Panos Ipeirotis is a Professor at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University, affiliated with the Department of Technology, Operations, and Statistics. He also serves as the George A. Kellner Faculty Fellow and is associated with the Center for Data Science and Computer Science departments at NYU. PhD in Computer Science (Columbia University, 2004) MSc in Computer Science (Columbia University, 2001) BSc in Computer Engineering & Informatics (University of Patras, 1999) His research spans crowdsourcing, machine learning, human-AI collaboration, online labor markets, and social media analytics. He pioneered human-machine loop systems that combine human and machine intelligence to achieve superior outcomes. His work has applications in data quality assurance, visual media search (e.g., Google Project Glass), and economic valuation of user-generated content. Recent publications focus on algorithmic fairness in hiring systems, occupational segregation analysis, and theoretical advancements in crowdsourcing consensus mechanisms. Earlier work includes foundational studies on data quality in crowdsourcing platforms, economic impacts of product reviews, and query optimization for text-centric tasks. 2015 Lagrange Prize in Complex Systems NSF CAREER Award SIGKDD Test of Time Award (2020) Multiple Best Paper awards (WWW 2011, KDD 2008, SIGMOD 2006) He has received significant grants, including a $1.5 million Google Research Grant (2013) for integrating crowdsourcing with machine learning algorithms. His work bridges computer science, economics, and social psychology, with implications for policy-making and business strategy.
Mohammad Saifur Rahman is the Daniels School Chair in Management and a Professor of Management Information Systems at the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue University. Previously, he was an Associate Professor at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary. His academic journey includes significant leadership roles such as co-chairing the Conference on Information Systems and Technology (CIST) in 2013 and serving as president of the INFORMS eBusiness Society in 2014. Currently, he serves as an associate editor for both Management Science and Information Systems Research (ISR). Ph.D. in Management Information Systems, Krannert School of Management, Purdue University (2008) MBA in Management Information Systems, Southern Illinois University (2004) BS in Computer Science, Southern Illinois University (2002) Rahman's research primarily focuses on the economic implications of digital transformations. His work examines how digitization affects consumer behavior, market structures, and business strategies across various industries. He investigates the value of digital traces in driving consumer behavior and improving decision-making, particularly in omnichannel retail environments. His research on the sharing economy has revealed important insights about economic disparities, showing how platforms like Airbnb provide economic benefits to predominantly white neighborhoods while failing to generate similar spillover effects in predominantly Black or Hispanic neighborhoods. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on the intersection of technology, economics, and social impact. Rahman's work frequently examines how local market structures interact with digital platforms to create or exacerbate economic inequalities. His research spans multiple disciplines including information systems, economics, marketing, and operations management, with a particular emphasis on empirical studies using real-world data from major companies like Walmart and Cisco. CICP Faculty Commercialization Award (2020) INFORMS Sandy Slaughter Early Career Award (2018) World's Top 40 Business School Professors Under 40 by Poets and Quants (2017) Jay N. Ross Young Faculty Scholar Award (2015) Dean's Award for Outstanding Research Achievement (University of Calgary, 2014) Rahman has secured substantial research funding from organizations including Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Adobe Systems ($50,000 grants in 2017 and 2020), Trask Innovation Fund ($21,218), and NSF I-Corps ($50,000). He has advised numerous PhD students and collaborated with industry partners to translate research into practical applications. Rahman co-founded RightFit Analytics, a precision health analytics solution that utilizes AI to learn success patterns in healthcare. He has organized significant academic events including the Krannert-Walmart Data Dive (believed to be the first data dive on a college campus) and the Dawn or Doom Data Dive in cooperation with Cisco. Rahman actively engages with industry through consulting and collaborative research projects. His work with Walmart, Cisco, and other major corporations demonstrates his ability to bridge academic research with practical business applications. He has been particularly active in studying how AI and big data analytics can be leveraged to improve business decision-making while addressing potential negative consequences like algorithmic bias and economic inequality.
