Samuel Penkar

Dr. Samuel Penkar is a Professor of Finance at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), within the College of Business, Department of Finance, Information Systems, Economics, and Risk Management. With 28 years of continuous service at UHD since 1984, he holds the rank of Professor (since 2008) and teaches core finance courses including Advanced Financial Management and Business Finance across multiple sections each semester.

His academic credentials include:

• DBA in Finance from Mississippi State University (dissertation: A Model to Identify Companies Likely to be Acquired Using Published Financial Information)
• MIM from Thunderbird-American Graduate School of International Management
• MBA in Finance and Quantitative Analysis from Indian Institute of Management
• Post Diploma in Production Engineering from Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute

Penkar's research centers on Corporate Finance and Investments, with significant contributions to financial markets analysis, momentum investing strategies, and international finance applications. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical market applications, particularly in stock sector analysis, hedging portfolio construction, and emerging market financial characteristics. The empirical nature of his research often utilizes time-series data and comparative industry studies to address real-world financial decision-making challenges.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a clear evolution from foundational corporate finance topics (1999-2005) toward contemporary energy economics and asymmetric market adjustments (2010-2020). Early work focused on stock market anomalies and real estate tax exchanges, while recent scholarship addresses pandemic economic impacts and sophisticated pricing models in volatile markets. This trajectory demonstrates consistent engagement with both traditional finance theory and emerging market dynamics.

Professional certifications include passing all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams (Level I: 1985, Level II: 1986, Level III: 1987). University service spans extensive committee work including:

• Library Committee (2019-2024)
• Faculty Senate Credentials and Elections (2020-2022)
• Department Rank & Tenure Committee (1990-2024)
• Grievance Committees (2003-2019)

As former Finance Program Coordinator (1987-2006) and current full-time faculty member, Penkar has mentored numerous undergraduate students through course instruction but maintains no formal graduate advising relationships. His collaborative research with colleagues like Deo and Leavins demonstrates sustained academic partnership without dedicated laboratory infrastructure.