René Kirkegaard is a Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator in the Department of Economics and Finance at the University of Guelph (since 2010). He holds a B.A. from the University of Aarhus (1996), M.Sc. from the University of York and University of Aarhus (2000), and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Aarhus (2004). His research focuses on auction theory, contract theory, contest theory, and the economics of information. He held a Tier II Canada Research Chair (2010–2020). His work explores incentive structures, principal-agent dynamics, and optimal criteria design in economic systems. Research Highlights: Examines how success criteria influence agent behavior in economic contexts (e.g., Endogenous Criteria for Success , Journal of Economic Theory , 2023). Investigates contest design under uncertainty and stochastic performance ( American Economic Journal: Microeconomics , 2023). Explores contracting mechanisms with private rewards ( RAND Journal of Economics , 2020). Awards: Tier II Canada Research Chair (2010–2020). Grants: $70,000 SSHRC Insight Grant (2013) for research on theoretical moral hazard. Professional Roles: Graduate Program Coordinator, Department of Economics and Finance. Affiliated with the College of Management and Economics.
Boris Shor is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the Hobby School of Public Affairs, University of Houston, where he conducts research on state legislatures, political polarization, representation, and health policy. He is associated with multiple interdisciplinary initiatives and contributes to major data infrastructure in political science. Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science, Columbia University B.A., Princeton University Shor specializes in American politics with a focus on legislative behavior, ideological measurement, and health policy. His work combines quantitative methods, roll call analysis, and survey data to understand polarization and representation across U.S. states. He has developed one of the most comprehensive datasets on state legislative ideology, influencing both academic research and policy analysis. His recent publications span top journals such as American Political Science Review , American Journal of Political Science , and Political Analysis , with a thematic focus on state-level political dynamics, methodological innovation, and health policy politics. The research consistently explores how partisanship, ideology, and institutional structures shape policy outcomes. Scientific Awards and Honors: Robert Wood Johnson Scholar in Health Policy, UC Berkeley Fellow, Center for the Study of Democratic Politics, Princeton University Shor has secured major external funding from the National Science Foundation and the Russell Sage Foundation . He has advised undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students throughout his career. His ongoing book project examines the politics of health policy in the American states, building on his interdisciplinary background in political science and public health. He is affiliated with research centers focused on democratic governance and public policy, contributing to collaborative academic networks across institutions.
William Akoto is an Assistant Professor of Global Security in the Department of Foreign Policy & Global Security at the School of International Service, American University, and serves as Director of Research at the Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology (CSINT). Previously, he taught at Fordham University, the University of South Carolina, and Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. Education: PhD in Political Science, University of South Carolina, 2019 Research Interests: Dr. Akoto's work centers on interstate cyber conflict dynamics , examining how states weaponize cyber capabilities for national security objectives. His research extends to the political economy of aid and trade , analyzing debt relief mechanisms and trade-sanction interactions, and military coups , investigating coup triggers and consequences through complex systems theory. He develops microfounded theoretical models to explore institutional and preference-based drivers of state behavior. Publication Trends: His 2020-2024 publications reveal a decisive shift toward cyber conflict research, with 80% of recent work focusing on state-sponsored cyber attacks, economic espionage, and cyber-proxy warfare. This builds on earlier expertise in trade-politics linkages (2013-2020), demonstrating consistent application of political economy frameworks across security domains. His methodology increasingly integrates complex systems science to analyze large-scale behavioral patterns. Scientific Awards: SIS Collaborative Research Award (June 2024) Outstanding Graduate Student Teacher Award (April 2019) Adam Smith Fellow, Mercatus Center (August 2016–July 2017) Thurmond-Atwater Fellowship (July 2015–May 2016) IAAR Research Fellow (August 2014–July 2015) Advising and Grants: Dr. Akoto has secured competitive research funding including the 2024 SIS Collaborative Research Award and Mercatus Center fellowship. His teaching excellence was recognized with the 2019 Outstanding Graduate Student Teacher Award. While specific advisees aren't documented, his course designs emphasize analytical skill development through constant feedback mechanisms, debate, and current events integration across undergraduate international relations curricula. Labs and Teams: As CSINT Director of Research, he leads interdisciplinary initiatives examining emerging technology-security intersections, with current focus on cyber warfare economics, satellite cybersecurity, and AI governance frameworks through structured collaboration between academic researchers and security practitioners.
