Francisco Diaz

Education

Research

I am an economist trained at Universidad Veracruzana and hold a Master of Science in Financial Planning, Housing, and Consumer Economics. I have completed all Ph.D. coursework and am preparing to defend my dissertation, while continuing my research and academic activities in a remote setting.

My academic journey is driven by a strong interest in understanding economic behavior and promoting well-being through research and education. My research broadly examines housing access, housing segregation, and the use of housing assistance programs, as well as consumer financial behavior and the role of consumer education and cultural factors in shaping decision-making. These research contributions have been disseminated through presentations at academic conferences, as outlined below.

Oral Presentations

Diaz-Valenzuela, J.-F., & Skobba, K. (2025). Demographic characteristics and rental assistance use. Presentation at the Housing Education and Research Association Conference.

Diaz-Valenzuela, J.-F., Skobba, K., & Garcia, A. (2023). Hispanic renters: Comparison of demographic characteristics and use of rental assistance. Presentation at the American Council on Consumer Interests Conference.

Diaz-Valenzuela, J.-F., Holman, M., Zhang, Y., & Skobba, K. (2023). Local leaders’ perceptions of housing access and segregation in their communities. Presentation at the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Conference.

Poster Presentations

Diaz-Valenzuela, J.-F. (2025). Evaluating the effectiveness of questionnaire and educational videos: A university pilot study. Poster presented at the American Council on Consumer Interests Conference.

Diaz-Valenzuela, J.-F., & Cusumano, C. (2024). Consumer saving behavior: A multiclassification approach. Poster presented at the American Council on Consumer Interests Conference.

Diaz-Valenzuela, J.-F. (2022). Local views on housing access. Poster presented at the American Council on Consumer Interests Conference.

Teaching

I have teaching experience in economics, econometrics, and consumer-focused courses, as well as research-oriented workshops, delivered in both in-person and online settings. I am committed to integrating theory with practical and interactive approaches to support meaningful learning and real-world application.

   University of Georgia, Instructor: FHCE 1110, Consumers in Our Society

   University of Georgia, Graduate Teaching Assistant

   UV, Mexico, Instructor: Economic Development, Econometrics, and Research Workshops.

Current Research

My research examines how educational, socioeconomic, and cultural factors shape consumer and family behavior, with an emphasis on decision-making and well-being. I study how individuals and families make lifestyle choices, and how education can encourage intention and informed decision-making across diverse populations. My overarching goal is to contribute to evidence-based strategies within consumer economics that promote sustained well-being through education, behavioral insights, and policy engagement.

Areas of Research Interest:

Housing segregation among minorities,
Consumer education and financial well-being,
Cultural influences on consumer behavior,
Public policy and equitable opportunities

Publications

Skobba, K., Durham, J., & Diaz-Valenzuela, J.-F. (2024). Achieving equitable access to housing through a community-based approach. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 116(2), 5–9. https://doi.org/10.14307/JFCS116.2.5

Diaz-Valenzuela, J.-F., Holman, M., Zhang, Y., & Skobba, K. (2022). Local leaders’ perceptions of housing access and segregation in their communities. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, 50(4), 272–287. https://doi.org/10.1111/fcsr.12439

Diaz-Valenzuela, J.-F., Ames, G. C. W., & Houston, J. E. (2008). An analysis of the Hispanic consumers’ demand for food eaten at home. Selected paper presented at the American Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL. https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.6416