population.

3. Why are you passionate about it?

My aim is to help maintain the cognitive health of underrepresented minority elders and those with a family history of chronic diseases. This initiative is supported by grants from the Rio Grande Valley Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research and the my university’sFaculty Seed Research Grant.

4. What's your #1 tip for students and alumni interested in your field?

Studying economics is like getting the ultimate backstage pass to the world's biggest show!

You’ll get to understand how global trade, finance, and policies intertwine, making you the go-to person for informed decisions.

Imagine tackling big issues like poverty and climate change with the know-how to make a difference. You’ll be ready to ride the waves of rapid global changes and think like a true visionary, combining psychology, sociology, and politics into one awesome toolkit. Plus, this knowledge unlocks tons of exciting career paths and gives you the power to champion change.

P.S. Why were the economists always in great shape? They knew the importance of "fitting" their data to the best statistical models!