Faculty Impact Articles

Smith’s Teaching/Learning Innovation Grant supports Cliff Rossi’s experiential learning project, where students analyze climate risk impacts on mortgages using machine learning. The project develops industry-relevant skills, preparing students for top finance roles and advancing climate-risk insights in housing.

Anil K. Gupta and Haiyan Wang, MBA ’95, have been inducted into the 2024 Thinkers50 Hall of Fame for their leadership in analyzing globalization trends. Their combined 60 years of research and consulting includes co-founding the China India Institute and authoring several influential books.

Margrét Bjarnadóttir, associate professor at the Smith School, was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon for transformative research on pay equity.

T. Leigh Anenson, a business law professor at the Robert H. Smith School of Business since 2007, received the 2023 Distinguished Scholar-Teacher Award from the University of Maryland. Acknowledged for her outstanding scholarship and teaching, Anenson discussed her upcoming book on the national pension crisis in her lecture.

Justice for Fraud Victims (JFV) at UMD offers pro bono risk assessments for small businesses and nonprofits. Led by Samuel Handwerger, CPA-supervised assessments identify control weaknesses, providing pragmatic solutions without budget increases. Launched in 2023, JFV engages students in real fraud cases, supported by local law enforcement.

In September 2022, the proposed $24.6 billion merger of Krogers and Albertsons sparked controversy. The Federal Trade Commission intervened, citing concerns of reduced competition and higher prices. Amidst legal battles, a notable case study by Susan White at the University of Maryland explores the merger's implications, addressing shifting industry dynamics and antitrust concerns.

Smith School welcomes five new faculty members for Fall 2024, including experts in marketing, finance, and information technologies. Daniel McCarthy, Xinying Hao, Cathy Chen, Tania Babina, and John Silberholz enhance the academic environment with their diverse research backgrounds and experience, enriching opportunities for students and researchers.

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management collaborates with the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business to develop a Mortgage Climate Risk Analyzer. Led by Professor Clifford Rossi, the tool assesses climate-related risks to homeowners, aiding in disaster preparedness and resiliency efforts.

The multidisciplinary NourishNet team led by the University of Maryland has clinched a $5M NSF grant for their pioneering work on Quantum Nose and FoodLoops. Their innovative approach to food quality detection and surplus distribution is transforming the fight against food insecurity with technology and dedication.

Roland Rust, Distinguished University Professor, highlights a concerning trend: Tech layoffs surpass 260,000 in 2023, persisting into 2024. He warns of a wider erosion of 'thinking' jobs due to AI advancements, emphasizing the emergence of 'feeling' roles. Rust urges a shift towards empathy and creativity in the evolving job landscape.