The Lazaridis School welcomes full-time faculty members to our academic community

Nov. 21, 2024

The Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University is proud to welcome the newest faculty members who have joined our community over the past two years.  

This impressive group includes both tenure-track researchers and instructors on limited-term appointments who may have taught in other roles for many years or may be new to the university.  

These scholars and instructors bring a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives across diverse fields of business and economics. Their commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and student success will further enhance the Lazaridis School’s reputation as a leader in business education.  

We look forward to the contributions they will make in shaping the next generation of global leaders. 

Introducing our newest faculty members:

Tenure-Track faculty members

Education History: 

• PhD in Operations, Yale University 
• Master of Philosophy in Operations, Yale University 
• Master of Arts in Philosophy, Yale University 
• Double Degree Bachelor of Business Administration, Wilfrid Laurier University – Lazaridis School of Business and Economics and  
• Bachelor of Mathematics, University of Waterloo

Experience and Research Interests:  

Michael Blair’s research focuses on sustainability, energy policy, and the challenges at the intersection of public agencies, private enterprises, and consumers. He uses data-driven analytics, game theory, and simulation to address real-world problems, emphasizing individual responses over aggregate trends. His current projects include studying optimal subsidies for electric vehicle adoption and forecasting future energy needs using smart thermostat data. His future work aims to address equity in time-of-use pricing and develop tailored solutions to social inequities. Overall, his research aims to tackle social problems through real-world data and analytics with a focus on improving policy performance and equity.  

“I’m excited to be part of the talented and diverse faculty group in the Operations and Decision Sciences area, as it provides a dynamic environment for collaborative and impactful research. Additionally, the school's commitment to supporting the exploration of important and practical research problems aligns perfectly with my academic goals. Finally, the opportunity to engage with and teach such a passionate and involved student body is invigorating.” 

 Education History:

• PhD in Management, Accounting, Wilfrid Laurier University - Lazaridis School of Business and Economics 
• Master of Business Administration, York University – Schulich School of Business 
• Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting, Wilfrid Laurier University - Lazaridis School of Business and Economics 

Experience and Research Interests 

Sara Wick’s research focuses on how management controls influence employee behaviour, with a particular interest on performance measurement, employee feedback mechanisms and incentive design. She also examines the changing landscape of the accounting profession. 

“Laurier is a place that I call home.  I am so excited to be part of the teaching and research environment – to mentor students and work with fabulous colleagues”  

Education History: 

• PhD in Operations Research, Chinese University of Hong Kong   
• BSc in Statistics, University of Science and Technology of China   

Experience and Research Interests: 

Aiqi Zhang specializes in optimization and data-driven strategies, with a focus on supply chain management and sustainability. Her research combines optimization theory with practical applications, such as urban flood mitigation and healthcare operations.  Zhang’s research integrates optimization theories with analytical models, aiming to deliver high-quality, practical solutions with significant managerial and societal implications.  
  
"I appreciate the state-of-the-art facilities and the collegial work environment at the Lazaridis School." 

Limited-term appointments

Education History: 

• PhD in Industrial Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Iran 
• Master’s in Industrial Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Iran 
• Bachelor of Industrial Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Iran

Experience and Research Interests: 

Maryam Afzalabadi’s primary research area is the application of contract theory to supply chain management across various industry sectors, with a particular focus on healthcare operations. Her research employs contract theory and incentive plans to align all parties' interests, enhancing supply chains' overall efficiency and societal impact. Her academic work bridges the gap between industry practices and academic theory, providing valuable insights for the business world. She has presented her research at major conferences and has a strong publication record in top-tier marketing journals. 

With over 15 years of professional experience covering various industry sectors, Afzalabadi possesses extensive knowledge of operations management derived from hands-on experience with the challenges and opportunities organizations face in their daily operations.  
 
“I’m excited about the emphasis on experiential learning and practical application of knowledge at the Lazaridis School, providing an ideal platform for me to inspire and mentor students, preparing the next generation of business leaders. I am particularly excited about the strong industry connections the school maintains, which offer unique opportunities to bridge the gap between academia and industry, enhancing the real-world relevance of my work. Having been here for the past two years as a researcher and instructor, I have found the faculty greatly accomplished and collaborative and the students particularly motivated, further solidifying my enthusiasm for this role.” 

Education History: 

• Master of International Business, Queen’s University – Smith School of Business 
• Bachelor of Science, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Pakistan 

Experience and Research Interests: 

Hira Amjad has extensive experience in both academic and practical applications of financial theories. Her research focuses on corporate finance, investment analysis, risk management, and financial markets. She is particularly interested in exploring the dynamics of financial decision-making, including capital structure, mergers and acquisitions, and the impact of financial regulations on market behavior. Amjad has published numerous papers in top-tier journals and actively collaborates with industry experts to apply theoretical insights to real-world financial challenges. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes bridging the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of modern finance. 

