Navigating the AI Era: Menlo College and Community Partners Explore Careers, College and What’s Next Posted on September 17, 2026September 17, 2026 by Tess Rewick ATHERTON, Calif. — Students, parents and community members gathered at the Atherton Library on September 16 for “Navigating the AI Era: Careers, College & What’s Next,” a community conversation focused on how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, careers and the path to college. Presented by the Atherton Senior Task Force, Menlo College, the Atherton Library and Top Tier Admissions, the event brought together Menlo College faculty, a Menlo alumnus, Silicon Valley expertise and college admissions professionals to offer practical perspectives on navigating a rapidly changing AI landscape. The program expanded on a community conversation held last spring, focusing on where artificial intelligence is headed, how AI is changing careers and hiring, and what students should consider as they prepare for college in the AI era. Understanding What’s Next in AI Dr. Fabian Eggers, Professor of Marketing & Entrepreneurship at Menlo College, moderated the conversation, connecting developments in artificial intelligence to the choices students and families are making today. Dr. Sonia Saheb, Director of Business Graduate programs and Assistant Professor of AI & Innovation Strategy at Menlo College, provided an update on the evolving AI landscape and what emerging technologies could mean for education, business and society. Dr. Fabian Eggers, Professor of Marketing & Entrepreneurship at Menlo College, moderates a community conversation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, careers and the path to college at the Atherton Library on September 16 2026. Photo: Kayla Stuart / Menlo College “AI is evolving at a remarkable pace, and students today are preparing for careers that may look very different from the ones we know now. Understanding AI is becoming an important part of being career ready, but it is not simply about learning how to use a new technology. Students need to develop the curiosity, critical thinking and judgment to understand what AI can do, where it has limitations, and how to use it thoughtfully and effectively. That combination of technological fluency and human skills will be increasingly important in the workplace.” The discussion reflected Menlo College’s focus on preparing students to be Future Ready Now, developing the skills, adaptability and judgment needed to succeed as technology continues to transform the workplace. Preparing for an AI-Driven Workplace Menlo College alumnus and serial technology entrepreneur Massi Genta ‘16 brought a Silicon Valley perspective to the conversation, discussing how AI is changing careers and the skills employers increasingly value. Representatives from Top Tier Admissions extended the conversation to college preparation, discussing what high school students and families should know as AI becomes increasingly present in education and the admissions process. Menlo College alumnus and serial technology entrepreneur Massi Genta ’16 shares his perspective on how artificial intelligence is changing careers, hiring and the skills employers increasingly value. Photo: Kayla Stuart / Menlo College Connecting the Conversation to the Menlo Experience For Menlo College students, the event offered another opportunity to connect their classroom learning with perspectives from faculty, alumni, industry and the broader Silicon Valley community. The community conversation reinforced Menlo College’s Future Ready Now approach to education. As AI continues to reshape education and the workplace, preparing students for what comes next means giving them opportunities to understand emerging technologies, engage with professionals and apply what they learn to the changing world around them. Media inquiries: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact pr@menlo.edu
Menlo College’s Melissa Michelson Honored with Latino Caucus Lifetime Achievement Award Posted on September 10, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College announced that Melissa R. Michelson, Ph.D., Interim Chief Academic Officer, Dean of Arts & Sciences, and Professor of Political Science, has received the Latino Caucus Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 American Political Science Association (APSA) Annual Meeting in Boston. The award recognizes senior scholars who have made significant and substantial contributions to the Latina/o/x politics, and the broader discipline of political science, and the communities their scholarship serves. Melissa R. Michelson, Ph.D., Interim Chief Academic Officer, Dean of Arts & Sciences, and Professor of Political Science at Menlo College, on the College’s Atherton campus. Michelson is only the second woman to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, adding to a career distinguished by groundbreaking political science research and a longstanding commitment to mentoring the next generation of scholars. “Receiving this award from the Latino Caucus is especially meaningful because this community has been such an important part of my professional journey,” Michelson said. “I’m proud of the scholarship I’ve contributed to the field, but just as meaningful has been the opportunity to mentor and support the next generation of scholars. Watching them grow, succeed, and