Ivey is excited to welcome a new faculty member to campus this year! To get to know our new colleague, we asked Edna Lopez Avila some questions to learn about her interests inside and outside the classroom.
Get to know: Edna Lopez Avila
Edna Lopez Avila is an HBA1 professor and will be teaching the core Business Fundamentals Finance course this academic year. She earned a PhD in Finance from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, and an MSc in Financial Economics from Columbia University. Before pursuing her doctorate, Edna worked at the Central Bank of Mexico for several years, focusing on capital markets and monetary policy implementation. Her research lies at the intersection of empirical asset pricing, derivatives, and investor behaviour.
Q&A with Edna Lopez Avila
Where did you grow up and what was it like there?
I grew up in a small town on the outskirts of Mexico City. Coming from a big, traditional Mexican family, I was used to long dinners filled with conversation, laughter, and delicious homemade Mexican food. Later, I moved to Mexico City and eventually to New York City to continue my studies. Both cities are large, busy, and at times chaotic, but they are also incredibly vibrant, culturally rich, and full of exciting opportunities to explore and learn.
Who have been your strongest influences in life?
My family has had a profound influence on me, especially my parents, who taught me the value of education and resilience. Academically, I’ve been shaped by mentors, both at work and throughout my studies, who encouraged me to ask difficult questions and challenge conventional thinking.
What led you to your career?
My early experience at a central bank sparked a deep interest in financial markets, particularly how information shapes investor behaviour. I became particularly fascinated by how non-traditional sources of information, such as social media, can impact trading decisions, market dynamics, and price formation. This curiosity led me to pursue a research career focused on understanding these evolving mechanisms in modern financial markets.
What is the most important thing business executives can learn from your research/area of expertise?
Financial markets today are increasingly shaped by social media and new trading technologies, which have contributed to the democratization of finance by bringing new investors into the financial markets. Understanding these dynamics is essential for interpreting market behaviour, pricing risk more effectively, and designing better financial products.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog. We often go for walks in the park and stop for coffee along the way. I also love discovering new restaurants, trying different cuisines, and exploring unique spots around the city.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
My husband and I love going to live music concerts and festivals, especially in the summer. It’s one of our favourite ways to have fun, discover new artists, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
What is the most played song on your playlist as of now?
El lugar correcto by Natalia Lafourcade.
What book would you recommend to others?
Blindness by Jose Saramago is a novel about a mysterious epidemic that causes an entire city to suddenly go blind. The story explores human nature, the fragility of civilization, and the line between order and disorder.
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