Five Questions with Carina Cuculiza

Carina Cuculiza is an assistant professor of finance at the KU School of Business. Her research focuses on household finance and incorporates aspects of behavioral finance, such as social, cultural and psychological factors. 

Before joining KU, Cuculiza was a faculty member at the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University and the College of Business Administration at Marquette University. She earned her doctorate from the Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami. 

What got you interested in your field, and what is the most rewarding part of being involved in it? 

Households are key financial decision-makers in our economy. It is important to understand their objectives and behavior, as it allows for the identification of factors that prevent households from reaching their financial goals. It is very fulfilling to generate new insights that not only contribute to our understanding of individuals’ financial decisions and their determinants, but can also inform the development of recommendations, policies and tools that can help support financial education and increase welfare. I find it very rewarding that I can play a role in helping individuals make informed financial decisions that can ultimately have a positive impact on their lives. 

What is your favorite part about being a Jayhawk? 

I am excited to officially be a Jayhawk! My favorite aspect is the school’s welcoming environment. KU not only values academic excellence but also a strong sense of belonging that makes you feel like a valued member from day one. I also appreciate the school’s unique atmosphere, as it allows faculty, staff and students to support each other and grow both personally and professionally. Overall, I am delighted to be part of the KU community and contribute to the school’s positive impact. 

What would you see yourself doing if you weren’t a professor? 

If I were not a finance professor, I would like to be involved in initiatives that promote financial education and improve access to financial tools that can empower individuals to pursue their goals. 

What advice would you give your college self? 

I have a couple of pieces of advice for my younger self: 

• Your academic successes are just as important as your personal development. Focus on growing both professionally and personally. 
• Sometimes the most unexpected opportunities end up shaping your life in the most meaningful ways. Be curious and stay open to new experiences! 

If you could require students to read one thing before graduation (outside of your class reading), what would it be and why? 

Given my interest in the field of behavioral finance, I would suggest students read “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman, the 2002 recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. The book explains the foundations of decision-making psychology and outlines many of the systematic cognitive biases we use when making judgments. Importantly, being aware of and recognizing these mental shortcuts can help us make better decisions.