Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar

I am an Associate Professor of Family and Consumer Economics and a State Specialist in Family Financial Management for the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.

My research program examines the impact of socio-ecological factors (e.g., self-efficacy, financial knowledge and education, health status, social capital, beliefs and norms, and weather shocks) on financial decision-making and outcomes. Within this primary line of inquiry, my research branches into two main areas of focus: (a) the study of behavioral and psychological predictors of financial well-being among households, consumers, and farmers and (b) The application of quantitative and qualitative social and behavioral research methodologies to support the adoption of economically viable and practical strategies in agriculture.

I have conducted research using samples from the United States and from emerging market economies in Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. My research approach is transdisciplinary and system-oriented. Thus, I conduct much of my research as part of multidisciplinary teams with collaborators in agricultural and biological sciences. My research work, presentations, and collaborations have been supported by U.S. federal agencies (e.g., the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the National Science Foundation).