"I’m excited by the Lazaridis School's commitment to fostering innovation and practical learning. The opportunity to collaborate with talented colleagues and motivated students in an environment that encourages both academic excellence and real-world impact is truly inspiring. Lazaridis’ focus on experiential learning and the integration of business with emerging technologies aligns perfectly with my own approach to finance education. This dynamic environment offers endless possibilities to contribute to cutting-edge research while preparing the next generation of business leaders to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.” 

Education History:

• PhD in Economics, Western University
• Master of Science in Economics, Western University
• Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Western University 

Experience and Research Interests:

Nick Bedard’s research is focused on improving the practical relevance of mechanism design with an emphasis on its applications to market design. Using these theories, he aims to study specific and practical design problems – addressing the development of rules or institutions needed to implement a given objective in theory, and then putting this theory into practice, along with tools from operations research, computer science and economic experiments, to engineer real-world implementations. After completing his PhD, Bedard worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Zürich in Switzerland, then at the University of Technology, Sydney and the University of New South Wales before returning to Canada and joining the Lazaridis School.  

“What gets me most excited about working at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics is the bright and enthusiastic students eager to learn and experience new ideas. I also love the warm and encouraging environment created by my wonderful colleagues.” 

Education History:

• PhD (ABD) in Marketing, Toronto Metropolitan University – Ted Rogers School of Management 
• Master of Science in Management, Toronto Metropolitan University – Ted Rogers School of Management 
• Bachelor of Commerce, Toronto Metropolitan University – Ted Rogers School of Management 

Experience and Research Interests: 

Omar Fares’ main research interests focus on consumer behaviour, particularly consumers' interaction with novel digital innovations and the impact of digital innovations on retailers. His research has been published in the International Journal of Consumer Studies, Computers in Human Behavior, the Journal of Financial Services Marketing, and the Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science. In addition to his scholarly contributions, Fares is a featured writer, with his work featured in key avenues such as the National Post, Retail Insider, Yahoo News Canada, BBC World Service, and CBC News. Fares' professional background combines expertise in sales, market research and planning, corporate strategizing, and leadership & training in the retail sector. Fares has also worked in industry for institutions such as Walmart, CIBC, and Fairstone Bank (Previously Duo Bank). 
 
“I am excited about the Lazaridis School’s strong commitment to innovation, research excellence, and experiential learning. I am eager to contribute effectively to the students' learning journey, collaborating with colleagues to publish in prestigious journals, thereby making significant impacts on both theoretical development and practical industry applications.” 

Education History:

• PhD in Operations Management, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 
• Master of Philosophy in Human Factors, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 
• Bachelor of Arts in Applied Mathematics, South China University of Technology 

Experience and Research Interests: 

Jiejian Feng has previously held post-doctoral fellow positions at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Canada. He has also been a part-time visiting professor at Jinan University in China. His research focuses on operations management, supply chain management, and sustainability. His work has been published in renowned journals, including European Journal of Operational Research, Computers & Industrial Engineering, Maritime Policy and Management, Journal of Business Research, and Operations Research Letters. 

Education History:  

• Master of Business Administration, York University 
• Bachelor of Business Administration, Wilfrid Laurier University – Lazaridis School of Business and Economics 

Experience and Research Interests:

Lynn Gazzola brings a wealth of business experience across multiple functions and business environments.  She has worked in senior leadership roles in both public and private businesses, including managing her own business.  Gazzola has been active in the community, participating on boards for the City of Kitchener.  From a functional perspective, Lynn's career had encompassed Supply Chain and Operations.  Her objective is to bring both real-life experience and perspective to the classroom to enhance the students' theoretical understanding of business concepts. 
 
Transitioning to full-time after more than 15 years as part-time lecturer at both the graduate and undergraduate level, Gazzola is excited to expand her impact at WLULaurier. 
 
“Teaching at Laurier is one of the most satisfying and challenging roles I have had.  In my daily interaction with students, I continue to be amazed and awed with their intelligence and curiosity. They challenge me to stay abreast of industry changes and find new ways to bring the real world to the class.  Watching and assisting students to become critical thinkers and leaders is a rewarding experience. 
 
“As a past student who loved her experience at Laurier, I hope to be able to create the same feelings of warmth and affection for the school that I have.  The experiences and connections made at Laurier were integral to my personal and professional development and I hope my contributions are able to impact the students similarly.” 

Education History:   

• PhD in Economics, Toronto Metropolitan University  
• Master of Science in Economics and Finance, Queen Mary University of London 
• Bachelor of Science in Economics and Management, London School of Economics  

Experience and Research Interests:   

Umaima Imran’s research lies in the field of macroeconomics, with a focus on development economics, public policy, international economics, political economy and their intersection. Her current work examines the effects of external debt and foreign aid on resource misallocation in developing countries caused by the existence of politically connected firms. She has taught at Toronto Metropolitan University and the Emirates Institute of Banking and Finance in UAE.   
  
