Faculty FinTech Research Fellowship
Chibuike Ibebuchi, Ph.D. (2026 FinTech Research Fellow Awardee)
Dr. Chibuike Ibebuchi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Morgan State University, with a joint appointment at the Center for Urban and Coastal Climate Science Research. His work lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven decision systems for financial markets, energy systems, and environmental risk analysis. His research focuses on developing predictive analytics, forecasting models, and intelligent software platforms that support risk management, market optimization, and policy decision-making under uncertainty. He integrates machine learning, geospatial analytics, and scalable software engineering to address complex real-world challenges ranging from operational energy market forecasting and digital finance applications to climate hazards, environmental exposure, and early warning systems. Dr. Ibebuchi’s broader interests include responsible AI deployment and emerging financial technologies that enhance transparency, resilience, and inclusive economic development. Through interdisciplinary collaborations across academia and industry, he develops practical AI solutions that improve market efficiency, infrastructure resilience, and community safety. As a Faculty Research Fellow at the National FinTech Center, he focuses on advancing artificial intelligence–driven forecasting and decision-support systems for energy and financial markets, with particular emphasis on improving market bidding strategies, grid resilience, and risk-informed operational planning under uncertainty.
Overview of the Program
Program Outline
The National FinTech Center serves over 65 HBCUs nationwide, building capacity in research, education, and industry engagement in the rapidly evolving fields of blockchain, fintech, cryptocurrencies, and AI. We seek top researchers and educators to join the Center and help drive innovation that benefits students, faculty, and the broader HBCU network.
The National FinTech Center at Morgan State University invites applications for its highly competitive Faculty Research Fellows Program. This prestigious opportunity supports leading faculty across HBCUs who are conducting cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research and curriculum innovation in:
• Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies
• FinTech and Digital Financial Services
• Cryptocurrencies and Tokenization
• Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Predictive Analytics in the FinTech space
Each year, 3 Faculty Research Fellows will be selected. Fellows will receive funding, research support, and opportunities to present their work at the National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech & AI Conference and other high-profile events.
Program Objectives
• Advance Research: Support innovative, high-impact research projects aligned with the Center’s mission.
• Curriculum Development: Foster development of new or enhanced academic offerings in FinTech and related fields.
• Student Engagement: Build pathways for student participation in research, projects, and applied learning.
• HBCU Network Capacity: Strengthen FinTech education and research across the broader HBCU ecosystem.
Eligibility
• Full-time faculty at Morgan State University or any accredited HBCU
• Scholars from the following core disciplines are encouraged to apply:
o Information Technology / Information Systems/Computer Science / Engineering / Data Analytics / Supply Chain
o Finance / Accounting / Economics / Marketing / Entrepreneurship
o Law / Public Policy / Public Administration
o Other related fields that connect to FinTech, blockchain, digital assets
• Faculty from other disciplines with demonstrated skills in applying blockchain technologies to their disciplines in addressing business and societal challenges are also encouraged to apply.
Program Terms
• Term: One academic year (9–12 months)
• Annual Stipend: $5,000
• Expected Effort: Faculty Research Fellows will integrate their participation into regular scholarly activities and teachings. The program does not provide formal course release but recognizes and supports approximately 5–10% of faculty professional effort for:
o Conducting research and publishing
o Developing educational materials
o Mentoring students
o Contributing to the HBCU FinTech community
Renewal
• Fellows may be considered for renewal based on:
o Level of engagement
o Achievement of key deliverables
o Demonstrated impact on research, education, and the HBCU community
* Number of Fellowships Awarded -
3 Fellows will be selected annually.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials:
1. Cover Letter (1–2 pages) describing
• The proposed research project
• Relevance to the Center’s mission
• How the applicant will engage students in the work
2. Curriculum Vitae
3.Brief Research or Project Proposal (2–4 pages) including:
• Project objectives
• Research methodology
• Anticipated deliverables
• Timeline
• Potential for broader impact within the HBCU community
4. Letter of Support from Department Chair or Dean (for Morgan State faculty) or from institutional leadership (for external HBCU faculty)
Selection Criteria
• Scholarly excellence and innovation potential
• Relevance to the National FinTech Center’s mission
• Potential for curriculum development and student impact
• Contribution to building blockchain and FinTech capacity across the HBCU network
• Feasibility and clarity of project plan and deliverables
This is a highly competitive opportunity designed to support visionary faculty who are driving the next wave of innovation in blockchain, FinTech, AI, and cryptocurrency research and education. We invite top researchers from Morgan State University and across the HBCU network to apply and help shape the future of FinTech for our institutions and communities.
Roles and Responsibilities
Research and Scholarly Contribution
• Conduct original research in blockchain, FinTech, cryptocurrencies, or related fields.
• Submit at least one scholarly article to a peer-reviewed journal or conference within or shortly after the fellowship year.
• Present research progress and outcomes at the National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech & AI Conference and/or other Center-hosted events.
Curriculum and Educational Innovation
• In collaboration with their academic department, develop or enhance a course, course module, or teaching resource incorporating FinTech, blockchain, digital assets, and AI tools and techniques.
• Share curricular innovations with the HBCU network via the National FinTech Center’s dissemination channels.
Student Engagement
• Mentor and supervise students in research or applied projects in FinTech-related areas.
• Facilitate student participation in Center-sponsored programs such as hackathons, competitions, and workshops.
Community Engagement
• Participate in Center-sponsored webinars, symposia, or collaborative research activities.
• Engage with the national HBCU FinTech academic community and industry partners.
• Serve as a “Champion” for the National FinTech Center at your home institution.
Reporting
• Submit a brief midterm progress report and a final report summarizing:
o Research outcomes and deliverables
o Educational innovations
o Student engagement activities
o Impact and contribution to the Center’s mission
Questions?
Contact Ali Emdad, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director of the National FinTech Center (ali.emdad@morgan.edu)