She earned her PhD in political science Master’s degree in economics from Stanford University. Her research and teaching interests include democratic accountability, political and economic development, and formal and informal institutions. Much of her research has been in sub-Saharan Africa, where she has conducted field experiments, lab experiments, and surveys. Through studies in Mali, Senegal and Benin, her work examines the role of information asymmetries, social norms, and local leaders in undermining accountability in new electoral democracies. Prior to her doctoral studies, Gottlieb worked at the Center for Global Development on a project encouraging donors, country governments, and multilateral organizations to better learn what works in development through improved impact evaluation.