Panos N. Patatoukas is a Professor and the L.H. Penney Chair in Accounting at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business. He serves as Co-Faculty Director for Sustainable & Impact Finance and Faculty Director at the Center for Financial Reporting & Management. PhD, MPhil, MA - Yale University MSc - London School of Economics (with distinction) BA - Athens University of Economics & Business (valedictorian) His research bridges accounting, corporate finance, law, and economics with focus areas: Corporate financial reporting and valuation ESG sustainability measurement and investing Cross-industry economic linkages Firm/macroeconomic performance measurement Nowcasting using financial + environmental data Research trends show increasing focus on climate finance, big data applications, and ESG investing. His work on satellite imagery analysis and carbon emission valuation has gained significant media attention. Scientific recognition includes: AAA/AICPA Notable Contributions (2017, 2019) UC Berkeley Distinguished Teaching Award (2018) Earl F. Cheit Outstanding Teaching Awards (2012-2022) Fortune Magazine Top-10 Under 40 Professor As an educator, he has directed Berkeley ExecEd programs on financial data analysis and corporate finance for lawyers, while maintaining active collaborations with organizations across sectors through executive education and consulting engagements.
John Biggins is Professor of Soft-Matter Engineering and University Associate Professor in Applied Mechanics within the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. He serves as a Fellow, Director of Studies in Engineering, and Tutor at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he also completed his undergraduate physics studies. His educational journey includes undergraduate studies in Physics at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, followed by a PhD conducted jointly between Corpus and Caltech. After winning the prestigious 1851 post-doctoral research fellowship, he conducted research at Harvard before returning to Cambridge as a Trinity Hall Research Fellow and Cavendish Laboratory lecturer. Professor Biggins' research focuses on the theoretical mechanics of soft solids—including rubber, skin, muscle, and jelly—with particular emphasis on mechanical instabilities such as buckling, wrinkling, and folding. He is a leading expert in liquid-crystal elastomers as artificial muscles, and has made significant contributions to embryology (notably explaining brain folding via buckling instability), plasmonics, and chain mechanics (famously demystifying the chain fountain phenomenon through his widely viewed YouTube video). His work bridges fundamental mechanics with practical applications in soft robotics and biomedical engineering. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals three dominant research thrusts: (1) Advanced liquid crystal elastomer systems for programmable shape-morphing and light-driven actuation in soft robotics; (2) Plasmonic properties of magnesium nanostructures with applications in catalysis and sensing; and (3) Fundamental mechanics of instabilities in thin shells and active materials. His work increasingly integrates machine learning for material design and demonstrates consistent innovation in connecting theoretical models with experimental fabrication. His scientific recognition includes: Future Leaders Fellowship (UKRI) Professor Biggins secured the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to establish a new laboratory dedicated to fabricating liquid crystal elastomers and developing soft machines. While specific student names aren't publicly listed, his role as Director of Studies in Engineering involves mentoring undergraduate engineering students at Corpus Christi College. His grant portfolio centers on the Future Leaders Fellowship, which funds the development of soft machines for biomedical applications. He is currently establishing a research laboratory focused on liquid crystal elastomer fabrication and soft machine development, with particular emphasis on light-activated actuation systems and biomedical applications. This lab will integrate theoretical modeling, material synthesis, and device prototyping to advance the field of programmable soft matter.