"I’m excited about the quality of the undergraduate economics program and the research culture, support, and opportunities provided by the economics department at the Lazaridis School." 

Education History: 

• Master of Business Administration, Wilfrid Laurier University – Lazaridis School of Business & Economics 
• Bachelor of Science, McMaster University  

Experience and Research Interests:   

Michelle Lennox is a Chartered Professional Accountant having spent more than 20 years working in the Financial Services industry.  Her experience includes corporate finance, budgeting and forecasting, strategy, product development and marketing, as well as operations management.   
With a passion for business and entrepreneurship, Lennox teaches Finance, Risk Management, and Accounting.  An avid runner and cyclist, she has completed more than 15 marathons and numerous duathlons both locally and internationally. 
 
“Working at the Lazaridis School, I am most excited about being part of students’ academic journey and sharing in their energy and passion for business.” 

Education History:

• PhD in Economics, University of Southern California 
• Bachelor of Science in Economics, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Pakistan 

Experience and Research Interests:

Zara Liaqat's research and expertise are in the fields of international economics and macroeconomics. She has extensively worked with detailed administrative data to explore a variety of policy-oriented research questions in these areas, such as, the effects of trade reforms, global firm-to-firm networks, trade misreporting behavior of firms, and the impact of conflict on businesses. Her work has been published in leading academic journals, including The World Economy, Journal of Macroeconomics, Economics Letters, and Journal of Development Studies. Before joining Laurier, Zara she taught undergraduate economics at various institutions, including University of Waterloo and Lahore University of Management Sciences. Her teaching portfolio encompasses a range of economics courses.  
 
"I am excited to be a part of the Laurier community that offers a dynamic learning environment and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in business and economics.” 

 Education History: 

• MAcc in Accounting, University of Waterloo   
• Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management, University of Waterloo   

Experience and Research Interests:   

Alexis Lowater joins the Lazaridis School as a taxation lecturer. After graduating from her master’s degree program, Lowater quickly dove into the world of tax, where she worked at KPMG and Grant Thornton LLP in cross-border taxation, understanding and applying the complexities of Canadian and U.S. tax laws. While working in public accounting, she obtained her CPA, CA designation. Lowater decided to leave the public accounting world to start a new career in academia. She began as a sessional instructor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Accounting and Finance, where she taught courses ranging from financial accounting to taxation.  
 
“What excites me about working at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics is the ability to continuously learn while mentoring the next generation of young accounting professionals." 

Education History:

• Bachelor of Laws – LL.B, University of Toronto  
• Bachelor of Arts in Hhistory and Eeconomics, University of Waterloo 

Experience and Research Interests:    

Keith Masterman brings his deep industry experience to his more than 35 years teaching at the Lazaridis School. Until his retirement from CI Global Asset Management in 2023, he was the Vice President and Team Lead of Tax, Retirement and Estate Planning, a portfolio he created for the company. Masterman started his career as a practicing lawyer, gaining experience in civil litigation, estate planning and other areas, before joining TD bank, where he eventually became head of The Canada Trust Company. He is an active board member with the United Way of Perth-Huron, and a proud husband, father, and grandfather. He credits his non-academic career for providing the experiences and understanding he can share with students in the classroom. 

Masterman’s areas of expertise are in legal risk management, estate and trust litigation and administration, and business law. He has written numerous articles for various industry publications, including advisor.ca and Investment Executive. 

After 35 years as a part-time lecturer, teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, Masterman joined the Lazaridis School faculty on a full-time basis.  

“There are three things I find most satisfying about teaching at the Lazaridis School: 

1. The interaction with students – nothing is more exciting than being part of the intellectual curiosity of the students.  
2. My fellow faculty and staff. One thing I have learned is people are everything. If you have the right people, your company will succeed. Laurier has amazing people. 
3. Breadth of expertise. Where else but a faculty like the Lazaridis School could I experience the breadth of diverse information available?"

Education History: 

• PhD in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, University of Leicester, UK   
• PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lagos, Nigeria   
• MBA, McMaster University – DeGroote School of Business   
• MSc in Pharmacology, University of Lagos, Nigeria  
• Bachelor of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria 

Experience and Research Interests:   

Francis Olatoye brings over 16 years of industry experience in strategy development and commercial operations across several multinational firms in the areas of pharma, consumer packaged goods, e-commerce and management consulting. His research focuses on the intersection of entrepreneurship, strategy and management in emerging and developed markets. His specific research areas include the value creation process of entrepreneurial firms, stakeholder identification, resource management, and early internationalization efforts of entrepreneurial firms in emerging markets. His academic and industry experiences span Canada, the UK, and Nigeria.   
  
