Our Team
Dr. Ali Emdad
Executive Director of Research Centers
Dr. Ali Emdad is the Executive Director of Research Centers at Morgan State University’s Graves Business School in Baltimore, Maryland.
He is a forward-thinking academic and professional with a proven record at the intersection of business, finance, and technology. Guided by my motto, “Rethink Possible,” He advocates for innovation and inclusivity through spearheading curriculum development, research projects, conferences, research centers, and industry-academia collaborations. These efforts have enabled him to introduce numerous “Firsts,” underscoring his belief in the transformative power of technology across business fields.
He is the founding Director of the Center for the Study of Blockchain and Financial Technology (The FinTech Center) and the Center for Data Analytics and Sports Gaming Research, both research centers at the forefront of innovation. Dr. Emdad has demonstrated the ability to seize opportunities in evolving, cutting-edge trends, scale initiatives that drive academic excellence, and deliver tangible social impact. His work bridges technology, business, and real-world applications, focusing on advancing data-driven solutions that address key societal challenges.
Previously, he served as Interim Dean and Associate Dean of the Graves Business School and as the founding Chair of the Department of Information Science and Systems, where he led the creation of new academic programs, including a B.S. in Supply Chain Management, a Master of Science in Project Management, and a Ph.D. track in Information Systems. Before joining academia, he worked at Kennecott Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio. He has established strong partnerships with industry and government agencies to bring significant funding to Morgan State University.
A 2007 Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Emdad has been recognized with Morgan State University’s Iva G. Jones Medallion for outstanding teaching, research, and service. He holds a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University and has completed executive education programs at Harvard, Yale, and MIT. His leadership philosophy centers on fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing data-driven innovation, and creating sustainable, high-impact programs that benefit academia and industry.
He is a forward-thinking academic and professional with a proven record at the intersection of business, finance, and technology. Guided by my motto, “Rethink Possible,” He advocates for innovation and inclusivity through spearheading curriculum development, research projects, conferences, research centers, and industry-academia collaborations. These efforts have enabled him to introduce numerous “Firsts,” underscoring his belief in the transformative power of technology across business fields.
He is the founding Director of the Center for the Study of Blockchain and Financial Technology (The FinTech Center) and the Center for Data Analytics and Sports Gaming Research, both research centers at the forefront of innovation. Dr. Emdad has demonstrated the ability to seize opportunities in evolving, cutting-edge trends, scale initiatives that drive academic excellence, and deliver tangible social impact. His work bridges technology, business, and real-world applications, focusing on advancing data-driven solutions that address key societal challenges.
Previously, he served as Interim Dean and Associate Dean of the Graves Business School and as the founding Chair of the Department of Information Science and Systems, where he led the creation of new academic programs, including a B.S. in Supply Chain Management, a Master of Science in Project Management, and a Ph.D. track in Information Systems. Before joining academia, he worked at Kennecott Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio. He has established strong partnerships with industry and government agencies to bring significant funding to Morgan State University.
A 2007 Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Emdad has been recognized with Morgan State University’s Iva G. Jones Medallion for outstanding teaching, research, and service. He holds a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University and has completed executive education programs at Harvard, Yale, and MIT. His leadership philosophy centers on fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing data-driven innovation, and creating sustainable, high-impact programs that benefit academia and industry.
Amanda Everett Ihegbe, PMP
Program Manager
Amanda Everett Ihegbe, PMP, is an experienced program manager with more than 16 years of expertise in building strategic partnerships, leading cross-functional programs, and supporting high-impact initiatives across the federal, education, and public-sector fields. She specializes in stakeholder engagement, program operations, communications, and digital platform management—bringing a strong track record of strengthening visibility, improving processes, and delivering measurable results.
With extensive experience supporting federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, CDC, and FAA, Amanda has led national training programs, managed complex contracts, overseen websites and digital communications, and developed large-scale outreach strategies. She is skilled in developing and maintaining networks, coordinating events and convenings, preparing high-quality reports, and evaluating program outcomes to ensure continuous improvement.
Amanda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Temple University, is currently pursuing an MS in Project Management at Boston University, and maintains an active PMP certification. She is passionate about innovation, education, and expanding access to emerging technology pathways—and is committed to supporting the mission and growth of Morgan State University’s National FinTech Center through impactful partnerships, effective program delivery, and strategic communications.
Kazem Alkhars
Doctoral Research Fellow
Kazem Alkhars is a Doctoral Research Fellow at the FinTech Center of Morgan State University
and a Ph.D. candidate in Business Administration specializing in Information Systems. He is a
goal-oriented, strategic thinker, and problem-solver, passionate about leveraging digital
technologies and digital transformation to drive innovation in business and finance.
Before joining Morgan State University, Kazem gained diverse experience across industries such
as banking, telecommunications, and utilities, contributing to projects in IT management, quality
assurance, technology strategy, IT project management, and data analytics. This extensive
background has sparked his interest in research and development, as he seeks to expand his
knowledge and contribute to advancing the field by applying his industry expertise to address
real-world challenges.
Kazem’s research interests focus on addressing challenges in blockchain, fintech, IT strategy, IT
project management, and data analytics, with a particular emphasis on how innovative
technologies can catalyze transformation and create competitive advantages. Through his work,
Kazem aims to contribute to strategic solutions that improve organizational performance and
promote technological advancements in the digital economy.
Chibuike Ibebuchi, Ph.D.
Faculty FinTech Research Fellow
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.
Graduate Research Assistants
Position Vacant (ongoing active search)
Graphics Designer
Graphics Designer
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