Can ChatGPT pick stocks better than the market? Canisius University Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance Marc LoGrasso, PhD, set out to answer that question, and his research is earning international recognition.
LoGrasso is the recipient of the 2026 Best Paper Award from Modern Finance, an international peer-reviewed journal, for his research exploring whether ChatGPT could have generated abnormal returns through stock recommendations. His paper, “Could ChatGPT Have Earned Abnormal Returns? A Retrospective Test from the U.S. Stock Market,” examines the increasingly important intersection of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and financial markets.
The Modern Finance Best Paper Award recognizes an outstanding article published in the journal during the preceding calendar year. For the 2026 award, five papers published in Modern Finance during 2025 were identified based on citation counts and readership before being evaluated by the journal’s Best Paper Award Committee. LoGrasso’s paper was selected as the winner.
Click here to read more about LoGrasso’s research.
The national magazine U.S. Catholic interviewed Canisius University Professors Shyam Sriram, Jonathan Lawrence and Aimee Larson for a September 1 feature examining how Catholic colleges are prioritizing mission over profit. Sriram discussed Canisius’ approach to service learning and the importance of engaging with communities in ways that address structural injustice, while Lawrence highlighted the university’s commitment to accompaniment and building lasting relationship within Buffalo neighborhoods. Larson spoke about the integration of justice, health equity and care for the whole person throughout the Physician Assistant Program. The article also features 2026 alumna Tarin Rietz, who shared how her Canisius education helped shape her calling to geriatric and end-of-life care. Read the story here.
As we begin the 2026-27 academic year, meet the faculty members who are joining Canisius and those returning to continue their work with our students and academic community.
Joel E. Baehler Visiting Assistant Professor, History BA, MA, Oklahoma State University; PhD, Kent State University
Joel E. Baehler joins Canisius University as a visiting assistant professor of history. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from Oklahoma State University and his PhD in United States history from Kent State University. Baehler brings teaching experience from Wofford College, Daemen University, Lake Erie College and Kent State University, where he has taught courses in U.S., world and African American history. His research focuses on modern U.S. history, citizenship, social movements and LGBTQ history, with scholarship examining identity, sexuality, politics and activism.
John Breckner MS ’08 Assistant Professor, Counseling & Human Services BA, Syracuse University; MS, Canisius University; PhD, University of Tennessee
John Breckner MS ’08 joins Canisius University as an assistant professor of counseling and human services after serving as an adjunct professor at the university since 2015 and as a faculty research supervisor since 2016. A Canisius alumnus, he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Syracuse University, his master’s degree in counseling from Canisius and his PhD in counselor education from the University of Tennessee. Breckner’s teaching and research interests include counselor education, school counseling, assessment, ethics and substance use. He received Canisius’ 2018 Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award for outstanding teaching in the School of Education and Human Services.
Carla Ciraco Teaching Faculty, Kinesiology BKin, University of Toronto; DC, D’Youville University
Carla Ciraco joins Canisius University as a teaching faculty member in kinesiology. She earned her Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Toronto and her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from D’Youville University, graduating summa cum laude. Ciraco brings clinical experience in musculoskeletal care, chronic pain and rehabilitation, with a focus on evidence-based practice. She also has experience in chiropractic research and has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications focused on chronic pain, chiropractic care and opioid use. Her research team received the 2025 Scott Haldeman Award for Outstanding Research for work examining the impact of chiropractic care on prescription opioid use.
Jillian Warner-Dombrowski ’01 Program Director of Criminal Justice Department BA, Canisius University; MS, Buffalo State University; PhD State University of New York at Buffalo
Jillian Warner-Dombrowski was named program director of criminal justice in 2026 after previously serving as a visiting professor and adjunct professor at Canisius University. A Canisius alumna, she earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from Canisius, a master’s degree in criminal justice from Buffalo State University and a PhD in counselor education from the University at Buffalo. She brings extensive experience in criminal justice education and practice, with teaching interests in criminal law, corrections, policing and the U.S. court system. Her professional background includes leadership in probation services and community corrections, providing students with practical, real-world perspectives on the criminal justice system.
Christopher Mellor Assistant Professor, Teacher Education & Leadership BS, MS, University of Wyoming; PhD, University of New Mexico
Christopher Mellor joins Canisius University as an assistant professor of teacher education and leadership. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in kinesiology and health from the University of Wyoming and his PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of New Mexico. Mellor brings extensive experience in physical education teacher education, including teaching at Arkansas State University, Adelphi University and the University of New Mexico. His teaching and research focus on teacher preparation, curriculum and instructional practices, with scholarship examining professional socialization, teacher development and culturally relevant physical education.
