Joanne Yoong

Current Research FocusHealth and financial decision making among vulnerable population groups (especially in developing countries), and sustainable innovations and interventions that might improve behavior (and ultimately well-being).

Why I Study What I StudyBecause solving real problems means building things that work better for real people making choices under real constraints.

What First Inspired Me to Pursue This FieldMy advisors, Ulrike Malmendier, who taught my first class in behavioral economics, and Aprajit Mahajan, gave me the chance to go to rural India for my first real field experience.

Recent FindingPeople won’t take financial advice when it’s forced on them, but they will if they’re allowed to ask for it themselves.

I Really Want to Know Why...EVERYTHING! I have a horrible and insatiable curiosity.

Favorite High-Tech Research ToolTablets for field work

Favorite Low-Tech ToolsGoogle! Can’t live without it.

Motto"Where there's a will, there's a way" and "No such thing as a free lunch."

This Fascinates Me About Human BehaviorHow incredibly adaptable and resilient people can be under the most adverse of external circumstances, yet at the same time, how hard it is to alter the course of everyday behavior.

Hidden TalentBoggle! I’m really quite good. Does this mean I’m going to have to prove it now?