Erik Mekelburg, PhD

Erik Mekelburg holds a PhD in Finance from the University of Denver. His research focuses on finance, cryptocurrencies and machine learning methods, and his dissertation titled “Problems with Machine Learning, High-Dimensional Data, and Forecasting Stock Returns” addressed key challenges in forecasting stock market returns using innovative ensemble approaches. Erik earned his MBA with distinction from the University of Warwick in England, where he completed his thesis on “Econometric Vulnerability Analysis in Times of Crisis.” He also holds a Bachelor of Arts from DHBW Ravensburg, Germany, with a focus on information systems, statistics and data mining.

Academic Positions Held

Erik is an adjunct faculty member at the Daniels College of Business, University of Denver, where he teaches FIN 6305: Applied Quantitative Methods in Finance, a PhD-level seminar that immerses students in empirical methods and analytical frameworks using Python for topics such as corporate governance, risk/return analysis, and decentralized finance. The course emphasizes hands-on research with real-world data and covers advanced techniques including cross-sectional linear regression, machine learning and forecasting.

Previously, Erik taught at Portland State University’s School of Business, where he led MGMT 542: Human Resource Analytics Tools & Applications, a course designed to teach HR professionals how to analyze data using advanced analytic tools and communicate findings effectively. He also taught MGMT 552: Human Resource Analytics Capstone, a follow-up course focused on advancing students’ proficiency in HR analytical tools through real-world data applications.

Work Experience

Erik currently serves as chief revenue officer at Sibros Technologies, Inc., where he is responsible for global sales and customer success. Prior to this role, he held several senior leadership positions at SAP America, including regional vice president and vice president of sales, managing large enterprise business and sales teams across multiple industries.

Awards and Honors

Erik has been recognized for his contributions to the field, receiving the Most Innovative Paper Award at the National Business and Economics Society in 2022.

Hobbies/Interests

His interests include cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance (DeFi) and machine learning for predictive analytics. Outside of work, Erik enjoys hiking and outdoor activities in Boulder, Colorado, and continues to engage in research around data science and finance.