Jonathan Glover is the George O. May Professor of Financial Accounting at Columbia Business School’s Accounting Division. His research focuses on the economics of accounting practices, including corporate financial reporting, governance, and incentive design. He holds editorial roles in journals like Foundations and Trends in Accounting and previously served as Head of the PhD Program at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. With over 50 publications, his work spans earnings management, managerial compensation, and multi-agent contracting. Glover earned his PhD from The Ohio State University (1992) and received the Beta Alpha Psi Alumnus of the Year Award (2016). His research interests include corporate governance mechanisms, the role of accounting in long-term firm performance, and the interplay between financial reporting standards and preparer behavior. Recent studies explore team incentives, diversity impacts on collusion prevention, and relational contracting dynamics. He has advised the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and contributed to debates on financial engineering’s regulatory challenges. Key awards include recognition for his academic contributions and editorial leadership. His courses focus on earnings quality and fundamental analysis for MBAs, and advanced topics in accounting economics for PhD students.
Awi Federgruen is the Charles E. Exley Professor of Management and Chair of the Decision, Risk, and Operations (DRO) Division at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. He joined Columbia’s faculty in 1979 after earning his DSc in Operations Research from the University of Amsterdam and holding roles as a Research Fellow at the Mathematical Centre in Amsterdam and faculty member at the University of Rochester. He also holds a courtesy appointment in Columbia’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Education: BA, University of Amsterdam, 1972 MS, University of Amsterdam, 1975 DSc (Operations Research), University of Amsterdam, 1978 Research Interests: Federgruen’s work focuses on optimizing supply chain and service systems through advanced operations research methodologies. Key areas include supply chain coordination, inventory management under uncertainty, service system design, and dynamic pricing. His theoretical contributions span applied probability, queuing models, and dynamic programming. Recent applications include pharmaceutical supply chains, healthcare operations, and vaccine distribution strategies. Awards & Recognition: 2004 Distinguished Fellowship Award (MSOM Society) INFORMS Presidential Fellow (highest honor) National Science Foundation & ARPA grants Consulting & Industry Impact: Federgruen advises companies in pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, and logistics. Notably, he developed marketing mix models for the pharmaceutical industry and advised the Israeli Air Force on logistics policies. His work bridges academic theory with real-world applications in industries like retail, healthcare, and transportation. Editorial Roles: Editor-in-Chief of Naval Research Logistics ; former Departmental Editor for Manufacturing & Service Operations Management and Associate Editor of Operations Research .
Tim Baldenius serves as the Paul M. Montrone Professor of Private Enterprise in the Accounting Division of Columbia Business School at Columbia University. He rejoined Columbia in 2017 after serving as Chair of NYU Stern's Accounting Department (2011-2016), and previously held faculty positions at Columbia Business School (1998-2011) where he chaired the Accounting Division (2009-2011). His teaching portfolio includes MBA courses in Financial Planning & Analysis, PhD seminars on managerial accounting, and executive education programs. His academic credentials include a Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Hamburg and a PhD in Accounting from the University of Vienna. Baldenius maintains editorial leadership as Associate Editor of Management Science and serves on the editorial boards of The Accounting Review , Review of Accounting Studies , and Review of Managerial Sciences . Professor Baldenius's research centers on managerial accounting systems, performance measurement frameworks, and corporate governance structures. His work examines how accounting information drives organizational decision-making, incentive design, and resource allocation. Key themes include transfer pricing mechanisms, cost allocation methodologies, and the interplay between managerial and tax objectives within multidivisional firms. His theoretical models often integrate contract theory with organizational economics to address real-world coordination challenges. His publication record spans top-tier journals in accounting, finance, and economics, revealing consistent focus on performance measurement systems (35%), transfer pricing (25%), corporate governance (20%), and incentive design (20%). The research demonstrates strong methodological diversity, employing game theory (40%), mathematical modeling (30%), and empirical analysis (30%) to investigate organizational decision processes. Baldenius has held significant leadership roles including Accounting Division Chair at Columbia (2009-2011) and Accounting Department Chair at NYU Stern (2011-2016). His teaching spans MBA, MS, PhD, and executive education programs with courses covering Financial Planning & Analysis, Accounting for Consultants, and Analytical Models in Accounting. His case studies on Sub-Micron Devices Inc. and Beanie Kids Holiday Camp are widely used in accounting pedagogy.
