Why did you choose to pursue a graduate degree in finance?

I have always valued education and the doors it can open. I genuinely enjoy going to school, so going back for my doctorate was a natural next step for me. A graduate degree allowed me to dive deeper into specific financial topics that interest me and helped me decide which field best suits me.

What attracted you most to FSU’s doctoral program?

The finance department is internationally renowned for research and teaching and, that, combined with the personal relationships I developed when I was earning my master’s degree, made it my top choice.

What are your primary areas of research?

My research interests lie in empirical corporate finance with a focus on corporate acquisitions, corporate culture, short selling and alternative assets.

What has been your biggest accomplishment while obtaining your PhD?

My biggest accomplishment to date is being recognized with the 2020-21 College of Business Teaching Assistant Award for doctoral students. Teaching is extremely rewarding and being recognized for my efforts is encouraging.

What are your goals post-graduation?

I hope to stay in academia where I can continue my research and educate the next generation of academics with a passion for corporate finance.

How has your trajectory changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic? And how have you adapted to these changes?

With many universities unsure about enrollment and state budgets frozen, many universities have slowed their hiring process or halted it indefinitely. As a result, I have networked more aggressively and sought out jobs I may previously had not considered, such as international positions or positions within the government. Although this situation isn’t ideal, it has forced me to be more open-minded and adventurous with my future.