Subodha Kumar is the Paul R. Anderson Distinguished Chair Professor of Statistics, Operations, and Data Science at Temple University’s Fox School of Business. He serves as the Founding Director of the Center for Business Analytics and Disruptive Technologies and has a secondary appointment in Information Systems. His roles include Ph.D. Program Concentration Director for Operations and Supply Chain Management. With over 240 publications, he ranks #1 globally in Information Systems Research publishing and holds a robotics patent. His research focuses on AI, blockchain, healthcare analytics, and cybersecurity, with notable contributions to digital transformation and operations management. Awards include the INFORMS ISS Distinguished Fellow and POMS Fellow. He advises major journals like Production and Operations Management and organizes conferences like POMS 2018. Media mentions span NYT, WSJ, and CBS. Education: University of Washington faculty Texas A&M University faculty Research Interests: Dr. Kumar explores AI applications, blockchain in fintech, healthcare system optimization, and supply chain analytics. He investigates cybersecurity’s operational impacts and data mining strategies. His work bridges theory and practice, addressing challenges in digital transformation and platform economies. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes digital platforms (e.g., blockchain adoption, telemedicine impact), organizational behavior (real-time feedback systems), and healthcare operations (personalized treatment algorithms). He frequently collaborates internationally, with studies appearing in Management Science, Information Systems Research, and Decision Sciences. Awards & Recognition: Changjiang Scholars Chair (China) ISB Visiting Professorship POMS Executive Editor Grants & Labs: Secured NIH grants for health analytics projects. Leads Temple’s analytics center fostering industry partnerships. Active in editorial roles (e.g., Production and Operations Management Journal Deputy Editor). Teaching: Offers courses in data science, optimization methods, and innovation entrepreneurship at graduate/undergraduate levels.
Eva Ascarza is a Professor of Business Administration in the Marketing Unit at Harvard Business School (HBS) . She co-founded the Customer Intelligence Lab at HBS's D 3 Institute, focusing on responsible and effective customer data utilization. Research Interests include: Customer retention and churn analysis Algorithmic bias in marketing AI Field experimentation (A/B testing) for targeting optimization Customer lifetime value (CLV) modeling Dynamic personalization strategies Scientific Awards and Recognitions: 2023 Weitz-Winer-O'Dell Award (winner) 2022 Paul E. Green Award (PNAS publication) 2020 Marketing Science Institute (MSI) Scholar 2019 Erin Anderson Award for Emerging Female Scholar 2018 Paul E. Green Award (JMR publication) 2014 Frank M. Bass Outstanding Dissertation Award Her articles demonstrate cutting-edge applications of statistical modeling , Bayesian methods , and fair AI frameworks in modern marketing challenges.
Meng Li is a Professor and the Endowed C. T. Bauer Chair of AI at the C. T. Bauer College of Business, University of Houston. He also serves as the founding Director of the Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute and the SCM PhD coordinator, highlighting his leadership in AI and operations research. His research centers on human-centered AI , managerial behavior , and human-algorithm interaction , with applications in supply chain management, operations, and strategic decision-making. His work explores cognitive biases, behavioral operations, and the integration of AI in business contexts. The 15 most recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on behavioral aspects of operations management, particularly overconfidence, regret, and trust in AI systems. The research spans journals such as Management Science , Production and Operations Management , and Strategic Management Journal , indicating interdisciplinary impact across operations, strategy, and information systems. Scientific Awards and Honors: The President’s Circle Awards, University of Houston, 2025 Energy Transition Institute Award ($62.5K), 2024 John Aure Buesseler Distinguished Lectureship, Texas Tech, 2024 Shell Sustainability Research Grant ($100K), 2022 Management Science Distinguished Service Award, 2022 Rutgers Research Council Award, 2020 Finalist for INFORMS Best Service Science Paper Award, 2019 Meng Li advises PhD students as SCM PhD coordinator and leads major research initiatives through the Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute . His work is supported by grants from Shell, HPE, and NIST. He serves as Department Editor for Journal of Operations Management and Decision Sciences Journal , and Senior Editor for Production and Operations Management , and has guest-edited AI-focused special issues in top journals. He is actively building interdisciplinary teams at the intersection of AI, operations, and behavioral science, fostering collaborations across business, engineering, and health domains.
Alok Gupta holds the Curtis L. Carlson Chair in Information Management at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota . He is a Professor in the Department of Information and Decision Sciences , with a career spanning over 25 years. From 2006–2014, he served as Department Chair, and as Senior Associate Dean of Faculty, Research and Administration until 2024. Education: BS, Mining Engineering (1988), Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University MS, Mine Electrical Systems (1991), Pennsylvania State University PhD, Management Science and Information Systems (1996), University of Texas-Austin His research focuses on Economic Engineering of systems , emphasizing participant incentives in transactional systems such as the Internet, real-time databases, B2B systems, e-commerce, and Human-AI collaboration. He has published over 90 journal articles, including 50+ in premier journals like Management Science , Information Systems Research , and MIS Quarterly . Recent publications highlight trends in experimental economics , online auctions , information feedback mechanisms , and smart market design . His work bridges information systems , economic modeling , and artificial intelligence . Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2001) INFORMS ISS Design Science Award (2012, 2011) INFORMS ISS President’s Service Award (2021) INFORMS ISS Practical Impacts Award (2021) AIS Impact Award (2020) AIS Fellow (2016) INFORMS ISS Distinguished Fellow (2014) AIS LEO Award (2021) INFORMS Fellow (2024) He has served as Publisher of MIS Quarterly (2005–present), Editor-in-Chief of Information Systems Research (2017–2022), and in editorial roles for Management Science , ISR , and Journal of MIS . His teaching spans Human-AI collaboration , computer networking, electronic commerce, and decision support at all academic levels.
