The Harris Family Alternative Investments Program advances global knowledge in private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, and investment management. This program integrates innovative research with Wharton’s world-renowned curriculum, equipping students with cutting-edge insights and practical expertise.

Serving as a focal point for practitioners, alumni, academics, and policymakers, the Harris Program drives the evolution of alternative investing. Through exclusive events, lectures from industry leaders, and the support of advanced Wharton curricula, the Program empowers a new generation of leaders to navigate and shape the world of alternative investments.

Bilge Yilmaz

Academic Director, Harris Program
Wharton Private Equity Professor

About Bilge

Burcu Esmer

Faculty Co-Director, Harris Program
Senior Lecturer of Finance, Finance Department

About Burcu

Research

The Harris Program funds research projects that advance knowledge in the field of alternative investments. This delivers strategic insights used by decision-makers pursuing excellence in investing. Topics selected for research reflect the Program’s research priorities. A core group of Senior Fellows engages in teaching, events, and research that advances the impact and efforts of the Harris Program. Meet the Harris Program’s current research fellows here.

Finance at Wharton Staff

Jill Bazelon, Senior Associate Director of Student Engagement

Evelyn Evans, Coordinator

Lauren Hurray, Managing Director

Zehra Husikic, Associate Director

Jason McCue, Senior Communications Specialist

Elaine Thomas, Senior Associate Director of Research Support

Chris Trollen, Senior Associate Director of Events and Donor Engagement