Rate My Professor Shan Sun-Mitchell

Shan Sun-Mitchell is a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Texas at Arlington, specializing in statistics. She earned her Ph.D. in Statistics from Indiana University in 1992. Her academic career at UTA encompasses extensive teaching, research in mathematical statistics, and leadership in developing data science education. As Program Director for the Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Data Science, launched by the Department of Mathematics in 2023, she oversees a cohort-based, 18-month program that equips students with skills in statistical theory, data science principles, machine learning, regression analysis, data mining, and optimization through required courses, electives, and internships or capstone projects. This initiative prepares graduates for roles across industries by emphasizing hands-on experience and accessibility to STEM and non-technical backgrounds.

Sun-Mitchell also holds the position of Co-Director for Academic Programs in the College of Science's Division of Data Science, established in 2024. Her research focuses on mathematical statistics, reflected in publications such as a 1995 paper in the Journal of the American Statistical Association on statistical methods, contributions to the FDA Approval Summary for Temsirolimus as treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma in The Oncologist (2010), and recent works including 'Sequential Analysis of Dementia Family Dyadic Communication of Care' in Innovation in Aging (2023), 'Caregiver Facilitative Communication and Dementia Care Recipient Patterns' (2024), and chapters on principles of artificial intelligence and big data in healthcare. She has supervised numerous Ph.D. dissertations, served on the DDS Ph.D. degree proposal committee since September 2023, and acts as Faculty Advisor for the UTA NSDC Chapter. Awards include induction into the Academy of Distinguished Teachers in 2022, President's Award for Excellence in Teaching, College of Science honors for faculty excellence, and participation in a 2024 UTA Spark research grant team. As an affiliate of the Center for the Integration of Health and Imaging and TExBioMed co-investigator, she contributes to interdisciplinary efforts enhancing data-driven approaches in science and health.