College of Business

Education

• Ph.D. Finance, Florida International University

• MSc Finance, Florida International University

Specialization: International Banking 

• MA International Business, University of Florida

Specialization: Emerging Markets Finance 

• BA Business Administration, University of Florida

Minors: French, African Studies 

Professional Summary

Dr. Rodriguez specializes in investments, derivatives, and international finance. His courses delve into derivative asset pricing, financial risk management, and the mechanics of futures, options, and forex trading. Additionally, Dr. Rodriguez's varied research interests include the impact of gender diversity on firm risk and institutional investor trading, the impact of moral hazard and information asymmetry on organizational decision-making, and drivers of salary differentials and inequities.  

Courses Taught

Explore all the ways to study Finance at EMU!

• FIN 350 - Principles of Finance
• FIN 354 - Investments
• FIN 451 - Introduction to Financial Risk Management
• FIN 457 - International Finance
• FIN 479 - Special Topics (Quantitative Methods in Finance)
• FIN 501 - Quantitative Methods in Finance
• FIN 502 - Corporate Finance 
• FIN 540 - International Finance
• FIN 625 - Securities Analysis
• FIN 670 - Risk Management with Derivatives

• FIN 499 - Independent Study 
• FIN 694 - Independent Study 
• FIN 699 - Independent Study 

Research Interests & Projects

Co-Founder of EMU's Financial Wellness and Equity Center (FWEC) 

The Financial Wellness and Equity Center (FWEC) seeks to advocate for and encourage all individuals to gain equal access to financial services and professional opportunities that can help them generate greater financial wellness and equity. FWEC aims to foster a culture of belonging, study the causes of wealth and socioeconomic disparities, and bridge the wealth gap that currently exists for women, underrepresented minorities, and vulnerable populations among students, faculty, staff, and local communities. 

FWEC’s mission is to serve as an incubator for institutional organizations, programs, and initiatives that align well with FWEC’s purpose and advocate for impactful public policy to ensure women, underrepresented minorities, and vulnerable populations can better attain upward social and economic mobility, gain and/or preserve financial independence, and are better able to increase their wealth. 

The FWEC aims to accomplish its mission through curricula-, service-, research-, awareness-, and advocacy-related activities.

Read more about FWEC. 

Selected Publications

Rodriguez, J. The Effects of U.S. Macrofinancial Conditions and Consumer Sentiment on Consumer Spending. Working paper. 

Jones, M., Rodriguez, J, & Stype, A. (2024). Illuminating Inequality: Gender and Racial Gaps in Student Shadow Debt. Journal of Student Financial Aid. Manuscript submitted for publication, revise and resubmit. 

Rodriguez, J., Dandapani, K., & Lawrence, E. R. (2023). Does Board Gender Diversity Affect Firms Risk?Studies in Economics and Finance 41(2), 389-409.

Rodriguez, J. & Lawrence, E.R. (2019). Institutional Investment Patterns in Gender Diverse Firms. Journal of Behavioral Finance 20(4) 437-450. 

Dandapani, K., Lawrence, E.R., & Rodriguez J. (2018). Determinants of Transactional Internet Banking. Journal of Financial Services Research 54(2), 243-267.

Rodriguez, J. (2018). Have U.S. and ASEAN Equity Markets Become More Integrated? Journal of Finance Issues 17(1). 15-39. 

Professional Affiliations

• Ph.D. Project
• Financial Management Association 
• Eastern Finance Association
• Southern Finance Association 
• Midwest Finance Association