His research interests are in the area of corporate finance, with a focus on capital structure and security issuance decisions. His work explores the motivations behind corporate financing decisions, as well as the role of financial intermediaries in facilitating and influencing these choices. His research was recognized with Best Paper in Corporate Finance awards from the Financial Management Association and the Southwestern Finance Association in 2004. At the Johnson School, Leary teaches Corporate Financial Policy. He holds a PhD from Duke University, an MBA from New York University, and a BA in economics from Rutgers University. Before receiving his PhD, he worked as a financial analyst for CVS Corp.