She is a native of Prague, Czech Republic. Dr. Hilliard received a Ph.D. in chemistry from the Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague, Czech Republic and a Ph.D. in finance from Louisiana State University, USA. Her research interest includes empirical issues in option pricing, investments, and exchange traded funds. She has published in the Quantitative Finance, the Financial Review, the Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting and other finance journals. She has also presented her research at conferences in the United States and Europe. Dr. Hilliard teaches Security Analysis and Financial Statement Analysis at Auburn University. She is an active participant of the Southern Finance Association and a member of Financial Management Association and Eastern Finance Association.