Research Snapshots

Can you tell us about your current research and the question or problem it addresses? 

My current research focuses on women's empowerment and education through community groups in 20th century Ireland. We know women were hard at work in the home, on the farm and in their communities, but it can be hard to identify their contribution in economic data. This can be because they discouraged or barred from participating in workplaces, or because their work was unpaid or informal, as well as undervalued and often not recorded.  

This project uses a novel source to understand women’s activity and organization, focusing on the work of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association. The ICA’s archives in the National Library of Ireland, combined with other data sources can help us tell the story of women’s activities in their communities and how that impacted those around them. I focus on unearthing the impact of the ICA on education in rural Ireland.  

Why do you think this area of research matters – for economics or for society more broadly?

This research contributes to society by adding to our understanding of the role women played in the development of Ireland’s economy during the 20th century. With new data on women’s community cooperation, we can paint a richer picture of Ireland in the mid 20th century and learn lessons for today.  

For example, we face challenges related to quality of life in Ireland in terms of housing and healthcare, among other issues. This research shows how grassroots community initiatives can help empower people and improve standards of living.  

This work also contributes to the economic literature on women’s organization and economic development. Women’s groups are common features of development programmes often implemented by NGOs in low-income countries today. This research can help inform policymakers today about the long-term benefits of women’s community cooperation.  

What would you say to students who are interested in pursuing an economics PhD?

First, keep a really open mind about what you intend to study. Part of the joy of research allowing your interests to evolve over time! 

Second, find communities to support you through the academic challenges. As well as having excellent supervisors and colleagues, being a committee member of the Irish Society for Women in Economics and a member of the International Association for Feminist Economics helped me connect with my purpose. 

Most importantly, you will need communities to help you through the non-academic challenges. Be that career uncertainty and financial struggles, imposter syndrome or perfectionism, having good friends and fun matters! PhD students are far more likely than the general population to suffer symptoms of depression and anxiety (Bolotny et al., 2022, JEL). Reaching out for help when you need it is really important. 

December 2025