Reza Moghimi
Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
“Professor Reza Moghimi is a phenomenal, award-winning professor of programming and database management who has a remarkable impact students. He brilliantly and masterfully teaches data skills using innovative applied, hands-on, and case-based teaching methods. His courses are uniquely designed to prepare students in business schools for their future careers, and rely heavily on the over 30 simulative cases he has created and designed from scratch for his classes. He has taught data skills to more than 2,000 students at Cornell, and demand for his popular courses have skyrocketed, with hundreds of students placed on waitlists each year. Examples of comments he has received on student evaluations include: ‘This man is phenomenal, and I hope more students encounter the underrated Reza Moghimi. He’s truly a TEACHER,’ and ‘Exceptional teacher and definitely the best class I’ve ever taken. When I look back at my time at Cornell I will always remember this course specifically because it was very well- taught.'” – Cornell University Charles H. Dyson School Faculty Awards Committee
Reza Moghimi, 41, is a Senior Lecturer at the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management within the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and is recognized as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP).
His teaching focuses on applied data skills, with courses including Spreadsheet Modeling for Management and Economics, Managerial Spreadsheet Modeling, Introduction to Database Management Systems, Excel VBA Programming, and Python Programming for Data Analysis and Business Modeling. Moghimi’s distinctive teaching style integrates practical, hands-on learning with case-based approaches, designed to equip business students with the analytical and technical skills essential for their careers.
He has received several prestigious teaching honors, including the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2024), the inaugural Dean’s Distinguished Award for Teaching Innovation (2023), and the Dyson Teaching Excellence Award (2021).
Beyond the classroom, Moghimi contributes to curriculum development and academic consulting. His work reflects a deep commitment to empowering the next generation of professionals with practical, industry-ready data skills.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? January 2018
Education: PhD in Industrial Engineering
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Spreadsheet Modeling for Management and Economics, Introduction to Database Management Systems, VBA Programming for Data Analysis & Business Modeling, Python Programming for Data Analysis & Business Modeling
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … I knew I wanted to become a business school professor during my PhD studies, when I developed a deep interest in analytical methods—especially their use in understanding complex systems. Around the same time, I became fascinated by stock market analysis. The intersection of these two passions—quantitative techniques and real-world financial dynamics—naturally guided me toward a career in business schools.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? Currently, my primary focus is on teaching, but I continue to explore research topics that interest me. One area I am actively studying is stock market trends, with a particular emphasis on the short-term impact of social media on stock price movements.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … Personal Financial Advisor
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I’m deeply enthusiastic about the subjects I teach, and that energy naturally carries into the classroom. I’m also committed to continuous learning—both to stay current in my field and to keep improving as an educator. Students often tell me they appreciate not only how structured my courses are, but also how my enthusiasm helps make complex topics engaging.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Inspired
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: How challenging—and equally exciting—it can be to stay current in the rapidly evolving world of data, business, and AI.
Professor I most admire and why: Many professors come to mind, but one I especially admire is Professor Arnab Basu. He has built a remarkably successful career while maintaining an exceptional ability to connect with people through his strong interpersonal skills. I deeply respect his unwavering support for junior faculty, including myself, when I joined Cornell.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? What I enjoy most about teaching business students is their passion and drive for success. They’re often highly focused on their career goals from the very start, which creates an energizing classroom environment filled with ambition, curiosity, and engagement.
What is most challenging? The most challenging aspect right now is keeping pace with the rapid development of AI technologies and finding effective ways to integrate them into my teaching. It’s an ongoing learning process, but also an exciting opportunity to enhance how students engage with data and decision-making.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Self-motivated
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Unengaged
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … Fair and clear
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? Travelling, going to the gym, and listening to podcasts.
How will you spend your summer? Travelling with my wife and visiting a new country.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Somewhere in Italy.
Favorite book(s): Blindness by José Saramago
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? I’m currently watching HBO’s Succession series for the second time. Incredible portrayal of business dynamics, market strategies, human interactions, and the complexities of power.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? Traditional Persian music; Homayoun Shajarian.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this … If I had my way, the business school of the future would place much greater emphasis on encouraging students to think beyond profit—to consider purpose, community, and the long-term impact their decisions have on society.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at … In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job of focusing on creating genuine social and environmental value—not just maximizing shareholder returns. True long-term success comes from balancing profitability with purpose.
I’m grateful for … For my family and being healthy.
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