Graduate

Saeed Fanoodi

  • Class

    Class of 2026
  • Program

    Ph.D. ( School of Business Administration )
  • Hometown

    Mashhad, Khorasan (International)
  • Involvement

    Orientation, Student Government
  • Social Media

  • About

    Saeed is a second-year doctoral student. He is interested in entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial financing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) implications for organizations. Before his doctoral studies, Saeed was co-founder and the CEO of Rayfarm, an AgriTech startup company in Tehran, Iran. Now, as a Ph.D. student at Ole Miss, his focus has shifted toward exploring the theoretical foundations and practical applications of his research interests.

Area of Study

Entrepreneurship

What made you choose the University of Mississippi's doctoral program?

I read about the University of Mississippi’s reputation and found that a Ph.D. in management at Ole Miss would enable me to effectively exploit my managerial and research skills. Ole Miss is a unique academic institution with a strong connection and network with the industry. Ole Miss is a diverse institution with people from various cultures, nationalities, religions, and ideologies. I am sure this diversity would aid in the overall development of my personality. This program and my determination, hard work, perseverance, and dedication will help me overcome all hurdles in my future endeavors.

How or why did you choose your area of focus?

Having worked as a business consultant, I gained valuable insights into real-world challenges, strategizing on everything from management to market competition. My entrepreneurial journey as a co-founder and CEO further shaped my perspective. While working in entrepreneurship, I encountered various challenges that pushed me to pursue an MBA. Although an MBA was significantly helpful & gave me a piece of general knowledge in management, I felt the need to research deeply on topics of my interest.

Is there a professor who has been a mentor to you?

All of the faculty in the management department have been guiding us as Ph.D. students to graduate successfully and giving us their valuable advice throughout the program. Particularly, Dr. Milorad Novicevic is patiently walking me through the rough path of a first-year Ph.D. student, and I'm grateful for all his advice and guidance. As my second mentor, Dr. John Berns supports and guides me through my research stream, focusing on strategic management and entrepreneurial financing.

What has been one of your most memorable moments at UM?

One of the two best memories has been the Christmas parade in the square and the beautiful snow we had this January.

Do you have any advice for people considering the Ph.D. program?

The Ph.D. program requires extensive commitment and hard work. If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D., you must love doing research; otherwise, it's hard to succeed.

What are your plans after completing the program?

I wish to become a professor in management at a research-focused university in the United States.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to?

I'm interested in self-development, and I try to listen to self-improvement podcasts. Occasionally, I listen to historical and cultural podcasts of countries worldwide.

What are your favorite hobbies?

My favorite hobbies are playing Badminton and video games if I have the time because a Ph.D. requires putting in a lot of hours! Additionally, I occasionally watch sitcoms and horror movies.

What are some dream travel destinations?

I have a few destinations in mind: Paris, Rome, Venice, and Bali Island are among my top destinations.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Oxford, MS?

I like walking around the square, having a nice dinner with friends and shopping.

What’s your favorite place to eat in Oxford, MS?

I love Pizza Den’s authentic food and Mexican food from El Agave.