help shape the future of political science has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.” Three Decades of Influential Scholarship A nationally recognized expert on Latino politics and voter mobilization, Michelson has spent more than three decades examining political participation, public opinion, political trust, political efficacy, and the experiences of historically underrepresented communities. Among her most influential contributions was the first randomized controlled trial designed to increase voter turnout in a Latino community in 2002. The research helped establish a new area of study focused on using field experiments to understand and improve voter participation. Melissa R. Michelson, Ph.D., speaks at Menlo College’s Latino Leadership Program launch celebration on February 20, 2026. Michelson played a leading role in developing the program. Photo: Kayla Stuart / Menlo College Michelson subsequently conducted hundreds of get-out-the-vote randomized controlled trials and co-authored Mobilizing Inclusion: Transforming the Electorate Through Get-Out-the-Vote Campaigns with Lisa García Bedolla. The book received both the American Political Science Association’s Ralph J. Bunche Award and its Best Book Award in the field of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics in 2013. Over the course of her career, Michelson has authored or co-authored eight books and dozens of peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Her research has appeared in leading academic publications, including the American Political Science Review, Aztlán, and International Migration Review. Her work has also included collaborations with organizations including the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, and the Central American Resource Center. A Career Dedicated to Mentorship and Service The Lifetime Achievement Award also recognizes Michelson’s extensive service to the political science profession and her commitment to supporting emerging scholars. Michelson served two terms as president of the APSA Latino Caucus and has held leadership roles within the organization dating back more than two decades. She also helped establish the Latino Caucus of the Midwest Political Science Association. Menlo College students listen to remarks during the Latino Leadership Program launch celebration, an initiative developed under the leadership of Melissa R. Michelson, Ph.D. Photo: Kayla Stuart / Menlo College In 2013, Michelson co-launched the Women of Color in Political Science workshops, an initiative designed to support cohorts of emerging and mid-career scholars while addressing challenges faced by women of color in academia. Her mentorship has continued through individual relationships and research collaborations with junior scholars across the country. Her commitment to mentorship has previously earned her the APSA Adaljiza Sosa-Riddell Award for Exemplary Mentoring of Latino/a Junior Faculty in Political Science in 2011 and the same award for Exemplary Mentoring of Graduate Latino/a Students in Political Science in 2017. She also received the Midwest Political Science Association Latino Caucus Distinguished Career Award in 2019 and APSA’s Distinguished Award for Civic and Community Engagement in 2022. Bringing Scholarship and Leadership to Menlo College At Menlo College, Michelson brings that same commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and civic engagement to her work with students and faculty. In addition to serving as Interim Chief Academic Officer and Dean of Arts & Sciences, she teaches political science and has led initiatives designed to expand student participation in research, civic life, and academic decision-making. “Dr. Michelson’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a career that has advanced the field and expanded opportunity for others,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. “At Menlo, we see that impact every day through the way she elevates scholarship, strengthens our academic community and creates opportunities for students to learn, lead, and grow as Future Ready Now graduates.” Melissa R. Michelson, Ph.D., joins Menlo College President Steven Weiner, Congressman Sam Liccardo, Assemblymember Marc Berman, and Menlo students at the Latino Leadership Program launch celebration on February 20, 2026. Photo: Kayla Stuart / Menlo College Michelson also had a leading role in the development of Menlo College’s Latino Leadership Program, which builds on the College’s longstanding Latino-focused coursework and mentorship while preparing students to become leaders in their communities and careers. Menlo College has been federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) since 2019 – an institutional strength that reflects the College’s commitment to creating pathways for student success through rigorous academics, mentorship, and applied learning. Her recognition by the Latino Caucus reflects the impact of a career that connects research with action and mentorship with opportunity. At Menlo, that approach supports the College’s commitment to preparing students to be Future Ready Now, giving them opportunities to learn from accomplished scholars while developing the knowledge, critical-thinking skills, and leadership experience to make meaningful contributions in their careers and communities. Media inquiries: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact pr@menlo.edu
