July 15 2025
Labor economics, migration, and sustainable development are at the cutting edge of social science, shaping policy and society in a rapidly globalizing world. As these fields evolve, they demand not only technical expertise but also a nuanced understanding of gender, equity, and sustainability. Women scholars are increasingly vital in addressing these challenges, bringing new perspectives and leadership to the discipline.
Van T. Pho stands out as an interdisciplinary scholar whose research spans labor economics, gender equality, internal migration, environmental economics, and sustainable development. Her academic journey, rooted in the Global Studies Program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, has equipped her with a robust foundation in global and interdisciplinary approaches to complex social and economic issues.
Van T. Pho’s extensive body of work addresses multiple facets of sustainable development, including:
- Climate change resilience
- Environmental economics and green finance
- Policy research and social inclusion
Her recent peer-reviewed publications explore:
- Gendered socioeconomic impacts of migration
- Climate adaptation strategies for marginalized ethnic minorities
- Green finance initiatives that promote clean energy adoption in developing economies
This multifaceted research portfolio reflects Pho’s commitment to integrating economic theory with empirical methods and policy analysis to tackle pressing global challenges. Her expertise not only advances academic discourse but also informs evidence-based policies that promote economic opportunity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, underscoring her distinctive role in shaping contemporary labor economics, environmental economics, and sustainable development scholarship.
Pho’s research explores the complex interplay between labor mobility, gender dynamics, and sustainable development, employing advanced quantitative tools for empirical analysis. Her work includes studies on how gender and internal migration shape labor market outcomes, investigations into job mobility among migrant workers using game-theoretic models, analyses of green finance and institutional factors in advancing sustainable development, and examination of the impact of female leadership on corporate governance and ethical practices. These studies contribute insights into how internal migration, gender, and sustainable development interact to influence employment, economic opportunity, and social mobility—providing critical evidence for policy reform and practice.
Van T. Pho’s scholarship has been widely recognized. She has presented her work at major academic conferences and earned competitive scholarships and awards. In May 2025, she was honored with the prestigious Bradford Morse Research Award at UMass Lowell, recognizing her innovative contributions to labor economics and sustainable development—especially her impact on marginalized and vulnerable populations. These honors highlight the relevance and leadership of her research, particularly as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Beyond research, Van T. Pho has made substantial contributions to education and curriculum development. She has designed and taught innovative courses that integrate economics, political science, and social sciences, equipping students, especially young women and underrepresented communities, with analytical tools to address complex labor market and sustainability issues. Her mentorship and training activities have supported the next generation of scholars and practitioners in interdisciplinary social science and development.
Pho’s international outlook is enhanced by her fluency in English, Vietnamese, German, and Italian. This linguistic ability enables her to conduct cross-cultural research and build strong international collaborations, broadening the impact of her scholarship.
Among Pho’s significant research achievements are several studies that have had notable impact in the fields of labor economics, environmental development, and sustainable development. Her peer-reviewed publication, “Impact of Financial Development, Technological Innovation, Green Trade, and Institutional Quality on Sustainable Development: Revelations from Global Evidence” (2025), investigates how advancements in finance and institutional frameworks contribute to achieving sustainability goals worldwide. She also co-authored several studies, including “Drivers of China Green Bonds: An ARDL Analysis of Economic Policy Uncertainty, Financial Market Volatility, Exchange Rates, and Commodity Prices” (2025), provides critical insights into the dynamics influencing China’s green bond market and highlights how factors such as policy uncertainty and financial volatility affect sustainable investment. In addition, she contributed to “Green Finance, Innovation, and Clean Energy Adoption: Insights from Developing Countries,” which was presented at the International Conference on Business, Economics, and Social Sciences (ICBESS-2025. This work explores the interplay between financial innovation and the promotion of clean energy in emerging economies. Furthermore, her recent work “Exploring Gender and Corporate Governance in an Emerging Market: Bridging Female Leadership, Earnings Management and Tax Avoidance” focuses on the influence of female leadership within corporate governance structures and its implications for ethical practices and sustainability. She is also conducting research on the job mobility behavior of migrant workers in industrial zones in developing countries, as well as another ongoing research on how economic growth, mediated by some macroeconomic factors can help reduce inequality and promote more inclusive human development.
Van T. Pho’s career exemplifies the transformative role of interdisciplinary women scholars in labor economics, environmental economics, and sustainable development. Through her research, teaching, and global engagement, she advances both theoretical understanding and practical solutions. As these fields continue to evolve, her expertise and vision will remain crucial in addressing the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Author: Marin Brino
