Robert Fithen, PhD

Professional website highlighting Robert Fithen’s shift toward finance research, 5thN Financial, and portfolio computational methods.

CEO, 5thN Financial • finance research • portfolio computation

Robert Fithen, PhD

A computational engineer and educator whose current professional direction is shifting toward finance research: Portfolio Computational Methods, Expanded Portfolio Theory, and backtesting with the new HiFuPi asset model.

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Abstract computational surface plot

CEO Leads 5thN Financial with a finance-forward research and implementation agenda

EPT Expanded Portfolio Theory is the central current portfolio-research framework

HiFuPi New asset model used for structured EPT backtesting and portfolio experiments

30+ Years in engineering education, computational modeling, and numerical research

Profile

Finance research built on computational engineering

Robert Fithen’s career began in engineering mechanics, finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, numerical methods, and scientific computing. That foundation now supports a growing research focus in finance: computational portfolio methods, machine-learning-informed allocation, empirical testing and implementation-aware portfolio construction.

Current emphasis: CEO of 5thN Financial and active researcher in Portfolio Computational Methods, Expanded Portfolio Theory, and HiFuPi-based backtesting.

Portfolio Computational Methods

Finance research using numerical optimization, historical simulation, machine learning signals, constraint logic, turnover discipline, and implementation-aware portfolio design.

Expanded Portfolio Theory

A current research direction extending portfolio theory into a broader computational framework for constraint-aware allocation and backtested portfolio construction.

Computational Engineering Foundation

Finite elements, CFD, Navier-Stokes simulation, fluid-structure interaction, computational electromagnetics, semiconductor modeling, and high-performance scientific computing.

Current roles

A finance-forward professional direction

CEO, 5thN Financial

Leading 5thN Financial while developing a finance-research agenda around portfolio methodology, computational backtesting, and practical implementation.

Portfolio Manager & Researcher

Owner and portfolio manager at 5thN Financial, LLC, an Arkansas-registered investment adviser. His work includes quantitative portfolio research, implementation, client portfolio oversight, and compliance responsibilities.

NASAA IAR Continuing Education

Developed an intermediate-level continuing education class under the NASAA IAR CE framework, connecting portfolio theory, practical implementation, constraints, and compliance-aware investment education.

NASAA does not endorse any particular provider of IAR CE courses. The content of the course and any views expressed are my/our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASAA or any of its member jurisdictions.

Large-Scale Portfolio Scenario Testing

Conducted large-scale computational portfolio experiments examining allocation behavior, portfolio constraints, turnover effects, and the limitations of market-capitalization-based portfolio assumptions.

5thN Financial Research Tools

Under the umbrella of 5thN Financial, developed separately implemented computational tools to cross-check Expanded Portfolio Theory calculations and study the consistency of research results, alongside software for scenario testing and portfolio research.

Associate Professor, Arkansas Tech University

Tenured faculty member in Engineering from 1998 to the present, with teaching and research across computational mechanics, numerical methods, fluids, vibrations, finite elements, design, and engineering modeling.

Researcher and Builder

Developed computational tools, finite element software, server infrastructure, Moodle systems, and applied research programs across academic, government, and private settings.

Corporate Experience

Previous private-sector work includes General Dynamics / Lockheed, AT&T Consumer Products, Dunham Manufacturing, and 5thN / StressComp finite element software development.

Selected credentials

Education and professional foundation

  • Ph.D., Engineering Mechanics, Virginia Tech University, 1993
  • M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1987
  • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Magna Cum Laude, 1984
  • Licensed Professional Engineer in Mechanical Engineering, State of Louisiana, Registration #27728
  • Passed the Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination

5thN Financial CEO Expanded Portfolio Theory HiFuPi Portfolio Optimization Machine Learning empirical simulation CFD Finite Elements Scientific Computing

Robert Fithen, PhD

Professional & Research Disclosures

Professional and research information. This website presents the professional background and research activities of Robert Fithen, PhD. Its content is for general informational purposes and is not individualized investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Advisory services are offered separately through 5thN Financial, LLC, an Arkansas-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a particular level of skill, qualification, or government endorsement.

The opinions and research presented here are those of Robert Fithen and are not statements or endorsements of Arkansas Tech University. Historical research and simulations are not assurances of future investment results.

Advisory information: Form ADV Parts 2A and 2B (February 16, 2026) · SEC IAPD firm record (CRD 286020). Current filings and applicable client agreements govern advisory relationships.

General information only