David J. Reibstein serves as the William S. Woodside Professor of Marketing at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, where he also previously held the position of Vice Dean. His academic career spans decades with appointments at Harvard and INSEAD, establishing him as a global authority in marketing strategy and brand management. Professor Reibstein earned his PhD from Purdue University and holds BS/BA degrees from the University of Kansas. His scholarly journey includes extensive consulting with major corporations including Google, Verizon, Shell Oil, Intel, Genentech, and Novartis, along with notable expert testimony in high-profile cases like Apple vs Samsung. His research focuses on brand equity measurement, nation branding frameworks, and the critical linkage between marketing metrics and financial outcomes. Reibstein pioneered the Wharton Consumer Cryptocurrency Confidence Index (c3i) and developed influential frameworks for corporate sociopolitical activism. His work examines how nations position themselves globally through initiatives like the U.S. News Best Countries rankings. Analysis of his recent publications reveals an evolving research trajectory toward integrating emerging technologies with traditional marketing frameworks, particularly examining generative AI's role in business research and the metaverse's impact on brand experiences. His scholarship increasingly addresses societal challenges through corporate responsibility lenses while maintaining rigorous financial performance connections. Global Retail Brand Research Fellow (2025) Lifetime Achievement Award, Woxsen University (2025) Marshall Blume Prizes in Financial Research (2017) Over 30 teaching awards including multiple Wharton Teaching Excellence Awards John S. Day Distinguished Alumni Academic Service Award Named 'Most Favorite Business School Professor' by Fortune magazine Professor Reibstein actively advises major organizations as chairman of Responsible Research in Business & Management (RRBM), former chairman of the American Marketing Association, and executive director of the Marketing Science Institute. He serves on the advisory board of the Center of Environmental Intelligence and consults extensively with global corporations. His executive education programs at Wharton focus on translating complex marketing analytics into actionable business strategies, with particular emphasis on crisis management frameworks developed during the pandemic. Through initiatives like the 'Measured Thoughts' CEO interview series and 'Managing Through a Pandemic' video collection, Reibstein bridges academic research with practical business leadership challenges, maintaining direct engagement with C-suite executives across multiple industries.
Associate Professor Hayri Abar is affiliated with Gaziantep University , Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Economics and Department of Economic History. His career spans institutions including Atatürk University and University of Gent (post-doctoral 2024). Active in Quantitative Decision Methods , Data Analytics , and Heuristic Techniques , he integrates econometric rigor with real-world policy applications. Doctorate in Econometrics (Atatürk University, 2014) Master’s in Economic Theory (Atatürk University, 2011) Bachelor’s in Statistics & Computer Sciences (Karadeniz Technical University, 2007) Post-Doctoral Research (University of Gent, 2024) Abar’s research bridges financial econometrics and public health economics , with recent work applying Multivariate Probit models to mental health policy and machine learning to stock price forecasting. His 20 articles emphasize Turkey case studies in tobacco consumption, migration patterns, and energy economics. Key trends: Integration of LSTM/ML with traditional econometric models Focus on regional disparities in health and economic outcomes Policy-oriented spatial econometrics applications Analysis of ICT adoption and housing demand determinants Advising spans PhD and Master’s theses on topics like health expenditures, stock market volatility, and gender-based violence. Projects include technology-enhanced econometrics education and regional migration studies under national funding.
Catherine COMBES is an Assistant Professor at the University Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne , affiliated with the Laboratoire Hubert Curien UMR CNRS 5516 and its Machine Learning Team . Her research bridges Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare Systems through applications of Data Mining , Complex Data Analysis , and Probabilistic Modeling . PhD in Computer Science (1994, University of Clermont-Ferrand) Specializes in Amoroso family distributions for financial and healthcare data Her work spans Deep Learning for elderly autonomy modeling, Network-on-Chip optimization, and Operational Research in surgical scheduling. Publications include 15+ journal and conference contributions since 2000, with a 2006 best paper award in healthcare engineering. Scientific Contributions: Developed Generalized Extreme Value models for surgical durations Created UML-statechart tools for dialysis unit simulation Integrated constraint programming for endoscopy scheduling Advanced Markov Chain applications in geriatric care Current affiliations include Laboratoire Hubert Curien , where she applies 4th-parameter Generalized Gamma Distributions to stock returns and medical data.
Nelson Areal is an Associate Professor of Finance at the Department of Management, School of Economics and Management, University of Minho. His academic journey includes roles as Assistant Professor (2006-2015) and Assistant Lecturer (1994-2006) at the same institution. Prior to academia, he worked as an Information Systems Auditor at Ernst & Young (1992-1994). PhD in Accounting and Finance from Lancaster University (2006) MSc in Business Administration (Corporate Finance specialization) from University of Minho (1998) BSc in Management from University of Minho (1992) His research focuses on risk measurement and forecasting , option valuation using numerical methods , performance measurement , and socially responsible investments . Recent publications show expertise in social media sentiment analysis for market prediction, innovation impact on sales , and dividend-adjusted options pricing . He has received multiple research grants from FCT and Universidade do Algarve. Peer review activities span journals like Expert Systems with Applications , The European Journal of Finance , and Journal of Business Ethics , with particular focus on computational finance, behavioral economics, and educational technology evaluation.