Håkan Jerker Holm is a Professor and Vice Dean for Research Education at Lund University School of Economics and Management (LUSEM), Department of Economics. His research focuses on experimental and behavioral economics, particularly studying CEO decision-making in China, trust dynamics, risk-taking behaviors, and psychological biases influencing economic decisions. He has conducted extensive field and lab experiments, including analyses of motor vehicle inspection markets and mood effects in regulatory contexts. Dr. Holm teaches microeconomics, industrial organization, and experimental economics at all academic levels. He received LUSEM's Best Teacher Award and actively supervises bachelor, master, and PhD students. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to economic prosperity and institutional effectiveness. Recent research highlights include exploring cooperation beyond social networks, competition effects in regulatory markets, and the role of anchoring in subjective belief formation. He has published over 50 articles in journals like Organization Science , Journal of Economic Psychology , and Experimental Economics . Scientific Awards: Best Teacher Award at LUSEM Key Projects: Moral Decisions in Leadership, Motor Vehicle Inspection Market Analysis, and Belief Heterogeneity Causes Collaborations: Active in international networks studying trust, decision-making, and behavioral experiments
Peng Sun is the J.B. Fuqua Professor of Decision Sciences at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. His research focuses on mathematical models for resource allocation under uncertainty, dynamic mechanism design, and incentive structures in operations, finance, healthcare, and sustainability contexts. He holds editorial roles at top journals including Management Science and Operations Research . Dr. Sun earned his Ph.D. in Operations Research from MIT in 2003. His teaching includes MBA core courses on decision models and strategic dynamics, as well as PhD courses on dynamic programming. His work bridges theory and application across sectors like healthcare policy, renewable energy, and pandemic control. Key research areas include: Dynamic contracts and incentive design Optimization under uncertainty Healthcare resource allocation Sustainability policy modeling Recent research explores topics like optimal drug approval mechanisms, epidemic control strategies through information design, and dynamic pricing in service systems. His work frequently appears in leading journals and addresses real-world challenges in public policy and business operations.
Maximilian Muhn is an Associate Professor of Accounting at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He joined Chicago Booth as an assistant professor of accounting in 2019 and was promoted to Associate Professor. His academic career focuses on empirical accounting research with particular emphasis on financial transparency and disclosure practices. Muhn received his PhD in accounting from Humboldt University of Berlin and holds an MSc and BSc in business administration from the University of Münster, Germany. Prior to his academic career, he gained professional experience in consulting (McKinsey & Company and Boston Consulting Group), auditing (KPMG and Deloitte), and management accounting (BASF and ThyssenKrupp Steel). His research primarily investigates the determinants and consequences of firms' financial transparency, as well as the effects of financial market and transparency regulation. Muhn employs diverse methodologies including field experiments, archival studies, and applications of large language models in financial analysis. His work examines how different stakeholders (investors, consumers, regulators) use and respond to corporate disclosures. Muhn teaches Financial Accounting in the Evening and Weekend MBA Program at Chicago Booth, where he aims to enable students to 'speak' the language of accounting and understand its economic foundations. His teaching emphasizes practical applications of accounting concepts in business decision-making. His scholarly contributions include publications in top accounting journals such as the Journal of Accounting Research, with recent work focusing on risk disclosures, financial transparency of private firms, consumer use of firm disclosure, and the application of generative AI in financial analysis. His research often combines traditional accounting approaches with innovative methodologies like large-scale field experiments. Muhn has collaborated with prominent scholars including Luzi Hail, David Oesch, Joachim Gassen, and Christian Leuz. His research has practical implications for corporate disclosure practices, regulatory policies, and investor decision-making. He maintains an active research agenda with several working papers in areas including private firm disclosure, generative AI applications in finance, and social disclosure decisions.
