1. Tell us about your basic background? Where did you come from, former education, former jobs.

I have a long history of experience in agricultural related industries.  I did my undergraduate degree in finance, worked as a buy-side equity analyst for a mutual fund, and then completed my PhD in Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  My PhD research focused on futures and options markets.  While completing my PhD, I interned at the USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).  After completing my PhD I worked as an Economist at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) until 2011, and ever since I have worked at Cornerstone Research.  I am currently a Partner/Vice President at Cornerstone Research.

2. What was the research you performed while at OFOR?

My research included analysis of the risk premium in futures markets, futures trader profitability, trader classifications and speculation in futures markets, and convergence between futures and cash prices.

3. Where are you currently working? What are your main responsibilities?

I am currently a Partner/Vice President at Cornerstone Research, a litigation consulting firm.  I specialize in disputes related to commodity futures and options markets and matters related to FinTech.  I cohead the FinTech group, where I lead teams on government investigations and civil disputes.  I have extensive expertise in disputes related to derivative markets, for both exchange-traded and over-the-counter (OTC) products that involve allegations of market manipulation and antitrust.

4. How did OFOR contribute to your development as a scientist and as a person?

OFOR was important to my development in understanding futures and options contracts through hands-on experience with historical data.  OFOR also provided a support group of people working on similar types of research, including substantial mentoring.

5 .What is one memory about OFOR you carried with you?

The never-ending patience of my Professors and colleagues.  All the fun times at the NCCC-134 conferences, including seeing the St. Louis Gateway Arch!