Dr. Akcan Barto is originally from Izmir, Turkey. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Gazi University in Ankara, her master’s from Texas A&M University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Delaware. Her research explores how public policies shape individuals’ well-being, both in terms of life satisfaction and financial health. She is married and the mother of a young daughter, and their family also includes two beloved cats. In her free time, She enjoys reading, watching TV shows, playing board games, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family.