Hi, I’m Ariel Hsu. I am a Lecturer in Economics at North Carolina State University and a Research Affiliate at the Carolina Population Center at UNC-Chapel Hill. I recently earned my Ph.D. in Economics at NC State, where I specialized in applied microeconomics, health economics, labor economics, public economics, and mechanism design.

My research examines how incentives, policies, and social environments shape individual behavior and program effectiveness. I combine microeconomic theory with advanced empirical methods—including structural and reduced-form modeling, applied econometrics, agent-based simulations, longitudinal analysis, and large-scale data work—to generate evidence that informs public policy and improves the design of health, education, and social programs. My work draws on administrative and survey datasets from multiple domains and emphasizes transparent, reproducible, and policy-relevant analysis.

I have authored and co-authored manuscripts aimed at both academic and policy audiences, and I actively present my research at national conferences. My recent and upcoming presentations include the 2025 ASHEcon Conference, the 2025 National Association for Welfare Research & Statistics Conference, the Triangle Applied Micro Conference, the 2024 APPAM Fall Research Conference, CREED, and the Triangle Theory Workshop.

Alongside my research, I am committed to teaching. As a Lecturer and former independent instructor, I have designed and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in microeconomics, mathematical methods, and quantitative analysis. I value clear communication, student engagement, and developing multiple ways for students to understand core concepts.

I am currently on the job market for the 2025–2026 academic year and welcome opportunities in research, consulting, policy analysis, and applied microeconomics roles where I can contribute rigorous evidence and thoughtful economic insight.