The School of Public Policy Ph.D. student is looking to explore financial literacy interventions in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East
Kate Carter-Cram
By Taylor Pedersen, CLA Student Writer - January 1, 2025
Kate Carter-Cram, a second-year Ph.D. student in public policy with a focus on economics, has devoted herself to researching feminist economics and financial literacy in sub-Saharan and Middle Eastern countries, fields she is deeply passionate about. Her choice to study these areas is driven by a desire to conduct research that is not only academically rigorous, but also socially conscious.
"Feminist economics can range from applying a feminist lens to economic data analysis to addressing issues that are traditionally considered feminist, such as gender-related topics and healthcare," Carter-Cram elaborated. "I am acutely aware of how I use data and my positionality in my research, especially when studying sensitive regions like the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.”
Growing up in Boise, Idaho, Carter-Cram's educational trajectory began at an international baccalaureate high school, where she built a foundation for her interdisciplinary approach to academia and research. She then attended Boise State University to earn her bachelor’s degree in global studies and Cornell University to complete her master's degree in applied economics. Despite the valuable experiences on the East Coast, she felt a strong pull to return to the Pacific Northwest, ultimately choosing OSU for her Ph.D. studies. The interdisciplinary nature of the College of Liberal Arts’ public policy program, which integrates multiple disciplines, was a significant factor in her decision.
Despite being in the early stages of her Ph.D., Carter-Cram is already contemplating the broader impacts of her work. Her original interest in sub-Saharan Africa was partially influenced by her proficiency in French, which is widely spoken in the region. Additionally, she recognized a gap in research focused on countries in the Middle East, compared to other regions like South or East Asia. She hopes her future research will contribute meaningfully to existing literature and showcase the potential for economics to evolve beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
"These countries tend to rank low on metrics like gender equality and economic development, making them crucial areas for research,” said Carter-Cram. "I want to demonstrate that economics can be a true social science, incorporating feminist theory, hard science principles, and mixed methods.”
When considering how academic institutions can better support research in areas like feminist economics and financial literacy, Carter-Cram emphasizes the importance of awareness and mainstream acceptance. "A lot of people aren’t aware of what feminist economics is, even within economics," she noted. Carter-Cram believes that by making these fields more visible, accessible, and integrated, institutions can create a more inclusive and comprehensive academic environment that pushes research boundaries.
For her Ph.D. dissertation, Carter-Cram is looking to explore the determinants of financial inclusion and how women engage with financial empowerment services, including expanded access to banking and employment opportunities, lines of credit, and personal loans.
Looking ahead, Carter-Cram is aiming for a research-oriented career after graduating, ideally working with a non-governmental organization or nonprofit on policy evaluation and implementation. In addition to her academic pursuits, she serves on the university’s Board of Trustees, making her the first graduate student trustee at OSU. Although her term began recently, she is enthusiastic about her role in shared governance, a commitment she has maintained across multiple institutions.
Carter-Cram’s experiences exemplify a blend of personal passion, interdisciplinary scholarship, and a commitment to social impact. Her advice to aspiring public policy or economics students is to stay true to their research interests and learning styles, even in the face of predominant academic voices. "It's important to stick to your ideas and market yourself, even if your research combines seemingly disparate fields.” As she continues her research and academic endeavors, she aims to contribute to a more inclusive, innovative, and socially conscious field of economics and public policy.