Alix Naugler

Biography

I am a PhD student in Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University. My research lies at the intersection of development economics, industrial organization, and agricultural economics. I study how information and regulatory frictions shape firm behavior and market organization in developing economies. In particular, my work focuses on firm dynamics, formalization, and intermediation, as well as their implications for consumer beliefs, market efficiency, and productivity. My current research spans East Africa and Southeast Asia, with projects in Tanzania, Zambia, and Vietnam.

Prior to graduate school, I worked in applied economics research and data analytics. As a Research Scientist at ICF, I conducted economic and program evaluation research for federal and commercial clients. My work included experimental and quasi-experimental evaluations, cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses, and labor market research. Before joining ICF, I worked as a Data Analyst at Lytx, Inc. where I developed return-on-investment analyses and performance reporting to support client and business decision-making.

I hold an M.S. in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a B.B.A. in International Business from the University of San Diego.