Solmaz Batebi

Assistant Teaching Professor

Solmaz Batebi

Assistant Teaching Professor

Solmaz Batebi holds a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Her research applies machine learning and causal inference methods to financial markets, focusing on insider trading, risk management, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Her work has been published in the Global Finance Journal and the Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions & Money. 

Before entering academia, Dr. Batebi worked at the Tehran Stock Exchange in market surveillance and regulatory development, where she helped design and implement data-driven compliance tools and updated regulations addressing market manipulation and high-frequency trading. She also contributed to the development of market integrity frameworks. 

At the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, she taught courses such as Advanced Investments, Derivatives with Python, International Finance, and Special Topics in Financial Management. Dr. Batebi emphasizes bridging theory with real-world financial applications, helping students develop analytical and technical skills relevant to both academia and industry. 

Education

Ph.D. in Finance
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 2025

MBA in Finance
Alzahara University, 2013

B.A.
Payam-e-Noor University, 2010

Courses

  • BUS 453 Financial Institutions and Markets – Undergraduate
  • BUS 452 Financial Modeling – Undergraduate
  • BUS 350 Business Finance – Undergraduate

Research and Scholarship Interests

Large Language Models (LLMs), Machine Learning, Causal Inference Methods in Finance, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

University of Washington Bothell School of Business
Assistant Teaching Professor – Finance, 2025 to present

UTRGV – Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship
PhD Candidate & Instructor – Finance 2023 to 2025

Administrative Appointment and Key Leadership Positions

University of Washington Bothell School of Business
Faculty Advisor – Finance Club, 2025 to present

Tehran Stock Exchange
Market Surveillance Specialist – Market Department, 2016 to 2020
Researcher and Data Analyst – R&D department, 2014 to 2016

Behsoo Consulting Management, Inc.
Associate Customer Success Manager – Management, 2012 to 2014

  • Batebi, S., & Elnahas, A. (2026). Are machines better predictors of insider trading?. Global Finance Journal, 101237. 
  • Batebi, S., & Elnahas, A. (2026). CSR and Firm Value following Dividend Cuts: International Evidence. Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, 111, 102369. 
  • Ghalibaf Asl, H., Batebi, S. 2020. “Introducing Indices in the Stock Markets.” Securities & Exchanges Organization Publication. 
  • PhD Student Teaching Excellence Award Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship – 2025

American Finance Association (AFA)
2024 to present

Financial Management Association (FMA)
2023 to present

Southern Finance Association (SFA)
2021 to present

IPO Evaluation Committee Member
Tehran Stock Exchange
2018 to 2020

American Finance Association (AFA), Financial Management Association (FMA), Southern Finance Association (SFA), IPO Evaluation Committee of Tehran Stock Exchange.