Expertise
- Urban Agriculture
- Agricultural Business
- Consumer Behavior
- Experimental Economics
- Economic Impact Analysis
- Specialty Crop Marketing
Education
- Ph.D. Economics & Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Dual Major, Michigan State University
- M.A. Economics, Michigan State University
- M.A. International Political Economy, University of Tsukuba, Japan
- B.A. Japanese, Beijing Foreign Studies University, China
Dr. Wei joined the University of Maryland Extension in February 2024. She earned her Ph.D. degree in Economics and Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (dual degree) from Michigan State University in 2013. Dr. Wei's integrated research and Extension program explores the nexus of consumer behavior, farm management, and the marketing strategies with specialty crops industries including ornamental horticulture. Her applied research integrates producer and consumer surveys, controlled experiments, biometric tools such as eye-tracking technology, along with advanced economic modeling and machine learning. Her current program focuses on examining consumer attitudes toward urban agriculture and land use, assessing the economic viability of urban farming, and evaluating the economic impact of the urban agriculture sector. This research provides valuable insights to policymakers, supporting the development of strategies that promote community resilience, a sustainable food system, and responsible urban land use.