Dr. Sonia Tahereh Saheb Appointed Director of Menlo College Graduate Business Programs Posted on July 28, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College has appointed Dr. Sonia (Tahereh) Saheb as Director of the School of Business Graduate Programs, where she will lead the College’s Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) and Master of Science in Financial Technology (MSFT) programs. The appointment recognizes Saheb’s leadership, academic expertise, and commitment to advancing innovative business education since joining Menlo College as assistant professor of Business Analytics and Information Systems. In her new role, she will oversee the continued growth and strategic direction of the College’s graduate business programs while continuing to teach and mentor students. Saheb prepares for Menlo College’s 98th Commencement ceremony on May 16, 2026, overlooking the campus quad as graduates, families, and guests gather to celebrate the Class of 2026. “Dr. Saheb has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation in business education and student success,” said Melissa R. Michelson, interim chief academic officer and dean of Arts & Sciences. “I am confident that under her leadership, our graduate business programs will continue to grow and thrive.” “Our graduate business programs are centered on emerging technologies, with artificial intelligence serving as a foundation for innovation across every industry,” Saheb said. “My vision is to build on Menlo College’s strengths, including our agility, implementing future-ready frameworks, and strong industry partnerships, to make our technology-focused master’s programs a destination where academia, industry, and entrepreneurship come together. By collaborating with students, faculty, and industry leaders, we’ll prepare graduates to lead digital transformation, drive innovation, and thrive in an AI-powered economy.” Menlo College President Steven Weiner (left) and Dr. Sonia Tahereh Saheb (right) present the Graduate Student Excellence Award to Frida Schmidt during Menlo College’s Honors Convocation on April 23, 2026. The annual ceremony recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service. Photo by Menlo College / Kayla Stuart. Saheb brings extensive experience in business analytics, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and information systems to the position. Prior to joining Menlo College, she served as an assistant professor at Tarbiat Modares University, an adjunct lecturer at California State University, East Bay, and a research fellow at Hult International Business School. In 2019, she founded and directed the first Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program in Digital Banking, a specialized doctoral program designed exclusively for banking industry managers and professionals. An accomplished scholar and educator, Saheb has published more than 25 peer-reviewed research papers exploring topics such as ethical AI, digital health adoption, cybersecurity, digital ecosystems, and technology-enabled innovation. Her research has appeared in leading journals including Telematics and Informatics, Information Systems Frontiers, Technology in Society, and Social Science & Medicine. Saheb visits the Atherton City Council Chambers, where she presented on the role of artificial intelligence in local government. Her presentation, “Governing with Intelligence: AI as Your City’s New Ally,” explored how municipalities can responsibly leverage AI to improve public services and decision-making. At Menlo College, Saheb has helped shape the institution’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence education. She founded and chaired the committee that developed the College’s enhanced undergraduate AI and Analytics program, helping prepare students with the technical and strategic skills needed for careers in an increasingly AI-driven economy. Her teaching spans both undergraduate and graduate programs, including courses in artificial intelligence, data analytics, information systems, privacy and cybersecurity, and strategic decision-making. Before entering academia, she advised organizations across the healthcare, banking, and public sectors on digital transformation, enterprise architecture, and technology strategy. As Director of the School of Business Graduate Programs, Saheb will lead the continued evolution of Menlo’s MSIS and MSFT programs, focusing on curriculum innovation, student success, faculty collaboration, and industry partnerships that prepare graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape. Media inquiries: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact pr@menlo.edu
Menlo College Professor Lan Jiang Featured as Credit Card Expert by WalletHub Posted on July 22, 2026July 22, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College Professor of Marketing Lan Jiang, Ph.D., was recently featured by WalletHub as an expert in its guide to the Best Credit Card Deals for July 2026. WalletHub invited Jiang to contribute her expertise in consumer psychology and behavior to a discussion about the strategies behind credit card promotions. The feature explores how credit card companies can afford large introductory bonuses, the influence of limited-time promotions on application rates, whether consumers who pursue bonuses become valuable long-term customers, and what the value of current offers may indicate about the broader economy. Menlo College Professor of Marketing Lan Jiang on the College’s Atherton campus. The guide compares more than 1,500 credit card offers across categories including travel rewards, cash back, introductory interest rates and student credit cards. Jiang joined marketing and consumer behavior scholars from institutions across the country on WalletHub’s panel of experts. At Menlo College, Jiang teaches Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research and Principles of Marketing. Her research focuses on consumer psychology and behavior, including online communities, interpersonal influence and customer success. Her scholarship has appeared in leading publications such as the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science and Journal of Business Research, and has been covered by Harvard Business Review and NPR. Jiang earned her Ph.D. in marketing from the University of British Columbia, a master’s degree in economics from Simon Fraser University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Beijing University. Before joining Menlo College, she taught at the University of Oregon, City University of Hong Kong and Santa Clara University. Menlo College Professor of Marketing Lan Jiang delivers her TEDxMenlo College talk, “A Humanity Perspective on Marketing,” exploring how marketing can fulfill essential human needs. Read Jiang’s expert insights in WalletHub’s Best Credit Card Deals feature and learn more about her research and teaching on her Menlo College faculty profile. Media inquiries: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact pr@menlo.edu
Lecturer Lakiba Pittman Brings Mindfulness and Experiential Learning to Menlo College Classrooms Posted on June 29, 2026June 29, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College Arts & Sciences Lecturer Lakiba Pittman is helping students engage more deeply with learning through mindfulness, creativity, reflection, and community-building. As part of completing the Morning Altars Teacher Training certification program, Pittman recently introduced a nature-based experiential learning project into three Menlo College courses, reaching approximately 60 students. Menlo College Arts & Sciences Lecturer Lakiba Pittman. The project was incorporated into two sections of DEIB in the Workplace (HUM 307) and one section of Cultural Expression in Media (MCM 308). Through guided observation practices, mindful wandering, reflective dialogue, and collaborative outdoor altar-making using natural materials found on campus, students explored how attention, perception, and connection shape the way they understand themselves, others, and their surroundings. In the DEIB courses, students connected the experience to the Iceberg Metaphor and themes of identity, assumptions, and belonging, examining how visible and invisible aspects of identity influence workplace interactions and inclusion efforts. “What we overlook isn’t always unimportant; it’s often just unnoticed,” said student Rachel Brans. “Just like I overlooked parts of my environment, it’s easy to overlook people or make assumptions without really noticing them.” In Cultural Expression in Media, students explored how attention and perspective influence media, storytelling, and representation. Through mindful observation and collaborative creation, they experienced how meaning can emerge through intentional focus. Student Bat-Orgil Yaruukhan described the experience as both creative and connective. “It created a shared rhythm, almost like everyone was participating in the same invisible conversation with the environment,” Yaruukhan said. “Sometimes what seems small or ordinary becomes meaningful when we pay closer attention, finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.” For student Taliyah Thornton, the activity encouraged a different kind of classroom interaction while reinforcing course concepts. “Usually, everyone is focused on schoolwork or just trying to get through class, but this activity allowed people to show more of their personalities,” Thornton said. “Media and society often focus on certain people or stories while overlooking smaller details, just like how we overlook things in everyday life.” The project reflects Pittman’s commitment to experiential and healing-centered education. Her work is informed by her participation as a Fellow in the Acosta Institute’s Healing-Centered Education program and her ongoing studies in compassion and mindfulness education through Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) and the Compassion Institute. Insights from the Morning Altars project will help inform a Future Forward grant-supported belonging workshop planned for Fall 2026, expanding opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to explore community-centered approaches to learning and engagement. As she prepares to begin her 15th year at Menlo College, Pittman continues to explore innovative ways to integrate mindfulness, reflection, creativity, and belonging into higher education. “I believe these experiences help students develop the awareness, empathy, and adaptability that serve them both during college and throughout their lives and careers,” Pittman said. Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact 650-543-3753.