"I look forward to being helpful to and mentoring Laurier students – seeing them grow and become better versions of themselves." 

Education History: 

• MBA in Marketing, York University  - Schulich School of Business 
• HBSc, Western University 

Experience and Research Interests:

Melise Panetta is a seasoned business executive with over 20 years of marketing leadership and entrepreneurial experience. With a focus on marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, and innovation, Panetta’s research interests lie at the intersection of marketing and consumer behaviour,  exploring the consumer decision-making processes in various contexts, ranging from traditional retail environments to emerging digital platforms. Her recent focus has been on publicly traded start-ups, where she has developed corporate strategy and infrastructure with a consumer and customer-inspired approach to achieving revenue growth. A dedicated educator, Panetta is passionate about sharing her real-world experience through teaching and mentorship.   

"I am thrilled to join the esteemed faculty at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. The school's commitment to excellence, innovation, and real-world application aligns perfectly with my own teaching philosophy. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to engage with such a diverse and dynamic student body, fostering their growth as future business leaders. The Lazaridis School's emphasis on experiential learning and its strong industry connections provide a unique environment where I can contribute to shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives. I look forward to collaborating with talented colleagues and bringing my passion for business education to this vibrant academic community. " 

Education History: 

• PhD in Organizational Behaviour, Bellevue University, Nebraska 
• Master of Business Administration and Management, Bellevue University, Nebraska
• Bachelor of Commerce, York University  

Experience and Research Interests:  

Rita Persaud brings over 15 years of professional experience in executive leadership roles across government, corporate, and non-profit sectors. Her research focuses on psychological capital and mental health in organizations, including positivity and mental illness.  Persaud’s contributions extend beyond academia; she has been actively involved in education and health humanitarian efforts, including donating educational materials to schools and the University of Guyana and Ministry of Health, leading to her being named the Woman Changemaker of the Year in 2024 by the GISR Foundation.  

"I am excited about contributing to a diverse and inclusive academic community that values equity and innovation while tackling real-world challenges. The learning environment at the Lazaridis School offers rigorous academic programs, combined with practical learning opportunities, and the cutting-edge research faculty are at the forefront of business innovation. I would like to contribute and add value in the wide areas of organizational positivity and mental illness." 

Education History: 

• Master of Law (Taxation), York University – Osgoode Hall Law School 
• Master of Business Administration, University of Edinburgh Business School 
• Bachelor of Commerce, McMaster University 

Experience and Research Interests:   

Gerry Ramos has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, as well as teaching students with varied backgrounds. He has taught over 100 seminars for insurance companies, banks and investment firms for retirement planning, insurance and securities licensing, compliance, ethics, trading and director responsibilities.  

Ramos has lectured at the University of Toronto, Queen’s University, Seneca College, Ontario Tech University and Concordia University. He joined Wilfrid Laurier University as a faculty member in 2018. His teaching includes: derivatives, fixed income, international finance, corporate finance, behavioural finance and he also serves as an academic advisor to the BU610 MBA consulting course. 
  
 “Teaching at Laurier has allowed me to connect with students across a variety of courses. I appreciate their enthusiasm and desire to talk about their career plans. Having taught elsewhere in large, packed lecture halls, our classes feel more welcoming and conducive to discussion. The faculty are truly supportive, and no one is anonymous. We have a great team of people.” 

Education History: 

• Master of Business Administration, Strategic Management, Wilfrid Laurier University - Lazaridis School of Business and Economics 
• Bachelor of Business Administration, Strategic Management, Wilfrid Laurier University  - Lazaridis School of Business and Economics

Experience and Research Interests:  

Brandon Van Dam has been involved in strategic initiatives within the healthcare sector, serving as Managing Director for the Chronic Pain Network at McMaster University, and other senior administrative roles within the Faculty of Health Sciences. He has taught business and entrepreneurship courses at Laurier for almost ten 10 years and has previously served as the Associate Director of the Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation at Laurier, helping students and alumni build and grow successful new ventures. In 2023, Van Dam was the faculty advisor for the Laurier JDCC team. He is passionate about fostering innovation in students.   

"Laurier has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to inspire the next generation of business leaders." 

Education History:  

• PhD in Marketing, City University of Hong Kong 
• Master’s degree in Marketing, City University of Hong Kong 
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration, Nankai University   

Experience and Research Interests: 

Sijing Zheng has a background in consulting for the healthcare industry, with expertise in marketing analytics and AI in healthcare services. Her research focuses on leveraging data-driven insights and advanced technologies to improve healthcare outcomes and efficiency. 

"What excites me most about working at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics is the people here. The school is renowned for its strong academic reputation and innovative approach to business education. The staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and the students are motivated and eager to learn. This combination creates a stimulating, home-like environment, making it a fulfilling place to work.”