Marcie (Xi) Mao
Marcie (Xi) Mao is an Assistant Professor of Economics at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she has spent the past six years teaching and conducting research in the field of health economics. Her academic work focuses on addressing critical healthcare challenges, with a particular emphasis on developing cost-efficient solutions for Alzheimer’s disease and long-term care. Passionate about making research meaningful, Xi is dedicated to producing work that directly benefits communities and informs real-world decision-making.
Xi’s professional philosophy centers on bridging the gap between research and policy. She prioritizes community-focused, actionable research and actively collaborates with policymakers to translate data and insights into effective interventions. As both an educator and researcher, she believes in the power of knowledge sharing to improve understanding and drive societal progress. Her work reflects a commitment to helping communities navigate complex healthcare systems while advancing policies that improve quality of life.
Her academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Mathematics from the University of Iowa, followed by a master’s degree in economics from Ohio University. She went on to earn her PhD in Economics from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2020 before entering academia. In addition to her teaching and research, Xi is an active member of professional organizations such as the Committee on the Status of Women in the Economics Profession (CSWEP) and the Gerontological Society of America, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing her field and supporting broader academic and professional communities.
• SAS Certified Advanced Programmer for SAS 9
• Georgia Institute of Technology- Ph.D.
• Ohio University- Master's
• University of Iowa- B.A.
• The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business- B.B.A.
• Women in Economics Profession (CSWEP)
• Gerontology Society of America
• Temple volunteer service
What do you attribute your success to?
So far it's the networking, the knowledge sharing, and I hope there's more people who read my work or my sharings. That would be the contribution because as an educator or as a researcher, I think our biggest contribution is to share our knowledge and help people know how things work. It's never just me or you, it's always us - we should stay together and stand together, sharing our energy together. The world is running together, right?
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would love to serve anyone who comes to me with a specific question, because academia is very niche. It's definitely a different career path, and it's by subjects - people who study mathematics definitely experience a different path than people studying economics or any of the business majors. I would just open this door for anyone who has this question in the future for young women, right? Like, PhD in economics, or junior faculty, super junior faculty in economics. Because I'm kind of having this six-year experience in academia, I know the work-life balance and expectations in this industry. So yeah, I would love to share very specific ones to fit their needs, instead of just generosity or some garbage.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in the field right now include lower wages, job insecurity in academia, and the impact of recent layoffs. At the same time, there are meaningful opportunities to strengthen connections with policymakers to translate community-based research into real-world impact, while leveraging professional networks to support colleagues and expand collective influence.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value collaboration, community service, and knowledge sharing, with a strong focus on helping others grow and succeed. In my personal life, meditation and my Buddhist practice guide my perspective, grounding me in mindfulness, compassion, and purpose.