As over 9,500 students arrive for classes at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics this August, they will be joined by seven new full-time professors.

The new full-time faculty, who will teach and conduct research in the fields of information systems, finance, economics, accounting, marketing and management, represent the latest in industry expertise and academic research, ensuring a world-class education continues for our students. “Each of these faculty bring expertise that will allow us to build an innovative curriculum that helps our students develop the skills needed for the workforce of the future,” said Dean Sri Sundaram. 

Meet these new faculty members.

Mehdi Davoodi, information systems

Supply chain finance, data-driven, decision-making algorithms, revenue management, game theoretic applications, machine learning, reinforcement learning and applied statistics are the research interests of incoming Information Systems and Decision Sciences Assistant Professor Mehdi Davoodi.

The alumnus of Isfahan University of Technology and Sharif University of Technology in his native Iran, Davoodi earned his Ph.D. in supply chain management from Rutgers University.

Zhangchen Hu, information systems

With a focus on the impacts of drones, blockchain and cryptocurrency and electric vehicles, Information Systems and Decision Sciences Assistant Professor Zhangchen Hu stands ready to enhance the college’s research and teaching commitment related to the latest technologies.

Hu earned his Ph.D. in operations management from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and his undergraduate and graduate education in his native China.

Han Na Lim, finance

Incoming Assistant Professor of Finance Han Na Lim’s research interests include financial literacy and planning and behavioral finance, particularly relating to first-generation college students. She will serve as the director of the Financial Planning Program and help develop future certified financial planners to serve the region.

With a background in family resource management, consumer science and childhood education, the Ohio State University alumna brings an interdisciplinary perspective that is sure to enhance the educational offerings of the business college and Cal State Fullerton generally.

Thomas May, economics

The economic impacts of government regulation, particularly relating to antitrust, research and development, and business startups, are the research focus of our new Assistant Professor of Economics Thomas May. He will assist the college in developing its curriculum around artificial intelligence.

The Ph.D. alumnus of University of Minnesota earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Virginia Tech.

Jiwon Nam, accounting

Having earned her Ph.D. from Florida Atlantic University and undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Texas at Dallas and schools in her native South Korea, new accounting assistant professor Jiwon Nam’s research interests include financial accounting and accounting information systems. 

Nam is the latest manifestation of the college’s commitment to combining the latest information systems acumen with accounting education.

Kulraj Singh, management

Incoming Assistant Professor of Management Kulraj Singh’s research interests are family businesses and institutions, learning and change.  He will serve as the academic director for the Center for Family Business and in his role as the Muth Family Endowed Chair of Family Business conduct research that examines the impact of family-owned businesses in Orange County.

The University of Memphis Ph.D. alumnus earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in his native India.

Ash Zaad, Marketing

Strategy and analytics are the research focus of this University of Texas Ph.D. alumnus who is joining the Department of Marketing.

We welcome all our new faculty members to the College of Business and Economics!