About Jiaying Zhao

Behavioral Interventions for Sustainability

Jiaying Zhao's core work focuses on designing psychological nudges to boost pro-environmental behaviors. She demonstrates that convenience dramatically increases composting and recycling rates in high-rises [2], while lottery-style refund systems could enhance recycling participation [12]. Her lab promotes 'joyful conservation' to make sustainability enjoyable [8][13], and 'do-more-good' frames elevate climate action likelihood and anticipated happiness [15].

Cognitive Psychology and Perception

Zhao investigates how humans process complex information. Early research probes the provenance of conditional probability judgments [3] and statistical learning's role in forming novel object associations via transitive inference [4]. She explores psychological responses to scarcity, which impair cognition and decision-making [6], and perceptions of animals' emotive and cognitive traits [5].

Scarcity, Waste Reduction, and Resource Management

Scarcity features prominently, with studies on zero-waste events through behavioral design [1] and broader cognitive impacts [6]. Her lab links these to sustainability challenges, emphasizing resource efficiency.

Applications to AI, Finance, and Broader Impacts

Zhao extends behavioral insights to AI's role in boosting wealth and equitable sharing [11], reflecting interests in finance/investing and entrepreneurship. Media profiles highlight her as a leader making planetary protection enjoyable [13], with lab team expansions supporting ongoing work [9][10].

Academic Profile and Recognition

Professor Zhao holds positions at UBC's Psychology Department and IRES [7][10]. Her CV details grants and outputs [7], and she's featured in APA Monitor [13] and appointed as a Canadian Senator (noted in lab media [8]; likely honorary or advisory).