Student success in action: Ellis researcher earns national recognition

In recognition of the launch of the Accelerate New Mexico campaign by the UNM Foundation, The James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership is highlighting just one of the many ways its students are making an impact in their fields.

Ellis graduate student Mahmood Behnampour, along with co-author Eman Momeni of Northern State University, received the Best Teaching Innovation Award from the Forensic Accounting Section of the American Accounting Association (AAA). The award was presented at the 2026 AAA Global Connect, held Aug. 1-5 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Their article, "A study of modular contents and related teaching techniques in fraud & forensic accounting education from North American academicians' perspective," was published in the Journal of Accounting Education. The study draws on a survey of 132 faculty members and examines 11 modules and 44 topics related to fraud and forensic accounting education.

The research provides an empirical benchmark for curriculum design, ranks module-specific content and examines how teaching techniques align with specific modules. The findings identify fraud-related modules as a high priority while also pointing to gaps in non-fraud areas of forensic accounting education.

Behnampour is a dual graduate student who earned his Master of Accounting degree in fall 2025. He graduated with the highest GPA in his class and served as the banner carrier for the Ellis fall convocation. He is currently pursuing his MBA while working as a faculty assistant with Ellis Assistant Professor Sarah McCoy in the Department of Accounting. Before that, he worked as a research assistant with Assistant Professor Cristina Bailey and continues to collaborate with her on research related to corporate misconduct, financial reporting integrity and corporate governance.

The recognition is especially meaningful to Behnampour because it reinforces his commitment to research. His long-term goal is to pursue a research career focused on financial reporting transparency, audit quality, and market integrity.

His accomplishments reflect the kind of success that philanthropic support can help make possible for UNM students. Donor investments give students opportunities to pursue advanced education, engage in research, and work alongside faculty on projects that contribute to their fields.