Marena Molay Messina

Marena Molay Messina is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Accounting and Finance at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Collat School of Business. She teaches principles of accounting and income taxation courses in face-to-face, flipped, and online formats. Prior to academia, she worked at Carr, Riggs, and Ingram, LLC in tax and audit roles. Her academic ranks include Assistant Professor (since 2020) and former Visiting/Adjunct Instructor positions.

• Doctor of Philosophy, Accounting (Kennesaw State University, 2023)
• Master of Accounting, Accounting (University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2015)
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Accounting (University of Alabama, 2014)

Her research interests focus on taxation, governmental auditing, and behavioral accounting themes. Her publications examine topics like auditor attractiveness bias in audit procurement, tax implications of NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies, and worker classification under IRS/DOL regulations. Recent work also analyzes historical trends in practitioner-focused accounting journals.

Scientific awards include the Collat School of Business Teaching Excellence Award and the Loudell Robinson Excellence in Teaching Award (both 2022). She actively contributes to academic advising as the advisor for Beta Alpha Psi and the Janet Herring Mentorship Program.