Steven Neil Kaplan is the Neubauer Family Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Faculty Director at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He has been a faculty member since 1988. Education: AB, summa cum laude in Applied Mathematics and Economics from Harvard College PhD in Business Economics from Harvard University Research Focus: Private equity benchmarking (co-developer of the Kaplan-Schoar PME method), venture capital decision-making, corporate governance mechanisms, CEO compensation dynamics, and behavioral finance. His work examines how private equity funds perform, the role of executive characteristics in hiring, and pandemic impacts on capital markets. Scientific Recognition: Elected to the Society of Fellows of the American Finance Association (2025) Smith Breeden Prize for outstanding paper (1998) Markowitz Award for best JOIM paper (2016) Addison-Wesley Prize for top financial research (2002-2004) Notable Contributions: Co-founded Booth's entrepreneurship program and New Venture Challenge business competition, which produced successful startups like GrubHub and Braintree. His recent working papers analyze CEO market dynamics, private debt structures, and pandemic-era investment behaviors.
Anja Braun is a Professor at Reutlingen University in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management. Her work focuses on Circular Economy , Material Efficiency , and Industry 4.0 integration in production systems. She leads research initiatives like accelerateKI and collaborates with Fraunhofer IPA and SMEs. Professor of Production Management (since 2017) PhD (Dr.-Ing.) in Industrial Engineering, University of Stuttgart (2016) Founder of a startup Former lecturer at Reutlingen University Project manager at Fraunhofer IPA International Reporting specialist at PERI GmbH Her research bridges Artificial Intelligence with sustainable manufacturing, creating frameworks for circular supply chains, material efficiency, and collaborative business models. Recent work includes developing learning modules for circular economy education and AI-driven product return process optimization. Key trends in her 15 most recent publications (2020-2024) show a focus on machine learning applications , digital twins , and interconnected value creation systems . These works address challenges in SME contexts, workforce integration, and technology adoption for sustainable production. She actively develops Industry 4.0 roadmaps and co-creates material efficiency strategies through projects like Werk150's Circular Production Systems and 5G-based solutions for SMEs. Her lab work emphasizes human-robot collaboration and data-driven optimization in manufacturing environments.
Scott Beyer is a Professor in the Department of Finance and Business Law at the College of Business, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Missouri Columbia (2003), an MBA (1998), MA (1997) from Western Illinois University, and a BS in Finance from the University of Wisconsin Madison (1995). Ph.D., University of Missouri Columbia, 2003 MBA, Western Illinois University, 1998 MA, Western Illinois University, 1997 BS, University of Wisconsin Madison, 1995 His research focuses on political and economic policy impacts on financial markets, market anomalies like the turn-of-the-year effect, regulatory compliance (e.g., Dodd-Frank Act), behavioral finance, and derivative market indicators. He explores how elections, monetary policy, and geopolitical events influence investor sentiment and asset pricing. Scott Beyer's recent publications analyze international financial dynamics, including idiosyncratic risk, momentum strategies, and foreign exchange exposure. His work bridges empirical finance with policy analysis, emphasizing practical implications for portfolio management and risk mitigation. Edward M. Penson Faculty Award (2021) Beta Gamma Sigma Professor of the Year (2020) Emerald Literati Outstanding Reviewer Award (2019) He actively contributes to academic service as a referee, curriculum advisor, and committee member at the College of Business, while mentoring through programs like MBA Orientation Day and undergraduate/graduate banquets.
