She completed a PhD in Business Administration, with a Finance concentration, at the University of Texas-Pan American in August 2012. Her general research interests include international finance and financial markets and institutions. Currently her research focuses on the market for American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) issued by Latin American firms. Prior to entering UTPA’s doctoral program, Dr. Hales held a position as a 5th grade school teacher at Newcomer's Academy, a pioneer campus for recent immigrant children.