I am currently a faculty member of the Finance Department at the University of South Carolina. My Ph.D. in Economics is from Texas A&M University, and I am currently specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning at Stanford University.

My research interests include Banking, FinTech, Corporate Finance, International Finance, Financial Markets, Applied Econometrics, Predictive Analytics, and Financial AI and Machine Learning. My research is published in quality peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Banking & Finance, Stata Journal, Journal of Productivity Analysis, Empirical Economics, and Applied Economics.

My current Google Scholar citations count is 439 and my h-index is 10. I have additional research under review in top journals, and a number of working papers in the pipeline. Also, I am completing a forthcoming Elsevier research book, “The Economic and Financial Impacts of the COVID-19 Crisis Around the World: Expect the Unexpected” jointly with Allen N. Berger and Raluca A. Roman.

I have extensive teaching, advising, mentoring, and supervising experience. For many semesters, I taught entry-level, advanced, and graduate-level Finance courses including Corporate Finance; Banking Practice and Policy; International Finance; and Money, Banking and Financial Markets in a wide range of classroom settings. In the past, I was honored with a senior thesis advisor award, a student-led award for teaching excellence, an award for outstanding teaching, and a recognition for advancement. According to fifteen-year average of my student evaluations, 92% (986/1070) of my students agree with that the course was excellent, and 91% (992/1085) of my students are satisfied with me as the instructor.  

I greatly enjoy working together with people from diverse backgrounds, and giving speeches to international audiences. In the past, I had many opportunities to present my research at leading venues such as the Annual Meeting of the Allied Social Science Associations (ASSA) in 2015. On many occasions, I met with state and federal government officials, and private institutions to conduct research and discuss financial policies. As a career highlight, in September 2022, I gave a keynote speech jointly with co-authors to more than 30 central bank directors from around the world at the Meeting of Heads of Financial Stability.

My journey helped me develop a personal philosophy: "Happiness is helping others!" Below are some charities that I greatly admire and regularly support.

Happiness is helping others!
Consider giving today.

With Bilin Neyaptı, Selin Sayek Böke, and Ümit Özlale.

With Allen Berger and the Instrumental Variables band.

With Murillo Campello and the Instrumental Variables band.

With Raghuram Rajan and other guests.

With Viral Acharya and other guests.