Menlo College Launches AmplifyAI Pilot with CR8.io to Advance Future-Ready Ecosystem Posted on April 24, 2026April 24, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College has launched a six-month pilot of AmplifyAI, a higher education-focused generative AI platform. The pilot provides 50 licenses for use by faculty, staff, and a select group of students, positioning the College at the forefront of responsible AI adoption in higher education. Developed at Vanderbilt University and launched as a hosted enterprise solution by Cr8, AmplifyAI is designed for organizations of all sizes. The platform offers access to more than 20 leading large language models, including Gemini and Claude, within a single secure environment. Users can engage with multiple AI models, create customized AI agents, and optimize prompts using a built-in prompt optimizer. With enterprise-level security, AmplifyAI ensures that institutional data and user inputs are not used to train external AI models, which is a key consideration as colleges nationwide evaluate the role and responsible use of generative AI in teaching, learning, and operations. The six-month pilot will assess how AmplifyAI can enhance classroom learning, streamline administrative processes, and empower students to build AI fluency as part of their academic and professional development. If successful, Menlo College intends to expand access campus-wide beginning in the fall 2026 semester. “As AI tools rapidly transform every industry, it is essential that our students develop competencies, including ethical reasoning, in utilizing them,” said Angela Schmiede, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success. “Launching the AmplifyAI pilot reflects Menlo College’s commitment to innovation and our responsibility to prepare graduates for a world where AI literacy is foundational. This initiative aligns directly with our strategic plan and strengthens our Future-Ready ecosystem.” Menlo’s engagement with AI is part of its broader strategic vision and its institutional commitment to The Menlo Edge: Future-Ready initiative, which integrates academic learning, experiential opportunities, and professional development to cultivate the competencies students need to thrive professionally, personally, and civically. Grounded in the NACE Career Readiness Competencies, the initiative helps students build adaptability, ethical decision-making skills, and critical thinking skills, which are increasingly important as students use AI in the classroom and workplace. Bzur Haun, CEO of CR8.io, shared: “AmplifyAI democratizes access to a variety of AI models in a cost-effective way, which is particularly impactful for a mission-driven, minority-serving institution like Menlo College. We’re excited to implement Amplify AI by CR8.io at Menlo and support innovation on their campus.” By piloting AmplifyAI, Menlo aims to ensure that AI engagement on campus is guided, ethical, and mission-driven, empowering students, faculty, and staff not just to use technology, but to lead in an AI-shaped future. Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College Professors Featured in National WalletHub Articles Posted on June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College professors Sean Pradhan and Lan Jiang were recently featured in WalletHub articles, offering expert insights on topics ranging from professional hockey to premium credit cards. It’s always great to see Menlo faculty lending their voices to timely conversations in the broader world of business. Dr. Sean Pradhan, Associate Professor of Sports Management and Business Analytics in the School of Business Administration, shared his expertise on professional hockey and fan engagement in WalletHub’s feature on the Best Cities for Hockey Fans. Dr. Pradhan addressed current challenges facing the NHL, particularly declining viewership, and highlighted ways the league could build stronger connections with younger audiences through better marketing of its athletes and increased access to games. He also provided practical tips for hockey fans looking to enjoy the sport affordably, from choosing weekday games to exploring minor league and college-level matchups. Dr. Lan Jiang, Professor of Marketing, contributed insights to WalletHub’s coverage of The Platinum Card® from American Express. Dr. Jiang discussed the considerations consumers should weigh before choosing a credit card with a high annual fee, emphasizing the importance of aligning card benefits with personal spending habits. She also noted how a well-targeted rewards system can deliver value to cardholders while benefiting both the card issuer and affiliated partners like Uber. These interviews underscore the depth of expertise housed within Menlo College’s faculty and the College’s commitment to preparing students for careers that are not only informed by academic rigor but also shaped by industry relevance. Both Dr. Pradhan and Dr. Jiang actively integrate real-world trends and data into their teaching, ensuring that Menlo students are equipped to think critically and act decisively in today’s innovation-driven economy. Menlo College congratulates both professors on being featured and appreciates their continued efforts to share their expertise beyond the classroom. Read the full Wallethub articles here: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-for-hockey-fans/13283#expert=Sean_Pradhan https://wallethub.com/d/american-express-platinum-219c#expert=lan_jiang Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, private, nonprofit institution founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Menlo offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology, and a newly launched Master of Science in Financial Technology. With a student body that includes many first-generation college students, Menlo emphasizes experiential learning, requiring internships as part of the curriculum to ensure students graduate career-ready. The College is also proud to be designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
