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 is the Program Manager for the Center for the Study of Blockchain and Financial Technology (The FinTech Center).
She is a seasoned project management professional with more than 15 years of experience leading strategic initiatives, building high-impact partnerships, and managing large-scale programs across federal, educational, and public-sector environments. With a strong background in project planning, stakeholder engagement, digital communications, and organizational leadership, she brings a proven record of strengthening operational effectiveness and advancing mission-driven programs.
As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), her work is rooted in data-informed decision-making, assessment, and continuous improvement. She has collaborated with diverse partners—including universities, government agencies, nonprofits, professional associations, and private-sector organizations—to enhance program visibility, grow strategic partnerships, and ensure that initiatives achieve meaningful and measurable impact.
She is passionate about expanding access to emerging technology education, and supporting the development of future-ready professionals in finance and technology. She is committed to contributing her skills in project management, partnership development, communications, and program operations to strengthen the mission and growth of the FinTech Center.
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.
Graduate Research Assistants
Position Vacant (ongoing active search)
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