Dr. Zhao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Kentucky. He is interested in understanding and communicating how people perceive and behave in response to changes in markets, policy, and technology within the food and agricultural system. His research employs an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach that integrates individual-level decision mechanisms, market-level demand analysis, and policy-level impact evaluation. Some of the current research focuses on key areas, including 1) Applying experimental economics to understand consumer decision-making processes, 2) Evaluating the impacts of food assistance programs on participants' consumption and health outcomes, and 3) Examining consumer responses and market effects related to innovation and labeling in the food industry. Dr. Zhao was recognized by the Bill Gatton Foundation Early Career Professorship.