Ilitch School welcomes Thomas Shohfi, Associate Professor of Finance

I grew up on Long Island and have an undergraduate degree in computer science and mathematics from New York University. After working as an information technology professional, I graduated with an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

While working as an equity research analyst, I started teaching at UNC with a former professor and decided to pursue my doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh. After graduating from Pitt, I spent seven years as an assistant professor of accounting and finance at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before joining the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I hold the Chartered Financial Analyst, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst, and Financial Risk Manager designations.  

What are your primary teaching interests?

I enjoy teaching financial statement analysis, investment management, and student managed investment courses. I understand that Ilitch has a student managed fund and I would hope to get involved with it at some point.

What are your primary research interests?

I have published papers in top accounting and finance journals including Journal of Accounting and Economics, Contemporary Accounting Research, Accounting, Organizations, and Society, Journal of Corporate Finance, Journal of Banking & Finance, and Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization. My research interests include disclosure, financial analysts, fraud, and capital markets. I am currently working on an interesting project involving crypto assets and payment for order flow that I began at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Tell me about your background in Technology?

My background in computer science has been very helpful in working with large and novel data sets. I spent five years as a Linux systems and database administrator both for a company that I started and for a search engine marketing firm. During my time at RPI, I gave a lecture with Fran Berman on the disruptive potential of IoT and have educated students on new financial technologies such as blockchain and high frequency trading.

Why did you come to the Ilitch School of Business?

My former U.S. SEC colleague Cuyler Strong helped convince me but I was also attracted to the Ilitch School's world class facility and outstanding accounting and finance research production. I am also very excited to work with doctoral students again. Detroit is also a very attractive destination for my family. My wife and I are very excited to raise our son here.

What makes you passionate about business education?

I truly love watching my students succeed in the real world. I encourage them to connect with me on LinkedIn so I can watch their career progression and help where I can. I'm so proud of former students who have reached major career milestones such as the CFA designation.

What is one thing you wish all your students would do?

I wish students would take greater advantage of office hours. I tell students every year that this time is specifically for them and, even if they can't make it during the scheduled time, they should seek time with the instructor outside of class. This is especially true if students are having a difficult time with the course material. Reading the syllabus before every class is really important too. It's the best way of understanding what the experience of a course is going to actually be.

What are you excited about seeing in Detroit?

We live close to the Detroit Zoo, so we expect to visit at some point. I've been to Ford Field for a Lions game but I would like to go see the Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons play as well. I think Detroit is an amazing city. The people here are great and we love our neighborhood.