Kusum L. Ailawadi is the Charles Jordan 1911 TU'12 Professor of Marketing at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. She has established herself as a leading expert in marketing channel strategy, brand equity, and multi-channel distribution systems. Her research examines the strategic interaction and distribution of power between manufacturers and their distribution channel partners, with particular focus on how store brands, promotions, and brand equity affect performance. Education: PhD, University of Virginia, 1991 MBA, Indian Institute of Management, 1984 BSc (Honors), St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, 1982 Professor Ailawadi's research spans two primary streams: the first focuses on manufacturer-retailer relationships and channel strategy, examining how power dynamics affect brand performance; the second investigates how marketing actions influence consumers' health status and the nutritional quality of grocery shopping. She has pioneered research showing how warehouse club shopping affects consumer behavior, revealing that club store shoppers spend more, shop more frequently, and consume more calories than non-club shoppers. Her work on multi-channel distribution has been synthesized in her influential 2020 book Getting Multi-Channel Distribution Right , which provides practical guidance for managing brands across physical and digital channels. Her extensive publication record in top marketing journals like Journal of Marketing , Journal of Marketing Research , and Marketing Science demonstrates consistent scholarly impact. Analysis of her recent work shows a strong focus on the evolving retail landscape, with particular attention to private label brands, multi-channel strategies, and the behavioral economics of consumer shopping patterns. Her research increasingly bridges marketing theory with practical applications in retail strategy and consumer health. Notable Awards: Winner, Paul H. Root Award for Significant Contribution to the Advancement of the Practice of Marketing (2018) Distinguished Alumni Award, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (2020) Winner, John D.C. Little Best Paper Award, Marketing Science (2005) Winner, First William Davidson Award for Best Contribution to Theory and Practice in Retail Marketing (1997) Multiple finalist positions for Paul E. Green Award across various years Professor Ailawadi serves as president of the INFORMS Society for Marketing Science and has held editorial positions at major marketing journals including Journal of Marketing , Journal of Marketing Research , and Marketing Science . She teaches the highly regarded MBA elective on Multi-Channel Routes to Market and has consulted with companies across consumer goods, retailing, consulting, and financial services sectors. Her expertise has also been sought in legal cases related to distribution, brand equity, and promotions, where she has served as both consulting and testifying expert. Her research has been widely covered in media outlets including Harvard Business Review , Wall Street Journal , Forbes , and Advertising Age , demonstrating the practical relevance of her academic work. Her TEDx talk 'Outsmarting the Marketers' further illustrates her ability to translate complex marketing concepts for broader audiences.
Akshay R. Rao is a Professor and General Mills Chair in Marketing at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management . He holds a PhD in Marketing from Virginia Tech and has served as founding Director of the Institute for Research in Marketing (2005-2010) and Chairman of the Marketing & Logistics Management Department (2003-2006). Rao has also held visiting positions at MIT and Hong Kong University of Science & Technology. Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Honors), Madras University (1978) Master of Business Administration in Marketing, XLRI - Xavier School of Management (1980) Doctor of Philosophy in Marketing, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (1986) Rao's research spans consumer behavior, pricing strategy, brand management , and political marketplace segmentation , with recent work examining vaccine hesitancy , political ideology effects on consumer behavior , and fake news dynamics . His work appears in top journals including Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Marketing , and Harvard Business Review , covering topics from neuromarketing to information economics . Scientific recognition includes: Robert Ferber Award (1987) Harold Maynard Award (2000) Distinguished Alumnus, XLRI (2011) He has testified before the Federal Trade Commission and served on editorial boards of Journal of Consumer Research and Journal of Marketing . Beyond academia, Rao consults for global firms like 3M and Medtronic, and has conducted the Minnesota Orchestra twice in 2024-2025.
