Sabrina T. Howell is an Associate Professor of Finance at NYU Stern School of Business and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. She earned her Ph.D. in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University and holds a B.A. in Economics and East Asian Studies from Yale University.
Her work centers on private equity, innovation, fintech, entrepreneurship, energy, and the Chinese economy—combining rigorous empirical research with policy-relevant insights. Howell has published in top-tier journals including The Journal of Finance, Review of Financial Studies, and Journal of Financial Economics, receiving awards for her contributions to understanding the social and economic effects of private capital.
In 2023, she was named one of the “Top 40 Under 40” MBA Professors globally for her research, teaching excellence, and public policy engagement.
Beyond academia, she advises government agencies such as the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Her research has shaped public conversations around fintech access, small business financing, and energy innovation. With the ability to translate data into actionable strategy, she is a sought-after speaker for business leaders, policymakers, and global forums focused on the future of investment and inclusive growth.
