Francisco Diaz
College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Ph.D. Candidate & Graduate Assistant
Dawson Hall
305 Sanford Dr.
Athens, GA 30602
Education
| Degree | Field of Study | Institution | Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science | Consumer Economics | University of Georgia | 2008 |
| Bachelor of Arts in Economics | Economics | University of Veracruz | 2006 |
Research
Oral Presentations
Diaz-Valenzuela, J.-F., and Skobba, K. (2025). Demographic Characteristics and Rental Assistance Use. Paper presented at the Housing Education and Research Association Conference, Blacksburg, VA
Diaz Valenzuela, J., Skobba, K., and Garcia, A. (2023). Hispanic Renters: Comparison of Demographic Characteristics and Use of Rental Assistance. American Council on Consumer Interests Conference, Las Vegas, NV
Diaz Valenzuela, J., Holman, M., Zhang, Y., and Skobba, K. (2023). Local Leaders’ Perceptions of Housing Access and Segregation in Their Communities. AAFCS Conference, Baltimore, MD
Poster Presentations
Diaz Valenzuela, J. (2025). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Questionnaire and Educational Videos: A University Pilot Study. ACCI Conference, Pittsburgh, PA
Diaz Valenzuela, J., and Cusumano, C. (2024). Consumer Saving Behavior: A Multiclassification Approach. ACCI Conference, Milwaukee, WI
Diaz Valenzuela, J. (2022). Local Views on Housing Access. ACCI Conference, Clearwater Beach, FL
Teaching
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.
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., 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