Kimberly A. Whitler serves as the Frank M. Sands Sr. Associate Professor of Business Administration at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. With nearly 20 years of industry experience in general management, strategy, and marketing roles within CPG and retailing sectors, she brings practical expertise to her academic work. Her career includes significant positions at Procter & Gamble, Aurora Foods, David's Bridal, and PetSmart, where she helped build $1B+ brands including Tide, Bounce, Downy and Zest. Dr. Whitler's educational background includes: B.A. in psychology and business administration from Eureka College MBA from the University of Arizona, Eller School of Business M.S. and Ph.D. from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business Whitler is an authority on marketing strategy, brand management, and marketing performance, with particular expertise in understanding how a firm's marketing performance is affected by its C-suite and board. Her research focuses on C-level marketing management challenges, digital marketing transformation, employer branding, and the emerging field of athlete branding through NIL (Name, Image & Likeness). She has authored over 350 articles as a Forbes senior contributor and published in top journals including Harvard Business Review, Journal of Marketing, and Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science. Her award-winning publications demonstrate a consistent progression from traditional brand management topics toward more strategic considerations of marketing's role at the executive and board levels. Recent work examines digital transformation, brand purpose, and the evolving CMO role, reflecting her deep understanding of how marketing strategy intersects with organizational leadership. Whitler has received numerous professional accolades: Ranked as a Top Influencer of CMOs Named Favorite Professor of Top MBA Students in Poets and Quants Winner of Darden's Morton Award in 2018 and 2021 Finalist for Journal of Marketing's 2018 MSI/Paul H. Root Award Winner of 2017 Robert D. Buzzell Best Paper award Winner of 2020 Sheth Foundation Award As an active consultant and speaker, Whitler has worked with numerous C-level organizations including Coca-Cola, McDonald's, U.S. Department of Defense, and Gartner. She has been cited over 3,600 times in major media outlets including Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Bloomberg, establishing herself as a leading voice in marketing strategy. Her industry experience informs her teaching and research, creating a valuable bridge between academic theory and practical application. Whitler leads research initiatives focused on marketing leadership and brand strategy, often collaborating with industry partners to ensure practical relevance of her work. Her recent projects include examining the impact of marketers on corporate boards and developing frameworks for effective marketing technology implementation, positioning her at the forefront of strategic marketing research.
Heitor Pellegrina is an Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Notre Dame, specializing in trade and development economics with a particular focus on agriculture and environmental resources. He is affiliated with the Building Inclusive Growth (BIG) Lab and became a Kellogg faculty fellow in 2023. Prior to joining Notre Dame, Pellegrina spent six years as an assistant professor at New York University Abu Dhabi, where he coordinated DevLab seminars from 2021-2023 and co-organized the conference "The End of Globalization" in 2022. His research spans multiple countries including Brazil, India, Colombia, and parts of Africa, examining the intersection of trade policies, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Pellegrina holds a PhD in economics from Brown University (2017) and both bachelor's and master's degrees in economics from the University of São Paulo, Brazil (2009 and 2011 respectively). His research program addresses critical questions at the intersection of international trade, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability. Recent work examines how weather shocks affect farm size distribution, the relationship between economic development and greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, and the global impacts of trade policies on deforestation patterns. His publications appear in top journals including the Journal of Political Economy, Journal of Development Economics, and Journal of International Economics. PhD, Brown University, 2017 M.Sc., University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2011 B.Sc., University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2009 Pellegrina teaches undergraduate courses in Economic Growth and graduate courses in Quantitative International Trade and Development Economics. His research methodology combines empirical analysis of large datasets with theoretical modeling to address questions of economic development and trade policy. He has organized academic events including the Development Economics Working Group at Notre Dame and previously coordinated DevLab seminars at NYU Abu Dhabi.
Aspy P. Palia is a Professor of Marketing at the Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaii at Manoa. He has held academic roles since 1984, including visiting professorships at institutions such as Singapore Management University, Chulalongkorn University, and the National University of Singapore. His research focuses on Marketing Decision Support Systems, Countertrade in Asia-Pacific, and experiential learning methodologies. He has published extensively in journals like European Journal of Marketing and Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning , with a recent emphasis on virtual scaffolding and engagement in educational simulations. His work has earned multiple best paper awards and nominations. Dr. Palia's education includes a DBA in International Business from Kent State University (1985), an MBA from the University of Hawaii (1976), and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bangalore (1966). His teaching spans global institutions, emphasizing strategic marketing and decision-making tools. Notable awards include the 2017 Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2011 Fellowship from the Association for Business Simulations and Experiential Learning. His research contributions bridge theoretical marketing frameworks with practical applications, particularly in leveraging technology for pedagogical innovation. Collaborations with organizations like the Japan America Institute of Management Science further underscore his engagement with global academic networks.
