New Faculty Bring Specialized Expertise to the Wake Forest School of Business

The Wake Forest University School of Business welcomed new full-time faculty members for the 2026-2027 academic year. The new faculty appointments represent teaching and research expertise across several business disciplines, including accounting, business analytics, economics, and finance.

“We are delighted to welcome this exceptional group of scholars and practitioners to our School of Business faculty,” said Norma Montague, Interim Dean of the School of Business. “Each brings a depth of academic expertise, industry experience, and dedication to our students that will strengthen our School. I look forward to the contributions each of our new colleagues will make to the School in the years ahead.”

Full-time Faculty:

Maria Baldeon-Calisto, Ph.D., Assistant Teaching Professor, Business Analytics

Baldeon-Calisto’s research interests center on artificial intelligence and machine learning, with a focus on AI for clinical decision support, as well as computer vision, medical image analysis, deep learning, and foundation models. Prior to joining Wake Forest, she served as an Assistant Professor of Data Analytics at Wingate University and previously as an Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering and Director of the CATENA Research Institute at Universidad San Francisco de Quito. Baldeon-Calisto earned a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of South Florida, as well as a master’s degree in safety, health, and environment and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Universidad San Francisco de Quito.

Karen Gaskill, D.B.A., Associate Professor of the Practice, Accounting

Gaskill’s expertise builds on more than 25 years as a Certified Public Accountant in public accounting and industry, primarily supporting small to medium-sized privately held organizations. Prior to joining the full-time faculty, she served as a Visiting Associate Professor of the Practice in Accounting in the School of Business from 2023 to 2026. Her academic background includes serving as Assistant Professor of Accounting and Department Chair at Catawba College, as well as teaching appointments at UNC Greensboro and Queens University of Charlotte. Gaskill earned a doctorate in business administration from Jacksonville University, a master’s degree in accounting from UNC Greensboro, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Catawba College.

Kathleen Kahle, Ph.D., Professor and GMAC Insurance Chair in Finance

Kahle’s research examines corporate finance, with a specific focus on repurchases, equity issues, payout policy, and boards of directors. She also serves as editor of Financial Management. Before joining Wake Forest, Kahle served as Professor and Anne Griffin Chair in Finance at the University of Arizona. She earned a Ph.D. in finance and an MBA from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College.

Nik Lopatin, Ph.D., Associate Teaching Professor, Finance

Lopatin’s research interests include international trade, corporate finance, and applied microeconomics, emphasizing firm behavior, market outcomes, and financial decision-making. Before joining Wake Forest, he served as Associate Professor of Finance and Director of the Graduate School at the Dauch College of Business and Economics at Ashland University. Lopatin holds a Ph.D. and a master’s in economics from Indiana University, a master’s degree in international banking and finance from the University of Durham in England, a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from the University of London, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Higher School of Economics in Russia. He is a Certified Business Economist (NABE) and holds a business intelligence and data analyst certification from the Corporate Finance Institute.

Kaveh Moradi, Ph.D., Associate Teaching Professor, Finance

Moradi’s research focuses on corporate governance, emerging risks, and family firms. Prior to his appointment at Wake Forest, he served on the faculty at Merrimack College. Moradi received a Ph.D. in finance from Concordia University in Canada, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Sharif University of Technology, and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology.