Kurtay Ogunc

Dr. Kurtay Ogunc serves as Senior Instructor in the Department of Finance at Louisiana State University, holding dual leadership roles as Director of Undergraduate Studies & Research and Director of the Asset Management Academy. He oversees academic programs including the Mathematics & Finance as a Second Discipline track specializing in Quantitative Asset Management.

His educational credentials include:

• PhD in Decision Sciences (Asset Management, Stochastic Processes and Econometrics) - Louisiana State University, 2002
• MS in Applied Statistics (Binary Choice Models and Bayesian Theory) - Louisiana State University, 1997
• MBA in Finance - Western Michigan University, 1992
• BBA in Finance and Operations Research - Marmara University

Dr. Ogunc's research centers on Asset Allocation and Risk Management with strong behavioral finance components. He investigates currency hedging delegation, strategic flexibility in corporate governance, and inflation-linked bonds for institutional portfolios. His work bridges theoretical finance with practical applications in endowment management and alternative investments.

His publication trajectory shows consistent contributions to institutional investment literature since 2000, with recent emphasis on behavioral aspects of currency management and strategic asset allocation frameworks. Publications appear in specialized finance journals with practical relevance to portfolio managers and institutional investors.

Major recognitions include:

• Tiger Athletic Foundation Teaching Excellence Award (LSU, 2019)
• Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award (Texas A&M University System, 2010)
• First Prize, PIMCO International Investing Essay Contest (2001)
• Research Honorarium from Investment Management Consultants Association (2014)
• Research Grant from BSI Gamma Foundation, Switzerland

Dr. Ogunc integrates extensive industry experience into his academic work, having managed $100B+ portfolios at the New York City Retirement System and consulted for Willis Towers Watson. His research funding includes support from the BSI Gamma Foundation and industry associations, focusing on practical investment challenges.

Through the Asset Management Academy, he directs an educational initiative providing specialized training in quantitative portfolio management, with structured pathways for students pursuing careers in institutional asset management and investment research.