Isenberg Welcomes New Faculty

The Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst welcomed 12 new faculty members during the 2025–2026 academic year.

“We are pleased to welcome these accomplished scholars to Isenberg’s outstanding faculty,” said Anne Massey, PhD, Isenberg dean and the Thomas O’Brien Endowed Chair. “With fresh perspectives in accounting, finance, hospitality and tourism management, communications, management, and operations and information management, they are committed to innovative education and impactful business research. We will benefit from their rich professional and academic experience.”

Read more about the new faculty below.

Soroosh Azizi, PhD, lecturer, finance: Azizi’s background in economics and finance allows him to bridge theory with real-world application, particularly in areas such as applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in finance, financial technology, investment, asset pricing, portfolio optimization, and empirical financial analysis. He has extensive experience using data-driven tools (including Excel, Python, and econometric methods) to help students and collaborators connect financial theory to practical decision-making—an approach that aligns well with Isenberg’s applied and professional orientation. Azizi earned a PhD in economics from Northern Illinois University.

Léa Bouhakkou, PhD, senior lecturer, finance: Bouhakkou earned a PhD in finance, investment, and portfolio management from University of Paris (France).

Drew Doyle, lecturer (statistics), operations and information management: Doyle brings to Isenberg experience teaching statistics and his background in researching how students learn the subject most effectively. His previous research on improving student understanding, confidence, and enjoyment in statistics continues to shape how he teaches today. At Isenberg, he helps students see the value of data in business and to creates a learning environment where they can feel successful and engaged with statistics. Doyle earned an MS in statistics from the University of New Hampshire.

Jiyoon (Jennifer) Han, PhD, assistant professor, hospitality and tourism management: Han’s research interests include technology and human interaction, neuromarketing, sustainability and well-being in the hospitality sector, and food service operations. She earned a PhD in business administration from Washington State University, where she also taught prior to Isenberg.

Robert Jennings, PhD, visiting assistant professor, accounting: Jennings researches how investors make investment decisions using accounting information. Specifically, his research focuses on how investors respond to the disclosure of ESG information and new accounting standards. Jennings earned a PhD in accounting from the University of Arizona.

Honggi Lee, PhD, assistant professor, management: Lee has industry experience working for large and entrepreneurial companies, which allows him to bridge the gap between theory and practice. His research interests include innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization strategy, and organizational structure. Lee earned a PhD in business administration (strategy) from Duke University. He was previously a member of the University of New Hampshire faculty.

Hannah Moody, lecturer, business communications: Moody brings to Isenberg a high-energy, creative approach to written and verbal communication. Her academic background includes rhetorical studies and persuasive strategy, with experience teaching a range of courses designed to build student confidence in their voice. She has experience in professional and collegiate hockey across roles involving multimedia storytelling, live event production, and fan engagement strategy. Moody earned an MA in communication studies from Florida Atlantic University. Her previous teaching appointments were at Finger Lakes Community College, Florida Atlantic University, and Broward College.

Kerry O’Grady, EdD, senior lecturer, business communications: A UMass Amherst journalism and English undergraduate alumna, O’Grady is a seasoned educator and a strategist who empowers students to think beyond quick fixes and lead with clarity, credibility, authenticity, and impact. Her expertise in systemic improvement, leadership communications, and strategy will equip future leaders with the tools to navigate complex organizational and public challenges with confidence. O’Grady earned a doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University. Her previous teaching appointments were at Fordham University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, New York University, and The Fashion Institute of Technology.

Zixi (Lavi) Peng, PhD, assistant professor, hospitality and tourism management: In the classroom, Peng emphasizes clarity, structure, and engagement. She designs courses that build intuition first and then reinforce it with analytical rigor, using real market data, case discussions, and hands-on projects. Her research interests are consumer well-being, food service management, and service technology. Peng earned her PhD in hospitality management from Pennsylvania State University.

Jeffrey Robert, PhD, lecturer (real estate), finance: Robert brings to Isenberg his passion for teaching and expertise in real estate markets and housing. He is dedicated to creating engaging, practical learning experiences that connect theory with real-world application through experiential learning. With experience in real estate development and enhancing real estate programs, Robert looks forward to helping shape curriculum that prepares students for successful careers while fostering their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in a rapidly evolving business climate. Robert earned a PhD in real estate from the University of Georgia. He previously taught at Virginia Tech.

Bachazile Sikhondze, PhD, assistant professor, operations and information management: Sikhondze’s work examines how digital technologies—from workplace technologies to artificial intelligence—affect how people work, connect, and create. Her research focuses on issues such as well-being, stress, and human dignity in technology use, with the goal of helping organizations manage digital systems that enhance both performance and well-being. Sikhondze earned a PhD in management information systems from the University of Oklahoma.

Kenneth Walsh, senior lecturer, operations and information management: A computer systems engineering undergraduate alum of UMass Amherst, Walsh is excited about the potential of artificial intelligence as it may alter computing as much as “dot com” did. He brings to Isenberg experience in exploring new technologies. His research interests are in systems development methods for LLM-driven systems, use of generative AI in accelerating ethical research methods, and power and control in cloud and AI computing. Walsh earned a PhD in management information systems from the University of Arizona.