Academic research serves as a critical bridge between theoretical foundations and meaningful contributions to knowledge and practice. This course explores the essential components of academic research, beginning with the role of theory in shaping research questions and hypotheses leading to methodological choices. Furthermore, we will examine how researchers translate their theoretical insights into impactful contributions that advance their fields. By understanding these key elements, scholars can strengthen the quality and relevance of their research, fostering innovation and scholarly discourse.  In the afternoon, one-on-one sessions will be held with students to discuss their research.

Özgür Arslan-Ayaydin bio 

Dr. Özgür Arslan-Ayaydin is an award winning professor of finance and Assistant Department Head at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Dr. Arslan-Ayaydin has designed and has been teaching a variety of finance courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels at UIC since 2010. Recipient of the Jean Monnet Scholarship from the European Commission, Dr. Arslan-Ayaydin pursued her PhD studies in Financial Economics at the University of York, UK. Her research focuses on corporate finance, international finance, and corporate governance, culminating in publications in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Banking and Finance, Journal of Portfolio Management, Corporate Governance: an International Review (CGIR), and the Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal. Beyond her research, Dr. Arslan-Ayaydin serves as a member of the Editorial Review Board of CGIR. She also holds the position of treasurer at the Center for Energy and Value Issues (CEVI) in Amsterdam. With CEVI, she has edited four books on energy finance published by Springer. Additionally, Dr. Arslan-Ayaydin actively contributes as an external evaluator and rapporteur for research projects submitted to the European Commission.