Jon Mrowczynski ’16 Teaching Faculty Quantitative Sciences Professor; Teaching Faculty Physics Professor BS, Physics, Canisius University; MS, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo
Jon Mrowczynski joined the Canisius University faculty as an adjunct quantitative sciences professor in spring 2025 after serving the university in a variety of instructional roles since 2013, including as a teaching assistant, tutor and adjunct physics professor. A Canisius alumnus, he earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Canisius, and his master’s degree in computer science and engineering, with a focus in artificial intelligence, from the University at Buffalo. Mrowczynski brings industry experience in software, hardware and AI, along with expertise in programming, data analysis and applied computing.
Jennifer Stowe Assistant Professor Teacher Education & Leadership BA, Bryan College; MA, University of Tennessee; PhD, University of South Carolina
Jennifer Stowe brings extensive experience in literacy education and teacher preparation to her role as adjunct faculty in literacy education at Canisius University. She holds a PhD in language and literacy from the University of South Carolina, as well as a master’s degree in English from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor’s degree in English, secondary education, from Bryan College. Stowe has taught literacy and education courses at Canisius and the University of South Carolina and brings more than a decade of experience teaching English and language arts. Her scholarship and presentations focus on literacy instruction, critical pedagogy, diverse learners and student agency.
Dersu E. Tanca Visiting Assistant Professor, Political Science
BA, International Relations, Middle East Technical University; PhD, Political Science, George Mason University
Dersu E. Tanca rejoins Canisius University as an assistant professor of political science. He earned his PhD in political science from George Mason University and master’s degrees in political science and comparative politics from Middle East Technical University and the London School of Economics and Political Science, respectively. Tanca’s teaching and research focus on comparative politics, democratization and the politics of Turkey and the Middle East, with expertise in authoritarianism, political polarization, populism and elections.
Previously introduced in The Dome:
Amy Wilson BS, Colorado State University; MS Western Illinois University; PhD, University at Buffalo
Kathleen Kinney BA ’98, MS ’08 Canisius University; MA State University of New York at Buffalo; EdD University of the Cumberlands
Amy B. Wilson, PhD, and Kathleen Kinney join Canisius in new leadership roles within the School of Education & Leadership Studies. Wilson is the new director of the Higher Education Leadership & Administration program and faculty associate dean, while Kinney is director of the Canisius University Teacher Residency program. Both bring extensive experience in higher education and educator preparation. Read the story here.
Christopher Moellering BA, Georgetown University; MS The London School of Economics and Political Science; JD, Fordham University Law School
Former federal attorney Christopher “Chris” Moellering, JD, has joined Canisius University as assistant vice president for legal and industry-aligned pathways. In his new role, Moellering will advise students exploring legal careers, teach law-related coursework, coordinate with the Mock Trial program and serve as a liaison to the Desmond Law Society, a network of more than 1,000 Canisius alumni attorneys and judges. He brings nearly two decades of legal experience, including work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the University at Buffalo School of Law and the Legal Aid Society of Nassau County. Read the story here.
The Canisius University Contemporary Writers Series will welcome acclaimed Irish writer Doireann Ní Ghríofa and award-winning author Julie Schumacher to campus this fall for two free public readings.
Ní Ghríofa will be the featured speaker at the 21st annual Hassett Reading, scheduled for Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m. in the Montante Cultural Center. Schumacher will speak on Thursday, November 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Grupp Fireside Lounge. Both events will include a question-and-answer session and reception. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Doireann Ní Ghríofa is an Irish writer devoted to exploring how the past makes itself felt within the present. Born in Galway and raised in County Clare, she is a bilingual writer and the author of seven critically acclaimed books of poetry.
Her prose debut, A Ghost in the Throat, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and was named a New York Times Notable Book and an NPR Best Book of the Year. The book, which explores the life and work of an 18th-century Irish poet through the perspective of a young mother, won the James Tait Black Prize and was named the overall Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards. It has been translated into more than 20 languages.
Julie Schumacher is the author of a dozen books, including the national bestseller Dear Committee Members, which won the Thurber Prize for American Humor. Schumacher was the first woman to receive the award.
Her writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times, Ms., The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Best American Short Stories and the O. Henry Awards anthologies. Her first novel, The Body is Water, was an ALA Notable Book of the Year and a finalist for the PEN/Hemmingway Award. She has also written five novels for young adults and a satirical coloring book, Doodling for Academics.
Canisius Cheerleading Fundraiser Night Friday, October 16
4:00pm-8:00pm
765 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo Show Flyer in Store or Use Promo Code FUND4U at Online Checkout
Joel E. Baehler
John Breckner MS ’08
Carla Ciraco
Jillian Warner-Dombrowski ’01
Jon Mrowczynski ’16
Jennifer Stowe
Dersu E. Tanca
