Meet the man who uncovered the options scandal

It's interesting how some financial scandals have been unearthed by academics. One good example: The various studies about transactions costs to investors that eventually resulted in the SEC's ballyhooed order handling rules, which really changed the game for Wall Street traders. In a similar vein, Erik Lie, of Iowa's Tippie College of Business, hit a home run with his analyses of stock option grants dates and stock trends. As we all know, his work eventually led regulators to crack down on backdating and spring-loading options grants. This is the stuff that makes careers. His life has changed in that he's in great demand by reporters and others, but he says he is not going to let his new fame change who he is or what he does.

For more on Lie:
- Here's an AP profile