Relying on her own research agenda in women’s economic empowerment, economist Lakshmi lyer lays out old and new trends in gender economic studies, highlighting lingering questions on whether economic autonomy increases women decision-making within households and in society at large across different realms. Iyer also introduces the new Kellogg Policy and Practice research lab “Building Inclusive Growth (BIG)” that aims to provide research infrastructure to produce impactful research on development economics and political economy for academic and policy audiences. Interviewed by doctoral student Grace Ortuzar.