Financial Trading, Business Analytics, and Data Science Center Prepares Students for Dynamic Careers
This article appears in the Spring 2026 issue of the 荔枝视频 Magazine.
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With publicly traded stock symbols scrolling above the heads of students, it鈥檚 clear that 荔枝视频鈥檚 new Financial Trading, Business Analytics, and Data Science Center is more than a classroom.
The real-time stock ticker introduces students to what they may see on a financial trading floor鈥攂ut their learning extends beyond finance.
Created to prepare students for an increasingly dynamic global environment and for careers across many fields and industries, the center is interdisciplinary and bridges theory with practice, said Dr. Roberto Curci, dean of the College of Business, Information Studies, and Technology.
鈥淭he center helps students use data and analysis to extract meaningful insights, evaluate risk and make informed decisions鈥攖he essential skills for success in today鈥檚 complex business environment,鈥 Curci explained.
The classroom portion of the center, which opened at the start of the fall semester on the second floor of Rebecca Crown Library, contains high-speed computers with data analytics and financial software, and is capable of supporting hybrid and flexible learning.
The adjoining space is a trading room equipped with a Bloomberg Terminal, a computer system that provides access to real-time financial data, news analytics, market overviews and trading tools. This allows students to engage in realistic trading simulations.
鈥淥ur primary academic goal is to immerse students in experiential learning using industry standard platforms,鈥 Curci noted.
The center鈥檚 technology is also used by the Brennan Investment Club. In the spring, two personal investing seminars hosted by wealth management firm BBR Partners were also held there.
Dr. Anne Drougas, associate dean of the College of Business, Information Studies, and Technology, said the Financial Trading, Business Analytics, and Data Science Center has quickly become a dynamic hub where analytics, finance and technology intersect. It also symbolizes the university鈥檚 commitment to forming thoughtful and ethical leaders, she added.
鈥淭he center鈥檚 mission is to equip students and faculty with the skills and values needed to address important challenges facing society today,鈥 Drougas said