Name: Sarah Bass, Ph.D. Student in Economics
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Educational Background: UW-Madison, MS Econ, 2022; UNC Chapel Hill, BA Econ, 2018
How did you first connect to your field of research?
I worked for 2 years in the Health Economics Program at RTI International, where I worked on health outcomes research. This got my interested in thinking about health outcomes, environmental determinants to health, and reproductive health.
What attracted you to UW-Madison? To CDE?
The welcoming community and the opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary research on environmental health were huge draws for me.
What are your research interests and current research projects?
My work focuses on the health and housing impacts of wildfire exposure, particularly how climate risk affects residential decision-making and vulnerability.
In what ways has CDE impacted your graduate career? Are there any notable experiences with CDE you will take away with you in future academic and professional endeavors?
CDE has provided a community of scholars working on related issues, which has been invaluable. Attending and presenting at PAA is always a highlight—it’s a space I hope to stay connected with for years to come.
How does your work relate to the Wisconsin Idea?
My research helps communities better understand and prepare for climate-related risks. It goes beyond the classroom by informing adaptation strategies that protect lives and livelihoods.
What’s one thing you hope people who are exposed to your research will come away with?
Academically, that extreme weather events offer powerful natural experiments. Practically, that we all have a role to play in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
What future plans and aspirations do you have once you have completed your time at UW-Madison?
I plan to continue researching the links between climate, health, and housing—especially policies that support adaptation and resilience in the face of environmental change.
What are some hobbies and interests that occupy your time outside of your academic work?
I love gardening and tend a community plot where I’m currently growing tomatoes, peppers, and snapdragons from seed!