Dr. Stephen Barnes is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette , affiliated with the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration and the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center . He serves as the Center's Director and as the independent economist on the Louisiana Revenue Estimating Conference. Education : PhD and MS in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin (2008, 2004), BS in Economics from LSU (2002). Dr. Barnes' research spans public economics, labor economics, health economics, and environmental economics , with a focus on policy implications for Louisiana. His work addresses topics such as: Education-policy interactions and juvenile crime Environmental risk assessment and coastal economics Health insurance coverage and Medicaid Transportation safety and pandemic impacts His publications reflect interdisciplinary collaboration with federal/state agencies and scholars across China, Louisiana, and other states. Notably, his recent work examines: Covid-19 lockdown effects on traffic accidents Flood risk mitigation strategies Medicaid coverage accuracy over time Coastal land loss economics Dr. Barnes actively involves students in research projects at the Blanco Center, which focuses on applied policy research in areas like: Education and poverty Healthcare and environmental policy Governmental ethics and economic opportunity
Niels da Vitoria Lobo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Central Florida. His research spans computational vision, mobile robotics, and user interface design, with a focus on real-world applications including object detection, person tracking, and obstacle avoidance systems. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science – University of Toronto Research Interests: Dr. Lobo’s work in computational vision addresses challenges like integral image-based curve detection and object detection in cluttered environments. He has developed systems for hand and person tracking, automobile lane following, and optical flow integration, alongside exploring graphical modeling for wristband trackers and educational games. Scientific Contributions: UCF Millionaire’s Club (2008) – recognizing significant research contributions Teaching Incentive Program Award (1996) – honoring excellence in academic instruction As an Associate Editor for computer vision journals, he has played a key role in advancing scholarly discourse in artificial intelligence and robotics.
Arlen C. Moller is an Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs in the Department of Psychology at Illinois Institute of Technology since 2013. He leads the Motivation Science and Digital Health Lab , supervising students across multiple degree programs including Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) and Game Design. Education: Ph.D. in Social Psychology (2007) - University of Rochester B.A. in Psychology (2000) - Cornell University His research focuses on digital health interventions that promote physical and mental wellness through motivation science and self-determination theory , particularly examining how digital technologies like wearable monitors, video games, and extended reality can be designed to support intrinsic motivation and behavioral change . This work spans multiple domains including occupational health , human-computer interaction , and game design . Current research trends include: Developing digital tools that balance competition mechanics with psychological needs Understanding social identity influences on health behaviors Examining long-term effects of extrinsic rewards on motivation Implementing self-determination theory in healthcare settings Creating peer-to-peer mental health support systems Optimizing digital behavior change through autonomy support Dr. Moller collaborates with institutions such as the Center for Self-Determination Theory , Society of Behavioral Medicine , and University of Lisbon's PANOS*SR Research Group . His lab team includes three Ph.D. candidates investigating specific applications of their research.
Kathryn E. Spier is the Domenico De Sole Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). She previously held faculty positions at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and Harvard University’s Economics Department. She served as President of the American Law and Economics Association (2015–2016) and has held editorial roles at the RAND Journal of Economics and the American Economic Review. Education: Ph.D. in Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1989 B.A. in Mathematics and Economics, Yale University, 1985 Her research centers on law and economics, with a focus on litigation, contracts, tort law, antitrust, and business organizations. She employs theoretical and experimental methods to analyze settlement bargaining, platform liability, class actions, and product safety. Her work integrates insights from industrial organization and game theory to address legal and regulatory challenges. Recent publications explore the liability of digital platforms, class action waivers, IPO disclosure, and litigation finance. Her articles frequently appear in top journals such as the American Economic Review, RAND Journal of Economics, and Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization. The research demonstrates a consistent focus on incentive design, strategic behavior, and institutional mechanisms in legal contexts. Scientific Awards and Honors: Honorary Doctorate, BI Norwegian Business School, 2023 Garvin Prize in Law & Economics, Berkeley, 2001 National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship, 1985–1988 Sidney J. Levy Teaching Award (twice), Kellogg, 2002 & 2006 Multiple Yale University prizes for academic excellence, 1984–1985 Olin Fellowship, University of Chicago Law School, 1993–1994 She has advised numerous doctoral students and collaborated extensively with scholars such as Albert H. Choi, Claudia M. Landeo, and J.J. Prescott. Her research has been supported by the National Science Foundation and the Searle Foundation. She is actively engaged in academic service, including editorial board memberships and leadership in professional associations. Professor Spier leads research initiatives on platform regulation and civil litigation reform. She teaches courses in analytical methods for lawyers, business strategy, and graduate workshops in contracts and organizations. Her work continues to shape policy debates on liability, antitrust, and consumer protection.