Robert W. Brown serves as President, CEO, and COO of the University of West Los Angeles (UWLA), leading its School of Law and School of Business. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Los Angeles (1974) and a Juris Doctor from UCLA (1977). A licensed attorney since 1977, he has 43 years of expertise in real estate and banking law, advising Fortune 100 institutions on transactions exceeding $10 billion. His career spans roles as General Counsel at Sears Savings Bank, Vice President at City National Bank, and arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. He has handled major transactions, including a $2.2 billion sale of Sears Savings Bank assets and the transition of Security Pacific National Bank’s real estate portfolio to Bank of America. Brown also serves as a Probate Referee in Orange County and contributes to CEB publications on commercial leasing. Brown’s leadership at UWLA has driven its growth into one of the largest State Bar-accredited law schools, expanding into international partnerships with institutions in China, India, Mexico, and Africa. He is a frequent lecturer on real estate and banking, and his accolades include multiple Hall of Fame inductions.
Professor Jagmohan S. Raju serves as the Joseph J. Aresty Professor of Marketing at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, where he also directs the Wharton Co-Sponsorship of the Indian School of Business. An internationally renowned pricing expert, he has taught extensively across Wharton's MBA, EMBA, and Executive Education programs and previously served as Vice Dean of Executive Education for six years. His academic credentials include a PhD in Business, MS in Operations Research, and MA in Economics from Stanford University, complemented by an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and a BTech in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Raju's research focuses on pricing strategy , retailing dynamics , and competitive positioning , with significant contributions to understanding private labels, coupon economics, and strategic channel management. His work bridges theoretical rigor with practical applications, frequently addressing real-world challenges in product launches and market competition through game-theoretic and empirical approaches. Recent publications reveal evolving expertise in digital-era retail challenges, particularly showrooming behavior, omnichannel competition, and the strategic implications of network neutrality. His scholarship consistently addresses the intersection of consumer psychology and corporate strategy across diverse sectors including pharmaceuticals, entertainment, and consumer goods. Fellow, INFORMS Society for Marketing Science (2017) Multiple Excellence in Teaching Awards (2012, 2011, 2009) Miller-Sherrerd MBA Core Course Teaching Award (2006) President of INFORMS Society for Marketing Science (2004) Marketing Professor of the Year at UCLA (1992) As an educator, Raju directs flagship executive programs including the General Management Program and Owner/President/CEO Program, while consulting for industry leaders like Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and Warner Home Video on pricing architecture and new product launches. His research grants and industry projects frequently examine category management dynamics and the strategic value of customer heterogeneity. He spearheads the Wharton-Indian School of Business partnership, fostering academic exchange and executive development initiatives that leverage his deep expertise in India's business landscape and global market dynamics.
Stephan J. Goetz is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology and Education at the College of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania State University. He is based at 207C Armsby Building, University Park, PA 16802, and can be reached at sjg16@psu.edu. His research spans agricultural economics, regional development, and rural policy, with a strong emphasis on human and social capital, innovation, and community well-being. His research interests focus on the role of markets and human capital in economic growth and poverty reduction. Key areas include regional food systems, self-employment, social network analysis, targeted regional development, agritourism, direct farm sales, and the digital divide. His work often integrates data science, spatial analysis, and policy evaluation to understand rural economic dynamics. The recent publications highlight a consistent trend in analyzing rural innovation, food system resilience, and socioeconomic impacts of technology and crises. His work combines empirical methods with optimization models, often using county-level U.S. data. Themes include food hub logistics, cloud computing in rural economies, pandemic-related food insecurity, and gender impacts in farming. While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record in high-impact journals reflects scholarly recognition. He has collaborated with researchers across disciplines, suggesting active grant-funded projects and likely student mentorship, though formal advisees are not named. He is involved in research on equitable communities and the built environment, and affiliated with initiatives related to health and environmental sustainability. His work with extension services indicates engagement with public outreach and community development programs.
Lynn Wu is an Associate Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence, analytics, and innovation. She teaches MBA, undergraduate, and doctoral courses on emerging technologies' transformative impact on business and society. Education: B.S. in Finance and Computer Science, MIT M.S. in Computer Science, MIT Ph.D. in Management Science, MIT Sloan Her research explores how AI and digital platforms reshape productivity, workforce dynamics, and innovation strategies, with applications in antitrust policy and startup ecosystems. Key trends in her publications include AI's role in post-IPO innovation, robotics' impact on managerial roles, and social media's ability to mitigate funding disparities. Scientific Awards: Kauffman Best Paper Award (2019) Sandy Slaughter Early Career Award (2019) AIS Early Career Award (2018) ISR Best Published Paper (2014) Best Paper Awards at ICIS (2009), HICSS (2013), etc. She has collaborated with IBM, Google, Meta, and advised the U.S. Department of Justice and World Bank, with her work cited by The New York Times , The Economist , and Harvard Business Review .
