Graduate Student Stories
Graduate students at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics choose to pursue their studies from a variety of backgrounds and each for their own unique reasons. In each installment of this series, a Lerner graduate student shares why they chose their graduate program and how it has impacted them both personally and professionally.
Graduate Student Stories: Naomi Nyarinda Okemwa - Naomi Nyarinda Okemwa is pursuing her master of science in business analytics and information management, and is expected to graduate in 2025. She shares why she chose to continue her studies at Lerner and her work in Generative AI.
Graduate Student Stories: Shakira Jackson - Shakira Jackson is expected to earn her MBA in strategic leadership from Lerner in 2025. Shakira shared why she chose Lerner to pursue her graduate studies, and what she has gained from her experiences. Lerner: Why did you go back to pursue your graduate degree? Why did you choose the Lerner College for your studies? […]
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Ananya Ghosh - Ananya is expected to earn her MBA in business analytics from Lerner this December. She shared why she chose Lerner for her grad work and the defining experience of her studies.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Aniket Turaskar - Turaskar, a native of Newark, Del., is pursuing his MBA in business analytics and is expected to graduate in May 2024.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Bridget Joyce - Bridget is pursuing her master’s degree in finance (4+1 program) and is expected to graduate in 2024. She shared why she chose to continue her grad studies at Lerner and the most impactful project in which she’s participated.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Darius Browne - Browne earned his degree from UD in accounting and economics in 2014, before working as a financial auditor at KPMG for seven years. He earned a master of science in international business degree from Lerner in May.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Dayu Yang - Dayu Yang is a postdoctoral researcher in the financial services analytics (FSAN) Ph.D. program at Lerner College and is expected to graduate in Spring 2025. He was recently offered a full-time postdoctoral research job from Meta AI.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Fardin Khan - Fardin Sabahat Khan was recently awarded best paper at the 5th African Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Conference, in Pretoria, South Africa. He is pursuing an M.S. in business analytics and information management at UD and is expected to graduate in May of 2025.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Lauren Sullivan - Sullivan, currently an assistant corporate secretary with the American Red Cross, is pursuing an MBA in finance and international business from Lerner and is expected to graduate this spring.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Lavar Thomas - Thomas is an environmental justice coordinator with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and co-founder of the non-profit organization Leaders of the Free World. He earned his master’s degree in international business (MSIB) in May 2022.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Luai Amoorah - Amoorah is a Strategy Analyst – Student Loan Pricing with Sallie Mae and earned his MBA in business analytics from Lerner in Spring 2023.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Mark P. Trolice, MD - Mark P. Trolice, MD, from Orlando, Florida, earned his MBA online with majors in healthcare management and leadership in fall 2022.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Rafi Turitz-Sweifach - Rafi Turitz-Sweifach is pursuing a dual MBA and master of science in business analytics and information management and is a graduate intern for Lerner Deputy Dean Sheryl Kline. Turitz-Sweifach, who plans to graduate in 2024, shared why he continued his studies after earning an undergraduate degree from Lerner and what he plans to do in the future. 
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Rolf van de Kerkhof - van de Kerkhof, UD's highly successful field hockey head coach, is scheduled to earn his master’s degree in international business from Lerner in Spring 2024.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Tanya Tewari - Tewari is pursuing her master’s degree in business analytics and information technology, and is expected to graduate this December.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Tolulope Komolafe - Tolulope Komolafe, a native of Newark, Del., is pursuing her MSc finance degree and is expected to graduate in May 2024.
MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Anthony Swierzbinski - Anthony Swierzbinski, MAEEE class of 2015, has been recognized for his exceptional work in the classroom and his philosophy of teaching history. His dedication to both his students and the field of education continues to inspire his colleagues. He is currently a middle school social studies teacher at The John Dickinson School in Wilmington, Del. He shared the opportunities MAEEE has provided him and what advice he would give to current students.
MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Austin Green - Austin Green, MAEEE class of 2021, is an accomplished economics instructor who has earned significant recognition in the field. He currently serves as an instructor of economics at Perimeter College at Georgia State University. He was named Georgia Economics Teacher of the Year in 2023 and has been featured on several major platforms, including Marketplace, while publishing in journals such as the Journal of Economics Teaching and Journal for Economic Educators. He shared the opportunities that MAEEE has provided him with and how it shaped his career.
MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Cindy Fitzthum - Cindy Fitzthum is a leader in economic education who has made significant contributions to curriculum development and professional development within Minnesota. She is also an advocate for innovative financial literacy education, presenting webinars and working with educators across the nation. Fitzthum shared some of her recent accomplishments and the value that MAEEE has brought to her career. 
MAEEE Alumni Highlights: John Kruggel - John Kruggel, MAEEE class of 2018, is the director of the James Madison University Center for Economic Education, where he has been recognized with the Albert Beekhuis Award from the Council for Economic Education and the Southern Business Administration Association's Societal Impact Award. He shared what he learned from his MAEEE experience and how it impacted his career.
MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Kylee Holliday - Kylee Holliday, MAEEE class of 2021, has quickly made a name for herself in the world of economic education, winning several awards, including the 2022 Bonnie Meszaros Econ Educator of the Year Award, given by the CEEE. She has also been actively involved in advocating for financial literacy education in Delaware, as she is currently a social studies teacher and department chair at Alexis I du Pont High School. She shared some of her recent accomplishments and the value that MAEEE has brought to her career. 
MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Matt Pierson - Since graduating from the MAEEE program, Matt Pierson, class of 2023, has stepped into an impactful role at the Nebraska Council on Economic Education as associate director, co-authoring an award-winning curriculum and presenting at national conferences. His work continues to expand the reach of economic education. He shared some of his recent accomplishments and some of the unique aspects of his MAEEE experience.
MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Megan Kirts - Megan Kirts, MAEEE class of 2021, is currently developing an 80-lesson high school economics curriculum and was honored with the 2024 Rising Star Award by the National Association of Economic Educators. She also co-published a teaching note with current MAEEE student Kathleen Cusack in the Journal of Economics Teaching. She currently serves as director of educator programs for Econiful. She shared some of her recent accomplishments and the value of connections in her MAEEE experience.
MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Scott Wolla - Scott Wolla, MAEEE class of 2009, is leading efforts to modernize the teaching of monetary policy. He currently serves as economic education officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. In 2019, he began collaborating with economists from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors to update classroom materials on monetary policy in light of changes made in 2008. His work has received recognition from major outlets, including The New York Times, The Economist and NPR. He shared what he learned from the MAEEE experience and how it has shaped his professional career.
Graduate Student Stories: Naomi Nyarinda Okemwa - Naomi Nyarinda Okemwa is pursuing her master of science in business analytics and information management, and is expected to graduate in 2025. She shares why she chose to continue her studies at Lerner and her work in Generative AI. Graduate Student Stories: Shakira Jackson - Shakira Jackson is expected to earn her MBA in strategic leadership from Lerner in 2025. Shakira shared why she chose Lerner to pursue her graduate studies, and what she has gained from her experiences. Lerner: Why did you go back to pursue your graduate degree? Why did you choose the Lerner College for your studies? […] Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Ananya Ghosh - Ananya is expected to earn her MBA in business analytics from Lerner this December. She shared why she chose Lerner for her grad work and the defining experience of her studies. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Aniket Turaskar - Turaskar, a native of Newark, Del., is pursuing his MBA in business analytics and is expected to graduate in May 2024. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Bridget Joyce - Bridget is pursuing her master’s degree in finance (4+1 program) and is expected to graduate in 2024. She shared why she chose to continue her grad studies at Lerner and the most impactful project in which she’s participated. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Darius Browne - Browne earned his degree from UD in accounting and economics in 2014, before working as a financial auditor at KPMG for seven years. He earned a master of science in international business degree from Lerner in May. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Dayu Yang - Dayu Yang is a postdoctoral researcher in the financial services analytics (FSAN) Ph.D. program at Lerner College and is expected to graduate in Spring 2025. He was recently offered a full-time postdoctoral research job from Meta AI. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Fardin Khan - Fardin Sabahat Khan was recently awarded best paper at the 5th African Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Conference, in Pretoria, South Africa. He is pursuing an M.S. in business analytics and information management at UD and is expected to graduate in May of 2025. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Lauren Sullivan - Sullivan, currently an assistant corporate secretary with the American Red Cross, is pursuing an MBA in finance and international business from Lerner and is expected to graduate this spring. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Lavar Thomas - Thomas is an environmental justice coordinator with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and co-founder of the non-profit organization Leaders of the Free World. He earned his master’s degree in international business (MSIB) in May 2022. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Luai Amoorah - Amoorah is a Strategy Analyst – Student Loan Pricing with Sallie Mae and earned his MBA in business analytics from Lerner in Spring 2023. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Mark P. Trolice, MD - Mark P. Trolice, MD, from Orlando, Florida, earned his MBA online with majors in healthcare management and leadership in fall 2022. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Rafi Turitz-Sweifach - Rafi Turitz-Sweifach is pursuing a dual MBA and master of science in business analytics and information management and is a graduate intern for Lerner Deputy Dean Sheryl Kline. Turitz-Sweifach, who plans to graduate in 2024, shared why he continued his studies after earning an undergraduate degree from Lerner and what he plans to do in the future. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Rolf van de Kerkhof - van de Kerkhof, UD's highly successful field hockey head coach, is scheduled to earn his master’s degree in international business from Lerner in Spring 2024. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Tanya Tewari - Tewari is pursuing her master’s degree in business analytics and information technology, and is expected to graduate this December. Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Tolulope Komolafe - Tolulope Komolafe, a native of Newark, Del., is pursuing her MSc finance degree and is expected to graduate in May 2024. MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Anthony Swierzbinski - Anthony Swierzbinski, MAEEE class of 2015, has been recognized for his exceptional work in the classroom and his philosophy of teaching history. His dedication to both his students and the field of education continues to inspire his colleagues. He is currently a middle school social studies teacher at The John Dickinson School in Wilmington, Del. He shared the opportunities MAEEE has provided him and what advice he would give to current students. MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Austin Green - Austin Green, MAEEE class of 2021, is an accomplished economics instructor who has earned significant recognition in the field. He currently serves as an instructor of economics at Perimeter College at Georgia State University. He was named Georgia Economics Teacher of the Year in 2023 and has been featured on several major platforms, including Marketplace, while publishing in journals such as the Journal of Economics Teaching and Journal for Economic Educators. He shared the opportunities that MAEEE has provided him with and how it shaped his career. MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Cindy Fitzthum - Cindy Fitzthum is a leader in economic education who has made significant contributions to curriculum development and professional development within Minnesota. She is also an advocate for innovative financial literacy education, presenting webinars and working with educators across the nation. Fitzthum shared some of her recent accomplishments and the value that MAEEE has brought to her career. MAEEE Alumni Highlights: John Kruggel - John Kruggel, MAEEE class of 2018, is the director of the James Madison University Center for Economic Education, where he has been recognized with the Albert Beekhuis Award from the Council for Economic Education and the Southern Business Administration Association's Societal Impact Award. He shared what he learned from his MAEEE experience and how it impacted his career. MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Kylee Holliday - Kylee Holliday, MAEEE class of 2021, has quickly made a name for herself in the world of economic education, winning several awards, including the 2022 Bonnie Meszaros Econ Educator of the Year Award, given by the CEEE. She has also been actively involved in advocating for financial literacy education in Delaware, as she is currently a social studies teacher and department chair at Alexis I du Pont High School. She shared some of her recent accomplishments and the value that MAEEE has brought to her career. MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Matt Pierson - Since graduating from the MAEEE program, Matt Pierson, class of 2023, has stepped into an impactful role at the Nebraska Council on Economic Education as associate director, co-authoring an award-winning curriculum and presenting at national conferences. His work continues to expand the reach of economic education. He shared some of his recent accomplishments and some of the unique aspects of his MAEEE experience. MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Megan Kirts - Megan Kirts, MAEEE class of 2021, is currently developing an 80-lesson high school economics curriculum and was honored with the 2024 Rising Star Award by the National Association of Economic Educators. She also co-published a teaching note with current MAEEE student Kathleen Cusack in the Journal of Economics Teaching. She currently serves as director of educator programs for Econiful. She shared some of her recent accomplishments and the value of connections in her MAEEE experience. MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Scott Wolla - Scott Wolla, MAEEE class of 2009, is leading efforts to modernize the teaching of monetary policy. He currently serves as economic education officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. In 2019, he began collaborating with economists from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors to update classroom materials on monetary policy in light of changes made in 2008. His work has received recognition from major outlets, including The New York Times, The Economist and NPR. He shared what he learned from the MAEEE experience and how it has shaped his professional career.