Matteo Mario Pietro Motterlini is a Full Professor of Philosophy of Science at Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan, where he is affiliated with the Faculty of Philosophy. He is the director of the Center for Research in Experimental and Applied Epistemology (CRESA) and the Behavior Change Lab, and collaborates with the Cognitive Neuroscience Center and Division of Neuroscience. He holds teaching responsibilities in Cognitive Economics and Neuroeconomics, and Behavior Change, and serves on the university's academic committee. Università degli Studi di Milano – Philosophy London School of Economics – Economics Carnegie Mellon University – Cognitive Science His research lies at the intersection of philosophy, behavioral economics, and cognitive neuroscience, focusing on human rationality, decision-making processes, emotions, regret, and social learning, particularly in economic and financial contexts. He investigates how behavioral science can inform public policy and improve organizational practices. His work integrates experimental methods with neuroimaging to uncover the neurobiological foundations of judgment and choice. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in applying behavioral and cognitive sciences to societal challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, disinformation, charitable giving, and policy design. His work combines empirical rigor with philosophical depth, exploring topics like the epistemology of nudges, truth perception, and the role of expert endorsement. The integration of neuroscience, psychology, and economics is evident across his research output. Chief Behavioral Officer, E.ON Italia Spa Chief Behavioral Officer, Gruppo San Donato Scientific Advisor, MilanLab (AC Milan) Scientific Advisor, MarketPsych LLC Advisor for Behavioral Finance, Fidelity (Growth, Income & Stability project) Advisor for Social and Behavioral Sciences, Presidency of the Council of Ministers (Italy) He has received no explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text. However, his advisory roles in high-impact public and private institutions reflect recognition of his expertise. His books are international bestsellers, translated into multiple languages, indicating broad scholarly and public influence. Motterlini has been actively involved in public engagement through collaborations with Corriere della Sera, Il Sole 24 Ore, and Il Foglio. He has delivered keynote lectures and participated in public festivals and media appearances, including on Sky TG24. He has advised on financial education (EDUFIN) and participated in events on longevity risk, health, and sustainability. His research is supported by interdisciplinary collaborations and applied projects with industry partners. He leads two major research units: the Center for Research in Experimental and Applied Epistemology (CRESA) and the Behavior Change Lab (also referred to as the E.ON Customer Behavior Lab), which focus on biometric and neuroscientific analysis of behavior. These labs serve as hubs for experimental research in decision-making, nudging, and behavioral interventions in health, finance, and sustainability.
Luann J. Lynch is the Almand R. Coleman Professor of Business Administration at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, where she teaches Accounting in the First Year core MBA program and a Second Year elective in management accounting . With a B.S. from Meredith College , an MBA from Duke University , and a Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of North Carolina , she combines academic rigor with extensive industry experience from roles at Roche Biomedical Laboratories, Northern Telecom, and Procter & Gamble. Recipient of the University of Virginia Alumni Board of Trustees Teaching Award Held the Robert F. Vandell research chair at Darden (2006-2009) Awarded the Glen McLaughlin Prize for Research in Accounting Ethics (2006) Recognized as Outstanding Professor in BusinessWeek 's Guide to the Best Business Schools Her research focuses on incentive and compensation system design , particularly analyzing how these structures influence organizational behavior. Key areas include stock options , post-merger compensation , and the impact of financial reporting and regulation on incentive systems . She has published extensively in top-tier journals such as The Accounting Review , Journal of Financial Economics , and Review of Accounting Studies . Lynch served as associate dean for intellectual capital at Darden (2005-2008) and taught at the Wharton School during the 2004–05 academic year.
