What is the STAR Lab?

Funded generously by Ms. Kay Dillard, the Dillard College of Business Administration’s Security Trading and Research Lab, or the Dillard STAR Lab, creates a simulated trading floor where students gain experience in the fast-paced world of securities trading and research. The Lab is equipped with 23 networked workstations, of which 9 are Bloomberg terminals, to gives students significant on-the-job-style training. In addition, the Lab features a full-color LED ticker and an interactive portal of financial information from Rise Display. Courses including Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), FINC 3633 Financial Analysis, FINC 4653 Financial Management, and FINC 4833 Security Analysis and Portfolio Management regularly use the Lab. Through the Bloomberg terminals, the STAR Lab also provides faculty and students access to financial and economic data for research.

 Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) Courses

  1. Students should have completed FINC 4733 Investments with a B or above, or obtain a waiver from the Department Chair before registering for the SMIF courses.
  2. Undergraduate (graduate) students taking SMIF for the first time should register for FINC 4933 (FINC 5933) Student Managed Investment Fund I.
  3. Upon the completion of FINC 4933 or FINC 5933, students have the option to continue working in the SMIF for a total of six credit hours. To do so, undergraduate (graduate) students should register for FINC 4943 (FINC 5943) Student Managed Investment Fund II.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Robert Forrester, 940-397-2868 | robert.forrester@msutexas.edu
Dr. Adam Lei, 940-397-4403 | adam.lei@msutexas.edu
Dr. Qian Li, 940-397-4711 | qian.li@msutexas.edu