CMER Director
Nicholas Loyd, Ph.D.
CMER Director; Clinical Assistant Professor
SST 142
256.824.6257
nicholas.loyd@uah.edu
Nicholas (Nic) Loyd is a clinical assistant professor for the Industrial and Systems Engineering and Engineering Management department at UAH, with the primary responsibility of leading the Engineering Management graduate program. His primary research interests are The Toyota (and Lean) Production System, strategic management and culture change, supply chain management, and emerging technologies in advanced manufacturing.
CMER Staff
Allison Moore
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I
SST 144
256.824.2667
allison.moore@uah.edu
Biography
Allison has been with UAH for fourteen years and is the budget analyst for the Center for Management and Economic Research (CMER). She handles all the financial aspects of CMER along with proposals and contracts. Allison has a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from The University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Education
- B.S., Finance, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2006
Emily Finney
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II, S1
SST 145
256.824.5326
emily.pate@uah.edu
Biography
Ms. Finney is a media and marketing specialist for the Center for Management and Economic Research (CMER) and supports the ATN center.She has worked with CMER for nine years. She handles the marketing aspects of the center including website maintenance, training registration & preparation, promotion, videography, photography, and graphics. Ms. Finney earned a Bachelor’s degree from UAH in Marketing in 2013, a second bachelor’s from UAH in Studio Art in 2019, and
Master’s in Preservation Studies from Boston University in 2022.
Education
- M.A., Preservation Studies, Boston University, 2022
- B.A., Studio Art, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2019
- B.S., Marketing, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2013
Certifications
- Technology-Driven Market Intelligence & Technology Scouting, 2017
- Research Data Management and Sharing, 2016
Jeff Thompson
Research Scientist VI, S3
jeff.thompson@uah.edu
Biography
Jeff Thompson is an experienced business development professional working with small and medium sized enterprises in urban and rural areas of Alabama. His work includes specialized industry research to assist communities, government organizations, and private companies with growth initiatives. Projects include economic impact analyses, industry profiles, innovation market research, and strategic planning for all types of organizations.
Jeff is experienced in economic development, corporate finance, management consulting, applied research, and managing business organizations. He has served in the roles of chief operations officer, executive director of an industry association, director of small business development, manager of small business and research programs, corporate financial planning, and research scientist. He regularly interacts with local businesses and business groups in north Alabama.
Jeff holds an M.B.A. from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and a B.S. in accounting from the University of Alabama.
Education
- M.A., Finance and Management Systems, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1986
- B.S., Accounting, The University of Alabama, 1980
Certifications
- Certificate of Management Accounting (1985-1991)
Karen Yarbrough
RESEARCH SCIENTIST III
SST 143
256.824.6906
karen.yarbrough@uah.edu
Ms. Yarbrough is the Senior Business Advisor within the Center for Management & Economic Research. She specializes in marketing research, strategic business communications, and management consulting. She has served in the role of president, chief financial officer, and partner in several marketing and management consulting companies. She has worked with a range of clients from high-tech computer and engineering companies to small retail operations since 1982. Yarbrough holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Alabama.
