Scholar Spotlight: Assistant Professor Sule Nur Kutlu

Since joining BTMA faculty in 2021, Assistant Professor Sule Nur Kutlu, PhD has been co-publishing in top journals such as Information Research Systems^[1], securing grant funding as a Principal Investigator, and presenting cutting edge research about user data management at a recent HSB public event.

Kutlu completed her Doctorate in Business Administration with the concentration in Operations and Information Management in 2021 at University of Connecticut and has also worked with US-based researchers while studying at Duke University. From the detection of fake news and data protection regulations to the effectiveness of recommender systems, 

“My research interests lie in the economics of information systems, particularly focusing on digital platforms. Each of these topics has allowed me to explore different facets of information systems and their impact on digital platforms and user interactions.”

Currently, Kutlu is engaged in three different research projects: The first involves designing algorithms for the detection of cryptocurrency investment websites—this has recently secured her a UCalgary VPR Catalyst Grant as Principal Investigator with co-investigators Raymond A. Patterson and Ram D. Gopal; the second project examines the integration of blockchain technology in cross-border payment systems which was recently presented at Boston University Platform Strategy Research Symposium^[2]; and finally, the third project focuses on the effectiveness of online recommender systems, and is the topic of a current working paper co-authored by David Bergman and Keliang Wang from the University of Connecticut and Raymond A. Patterson from the University of Calgary.

Catalyst Grant

In May 2024, Kutlu was awarded a VPR Catalyst Grant to develop a research project entitled Detection of Fraudulent Cryptocurrency Investment Websites which is centered around the design of algorithms to address a critical knowledge gap in security issues of online fraud. These grants, awarded by UCalgary’s Vice Provost of Research office, support well-defined early stages of research projects with promising futures for external tri-council funding.

“The project aims to develop advanced machine learning techniques to identify and mitigate risks associated with online investment fraud. The research program includes extensive data analysis and collaboration with industry experts to ensure practical applicability and relevance.”

The project navigates the complex intersection of cybersecurity, third parties, and emerging technologies. 

Haskayne Business Exchange

In June 2024, Kutlu presented at the inaugural Haskayne Business Exchange about trust and privacy in data management in a TEDx format with other HSB faculty members. The event also featured an industry panel that commented on topics presented.

“It was a remarkable experience. It was gratifying to see the industry's interest and concern regarding the issues addressed in my research. The feedback from industry professionals was positive.”

Following the talk, Kutlu was interviewed by a local news outlet. Read more here 

A video presentation of the talk will be available in August 2024. 

^{[1] Ram D. Gopal, Hooman Hidaji, Sule Nur Kutlu, Raymond A. Patterson, Niam Yaraghi (2023) Law, Economics, and Privacy: Implications of Government Policies on Website and Third-Party Information Sharing. Information Systems Research 34(4):1375-1397. https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2022.1178}

^{[2] Bayram, O., Talay, I., & Nur Kutlu, S. (2024, July 16) Impact of Fintech Innovation on Cross-border Payments: SWIFT vs. Blockchain. Boston University Platform Strategy Research Symposium, Boston, MA July 15-16, 2024}