The Princeton University community is mourning the loss of Professor Kate Ho, a highly respected economist, dedicated teacher, and influential researcher, who passed away after a battle with cancer.
Her passing has left colleagues, students, and fellow scholars deeply saddened, as they reflect on the remarkable impact she made during her distinguished career.
Professor Ho was the John L. Weinberg Professor of Economics and Business Policy, a title that reflected both her academic excellence and her leadership within the university’s economics department.
Kate Ho was widely known for her groundbreaking research on the industrial organization of the medical care market, a field in which she became one of the most influential voices.
Her work explored how hospitals, insurers, and healthcare systems interacted, helping policymakers and industry leaders better understand the structural challenges and economic forces shaping modern medical care.
Her publications, often cited in major academic journals and policy discussions, contributed significantly to shaping national conversations about healthcare access, efficiency, and equity. Through her research, she offered clarity on some of the most complex questions facing policymakers today.
Beyond her scholarly contributions, Professor Ho was admired for her dedication to teaching and mentorship. Students frequently described her as supportive, insightful, and deeply committed to their success.
She had a unique ability to break down complex economic concepts, making them accessible and engaging for learners at all levels. Her guidance shaped the paths of many aspiring economists, several of whom went on to successful careers in academia, public policy, and private research.
For those who studied under her, she was not only a professor but also a trusted mentor and encouraging presence. Colleagues at Princeton remember Kate Ho as a brilliant collaborator known for her clarity of thought, intellectual generosity, and willingness to help others refine their ideas.
She approached academic work with humility and kindness, often taking time to support junior faculty and graduate students in their projects. Her professionalism and warmth made her a cherished member of the Princeton community.
Outside her academic achievements, Kate Ho was recognized for her thoughtful nature, her dedication to family, and her ability to connect with others in meaningful ways. She carried herself with calm strength and compassion, qualities that endeared her to friends, students, and coworkers alike.
Her passing is an immense loss not only to Princeton University but also to the broader field of economics. The legacy she leaves behind—through her research, her teaching, and the countless lives she influenced—will continue to shape economic thought and healthcare policy for years to come.
As the Princeton community reflects on her life, they honor a scholar whose work elevated her field, a teacher who inspired many, and a person whose kindness left a lasting impression. Professor Kate Ho will be deeply missed, and her contributions will continue to resonate within academia and beyond.
