Centers & Institutes

Exciting things are happening within our centers, institutes, and special program initiatives. Here’s a collection of recent stories and updates.

A digital-themed illustration featuring interconnected hexagonal icons with symbols like graphs, gears, cloud storage, and code brackets over a blue binary background

Emerging markets: The growth engine of decentralized finance

As traditional finance struggles with access and trust, DeFi is emerging as an alternative through staking, lending, and tokenized assets

Close up photo of stock charts

Behind the curtain: Insights from a stock pitch challenge

Emma Jonisch ’28 reflects on her experience at the 2025 Undergraduate Stock Pitch Challenge hosted by the Parker Center for Investment Research

Prerana Reddy and Colby Snyder smiling and standing in front of their poster project

Suzanne’s Swim School Evolution

Big Red Microenterprise students Prerana Reddy MBA ’26 and Colby Snyder MBA ’26 reflect on their experiences transforming Swim With Suzanne’s marketing strategies.

Boss speaking with employee
Nolan School

The speed trap: why leaders’ quick pivots can seem inauthentic

The research team conducted three studies in a leader-centric workplace with over 3,000 participants.

Panel of seven speakers seated on stage with banners.

Conference prompts reflection on ‘Growth Markets’

In a time of economic, political, and environmental change, how can people proactively contribute to economic prosperity in their communities?

Vanessa stands in front of the Taj Mahal, which is reflected in a long rectangular pool beneath a sky dotted with clouds.

Quiet Starts in Bangalore, Busy Clocks in London

An award from the Cañizares Fund provided support for an internship at Infosys in India’s Silicon Valley, India.

Two men with microphones sit in chairs on a stage.
SC Johnson College

Former Colombian president launches Climate Impact Speaker Series

In conversation with Miguel Gomez, Ivan Duque shared his perspective on implementing pro-environmental policies amid challenging circumstances.

Three glass jars labeled "Year 1," "Year 2," and "Year 3" with increasing amounts of coins, and a red upward trending arrow above them

Stablecoins: 10 Things You Need to Know

MBA graduate and EMI researcher explains stablecoins—how their prices are set, how they differ, and the companies building around them.

Pinaki Bhattacharyya presenting at an AMPIN event
Johnson School

Powering the Future: Leadership in Renewable Energy Transition

20 for 20 honoree Pinaki Bhattacharyya MBA ’03, CEO of AMPIN Energy Transition, shares his commitment to sustainability.