Menlo College Marketing Professor Lan Jiang, Ph.D., Featured in WalletHub Article on Amica Insurance Posted on March 6, 2025June 3, 2025 by menlocollege Atherton, CA – March, 2025: Menlo College is pleased to announce that Dr. Lan Jiang, Professor of Marketing, was recently featured in a WalletHub article on Amica Insurance. Professor Jiang shared valuable insights on evaluating car insurance companies, emphasizing the growing importance of online reviews and social media in consumer decision-making. “Consumers are increasingly relying on customer reviews from sources like Reddit to conduct their research,” said Jiang, referring to the concept of ZMOT (Zero Moment of Truth). She also offered advice for those considering Amica, recommending thorough research to gather insights from multiple perspectives. Professor Jiang commented on Amica’s tagline, “Empathy is our best policy,” stating that empathy can build trust, but must be genuine to be effective. She also credited Amica’s high auto insurance claims satisfaction to their consistent service quality, backed by unbiased consumer reviews. Professor Jiang’s expertise continues to be recognized in the industry, and Menlo College is proud to have such a distinguished faculty member. Read the full WalletHub article here: https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/amica-car-insurance-review/62600#expert=Lan_Jiang Contact Information: Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College Finance Professor Dima Leshchinskii, Ph.D., Featured in WalletHub Article Posted on February 26, 2025June 3, 2025 by menlocollege Atherton, CA – February, 2025: Menlo College is proud to announce that Dr. Dima Leshchinskii, Professor of Finance, was recently featured as an expert contributor in a WalletHub article discussing the best (and worst) options for same-day loans and alternatives to payday lending. With the allure of quick cash, same-day loans and no-credit-check options can be tempting, but Dr. Leshchinskii cautions consumers to proceed with extreme caution. In his insightful commentary, he advises, “Avoid it unless you have an established relationship with the lender! If someone is ready to give you money without checking who you are, either you will be charged exorbitant fees or, even worse, you will get yourself into a dangerous situation.” The WalletHub piece delves into the often-hidden costs of payday loans, with Dr. Leshchinskii illustrating how seemingly small fees can translate into triple-digit APRs. He then offers practical alternatives, including employer cash advances, loans or lines of credit from banks or credit unions, and even careful use of credit card cash advances. Dr. Leshchinskii emphasizes the importance of research and comparison, urging consumers to “explore all options available to you.” He recommends using online comparison tools and creating a detailed comparison table that includes interest rates, loan amounts, maturity dates, fees, and any fine print like prepayment penalties or other loan covenants. His advice empowers consumers to make informed financial decisions and avoid the pitfalls of predatory lending practices. Read the full WalletHub article here: https://wallethub.com/best-no-credit-check-loans-same-day#expert=Dr._Dima_Leshchinskii Contact Information: Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College Finance Professor Dima Leshchinskii, Ph.D., Featured in MoneyGeek Articles Posted on November 15, 2024June 3, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College Finance Professor Dima Leshchinskii, Ph.D., Featured in MoneyGeek Articles Menlo College’s own Dr. Dima Leshchinskii, Professor of Finance, has been featured as an expert in a series of MoneyGeek articles, offering valuable insights into critical topics such as FHA loans, behavioral finance, and California’s housing market In his contributions, Dr. Leshchinskii shares expertise on:• FHA Loans and Homebuying: Discussing how FHA loans can help first-time homebuyers, Dr. Leshchinskii highlights their lower down payment requirements and higher debt-to-income ratio allowances, making homeownership more accessible to those with limited income or credit scores. He also explains the factors determining loan eligibility, such as local loan limits and borrower financials.• Behavioral Finance: Dr. Leshchinskii explores how psychological and emotional factors influence financial decisions, delving into concepts like herd instinct, where individuals make choices based on others’ actions, and confirmation bias, the tendency to favor information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and awareness to avoid costly financial mistakes.• Navigating California’s Housing Market: In a guide for homebuyers, Dr. Leshchinskii provides advice on overcoming challenges in one of the nation’s most competitive housing markets. He shares tips on preparing finances, understanding local market trends, and working with real estate professionals. Through these articles, Dr. Leshchinskii’s insights underscore Menlo College’s dedication to equipping students and the community with knowledge that drives informed decision-making in today’s financial landscape. Read the full MoneyGeek articles featuring Dr. Leshchinskii:• Understanding Herd Instinct• What is Confirmation Bias?• Behavioral Finance Explained• How to Buy a House in California Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” A residential college in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, and masters degrees in sport and performance psychology and information systems.
