Isabelle Cohen
Isabelle Cohen joined the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance in 2021. Her research focuses on innovations and their potential to change the implementation of governmental and non-governmental activities and services in developing countries, using large-scale randomized control trials to rigorously evaluate new technologies and organizational methods. Her work also touches on many other important issues, including state capacity, taxation, education, financial inclusion, health services, and women’s empowerment. She has done research in a variety of countries, including Uganda, India, Peru, and Greece.
Isabelle holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, an M.P.P. from the College of William & Mary, and a B.A. in International Relations from the College of William & Mary. Prior to beginning her doctorate, Isabelle worked as a Research Manager at the Centre for Microfinance at IFMR Lead in Tamil Nadu, India.
Chong et al. 2016. “Iron Deficiency and Schooling Attainment in Peru.” American Economic Journal – Applied Economics, 8(4).
Carlson et. al. “How Do Disadvantaged Groups Seek Information about Free Services? A Randomized Control Trial of Alternative Communication Technologies.” Public Administration Review.
Cohen, Isabelle. 2021. “Low-Cost Tax Capacity: A Randomized Evaluation with the Uganda Revenue Authority.” (Draft available on request)
Cohen, Isabelle and Denise Ferris. 2021. “Take Up and Impact of Digital Repayment in Microfinance.” (Project ongoing, Pre-trial registration)