Dr. Yu "April" Chen is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Louisiana State University (LSU), specializing in higher education research with a focus on community college transfer students, STEM success for underrepresented populations, and international student experiences. Her work employs advanced statistical and qualitative methodologies to address critical equity issues in postsecondary education. Bachelor's: Pedagogy, Beijing Normal University (2005) Master's: Educational Sociology, Beijing Normal University (2008) PhD: Educational Leadership (Higher Education) with Statistics minor, Iowa State University (2014) Dr. Chen's research examines: Community college transfer pathways and post-transfer outcomes STEM equity through predictive analytics and advising interventions International student dynamics in US higher education Social capital formation in student success Her scholarship appears in leading journals including Research in Higher Education , Community College Review , and Journal of College Student Retention . She actively presents at major conferences like AERA, ASHE, and CSCC, with over 40 presentations to date. Scientific honors include: LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award (2020) Dr. Chen has secured over $5 million in grant funding, including: EIR Grant ($3,997,292) - Co-PI NSF CS for All Grant ($1M) - Co-PI LSU internal grants for transfer student success ($5k-$5M)
Marcus Braga Alves serves as Professor of Finance in the Department of Finance and Economics at Pace University's Lubin School of Business, maintaining his office at W 420A, One Pace Plaza in New York City. His academic career builds upon extensive professional experience in emerging markets finance. His educational foundation includes: PhD in Finance from the University of Pittsburgh MBA in Financial Management from Pace University Dr. Braga Alves' research program centers on investment management, corporate finance, and international finance, with distinctive focus on capital market development in emerging economies. His investigations address critical challenges faced by market participants in deregulated global environments, particularly drawing from Brazil's financial evolution. This specialization stems from his pre-academic career promoting agricultural derivatives for price risk management among Brazilian farmers during market liberalization. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2011-2022) reveals three dominant research trajectories: market microstructure studies examining dark pools and short-selling mechanics; corporate governance analyses of CEO power dynamics and board structures; and international finance investigations into political risk, ESG factors, and emerging market IPOs. His work consistently leverages Brazilian market data, creating a unique scholarly bridge between developed and emerging financial systems. Dr. Braga Alves actively contributes to academic discourse through service as an ad hoc journal reviewer and participation in program committees for the Financial Management Association and Eastern Finance Association annual meetings.
Emilia Gabroveanu serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Finance, Credit, Accounting at Romanian-American University, teaching core courses including Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Financial Control and Audit across bachelor's and master's programs. Her academic foundation includes a PhD in Accounting from Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest (2004) and undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Accounting, Academy of Economic Studies of the Republic of Moldova (1998). Research Profile: Her scholarly work bridges financial accounting theory with practical applications in tourism economics and sustainable development. Recent publications analyze Bucharest's tourism labor force structure (2025), crisis-era hospitality cost management (2023), and intangible asset valuation in knowledge-based organizations. Her research consistently examines Romanian economic contexts while contributing to international accounting discourse through 25+ scientific papers and 6 books. Professional Engagement: Active in key industry bodies including CECCAR (Body of Certified Accountants), National Union of Insolvency Practitioners, and Romanian Scientific Management Society (SSMAR). Her 6 research projects demonstrate applied expertise in financial analysis and accounting systems, though specific grant details remain undocumented. Practical business management experience gained in private sector complements her academic contributions to accounting education and professional practice. Active member, Body of Certified Accountants and Authorized Accountants of Romania (CECCAR) Member, National Union of Insolvency Practitioners Member, Romanian Scientific Management Society (SSMAR) Member, Romanian Distribution Committee (CRD)
Brad Cannon is an Assistant Professor of Finance at Binghamton University's School of Management, where he conducts research at the intersection of behavioral finance and household finance. His scholarly work has been published in leading finance journals including the Review of Finance and Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis. Dr. Cannon's educational background includes: BS and MS from Utah State University PhD in Finance from The Ohio State University His research spans multiple critical areas within finance: Behavioral aspects of investor decision-making and market anomalies Household financial behavior influenced by social networks Corporate finance decisions affected by peer firm valuations The impact of banking regulations on small business credit Executive characteristics and leadership outcomes Dr. Cannon's publication record reveals a consistent focus on how psychological factors shape financial markets. His research on return extrapolation demonstrates how dividend-paying stocks exhibit different behavioral patterns than non-dividend-paying stocks. The work on social capital using Facebook data established Economic Connectedness as a key predictor of financial market participation. His banking deregulation research challenges conventional wisdom by showing decreased small business lending following interstate branching deregulation. These contributions collectively advance our understanding of financial decision-making across multiple market participants. At Binghamton University, Dr. Cannon teaches courses in Investments, Financial Technology, and Behavioral Finance, helping students understand both theoretical frameworks and practical applications in modern finance.
