Pedram Heydari

  Welcome! 

I’m a behavioral economist passionate about understanding how people make decisions, especially when their choices don’t follow traditional models of rationality. My work combines economic theory, experimental design, and data analysis to explore what drives human behavior and how we can use those insights to improve outcomes in areas like healthcare, consumer behavior, and technology.

I’ve led and collaborated on interdisciplinary projects with psychologists, bioethicists, and computer scientists, blending insights from multiple fields to tackle real-world problems. I’ve also designed and run online experiments with 10,000+ participants to test theories of decision-making and inform better models.

Outside of research, I’ve taught game theory, microeconomics, and macroeconomics to diverse student groups at the University of Pittsburgh, Northeastern University, and Johns Hopkins University consistently earning high marks for clarity, engagement, and communication.

I’m especially excited about applying my skills in data-driven environments, whether in industry, policy, or research settings, where I can contribute to designing better systems, products, or interventions based on how people actually behave.

Starting in September, I will begin a new role as a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the U.S. Department of Transportation.