Ralitsa Petkova is an associate professor of banking and finance at the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University , where she has taught since 2014. She holds the Deborah and David Daberko Faculty Fellowship and previously taught at Purdue, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and CWRU. Education PhD in Finance, University of Rochester (2003) Master of Science in Applied Economics, University of Rochester (2001) Bachelor of Arts, Hamilton College (1998) Research Interests Petkova’s work lies at the intersection of empirical asset pricing, behavioral finance, and risk management. She investigates stock-return anomalies, momentum strategies, volatility effects, and hedge-fund performance . Recent projects explore extrapolative beliefs in Bitcoin markets and absolute-strength momentum signals , bridging traditional factor models with contemporary asset classes. Research Output & Trends Her publications (2005–2023) chart a clear arc from foundational factor-model tests to cutting-edge cryptocurrency research. Early papers dissect the Fama-French factors and value–growth risk differentials, while later work pivots to momentum timing, hedge-fund skill, and Bitcoin mispricing, reflecting both methodological rigor and topical agility. Scientific Awards & Honors Deborah and David Daberko Faculty Fellowship Weatherhead Research Funding Award (2005) Weatherhead Summer Research Award (2004) Olin Fellowship, University of Rochester (2001) Intramural Grant, Case Western Reserve University (2021) Teaching & Service She teaches Financial Modeling and Investment Strategies in the MSM-Finance program, maintaining an open-door policy by appointment.