Dr Clare Leong serves as a Wellcome Clinical PhD Fellow at the THIS Institute, University of Cambridge, while concurrently training as a specialist registrar in infectious diseases at Addenbrooke's Hospital. Her dual role bridges cutting-edge health services research with frontline clinical practice, focusing on systemic improvements in medical guideline implementation and pandemic response strategies. Academic Background: MB BChir (top of class), University of Cambridge (2014) BA (Hons) 1st Class in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Cambridge Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Leong's research investigates how generalist physicians maintain clinical guideline adherence through dynamic healthcare landscapes. Her work uniquely intersects infectious disease management, tropical medicine, and ethical frameworks for end-of-life care, emphasizing practical solutions for resource-constrained environments. Current projects examine digital transformation in medical education and pandemic resilience strategies. Analysis of her 12 recent publications (2019-2024) reveals three dominant research trajectories: 1) Pandemic response systems (SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics, genomic surveillance, mortality scoring), 2) Travel and migrant health (eosinophilia, skin infections in returning travelers), and 3) End-of-life care implementation (NICE guidelines, resource cataloging). These threads consistently address implementation gaps in clinical practice through mixed-methods approaches. Recognition: Wellcome Clinical PhD Fellowship (2023) Funded by her Wellcome Trust award, Leong leads collaborative projects between Cambridge's THIS Institute and Addenbrooke's Hospital. Her work directly informs national health policy through NICE guideline implementation studies and pandemic response frameworks, with recent focus on adapting medical education through virtual platforms during crises. She actively contributes to tropical medicine protocols for migrant populations through Liverpool School collaborations. Embedded within the THIS Institute's healthcare improvement ecosystem, Leong co-develops tools for guideline dissemination while maintaining clinical duties at Addenbrooke's. Her research group partners with Public Health England on outbreak investigation protocols and with Cambridge's Department of Public Health on digital health interventions.
Kory Zimney is an Associate Professor at the University of South Dakota in the School of Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy. He also serves as the Program Director of the PhD in Health Sciences program and is a Senior Faculty member with Evidence in Motion (EIM). His affiliations include the Therapeutic Neuroscience Research Group and the USD Center for Brain and Behavior Research, where he focuses on pain neuroscience education, therapeutic alliance, and evidence-based practice for orthopedic injuries of the spine and extremities. His career spans clinical practice, research, and education, with prior experience in community-based hospitals across inpatient, outpatient, and rehabilitation settings. PhD in Physical Therapy, Nova Southeastern University, 2020 Post-Professional Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT), Des Moines University, 2010 Master of Science (MS) in Physical Therapy, University of North Dakota, 1994 Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physical Therapy, University of North Dakota, 1993 Dr. Zimney’s research centers on pain neuroscience education (PNE) and therapeutic alliance , exploring how patient trust, body representation, and pain education impact clinical outcomes. His work includes studies on PNE for chronic low back pain, dual-task assessments in sports rehabilitation, and the use of virtual reality (VR) to enhance pain management strategies. He has also contributed to interdisciplinary education initiatives addressing social determinants of health and cultural humility in physical therapy. Recent articles highlight his exploration of VR for musculoskeletal conditions, PNE in elementary and middle schools, and the role of trust in therapeutic outcomes. His research trends span neuroscience , orthopedic rehabilitation , and healthcare leadership , with a focus on translating evidence into clinical practice. Lucy Blair Service Award, American Physical Therapy Association, 2025 Distinguished Manuscript Reviewer, Physical Therapy Journal, 2023 Designer, School of Health Sciences IHEC, 2019 Outstanding Reviewer, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2018 Outstanding Service Award, Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, 2017 USD School of Health Sciences Faculty Research Achievement, 2017 The Harry E. Settles Contributor of the Year Award, 2013 Dr. Zimney has secured grants from the National Science Foundation , South Dakota Community Foundation , and Iowa Physical Therapy Foundation for projects involving VR applications , therapeutic alliance , and musculoskeletal research . He collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and institutions, including the Therapeutic Neuroscience Research Group and CBBRe (Center for Brain and Behavior Research), advancing pain education and rehabilitation technologies.
