Machine Learning Mental Health

Shuying Sha, Ph.D.

*******.***@*****.***

336-***-**** https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuyingsha/

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Statistician/psychometrician with a PhD in Research Methodology, Measurement and Statistics and 15+ years of experience leading statistical design, analysis, and grant support cross multiple disciplines.

• Analytical Skills: Large scale and small sample size analysis, advanced in basic to intermediate statistical analyses, multilevel analysis, survival analysis, data mining techniques, causal inferences, and psychometrics.

• Statistical Training: Taught graduate-level courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, quantitative methodology.

• Programming & Software: Proficient in R, SAS, SPSS, Redcap, and Excel, with working knowledge of SQL.

• Grant and Manuscript Development: Co-authored 20+ peer-reviewed publications and contributed to grant applications by writing statistical methods sections, enhancing research funding and dissemination success. CORE COMPETENCIES

• Biostatistics / Epidemiology

• Grant Writing

• Manuscript Preparation

• Project Management

• Healthcare / Public Health Research

• Statistical Programming

• Data Extraction / Transformation

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Multilevel / Causal Modeling

• Mixed Methods Research

• Instrument Development

• National Health Datasets

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE, SCHOOL OF NURSING - Louisville, KY 2021 - 2025 Assistant Professor / Lead Statistician

• Led the statistical design and analysis for 13 externally funded healthcare research projects totaling over $725K, advancing evidence in patient safety and mental health.

• Performed large-scale secondary data analyses using advanced statistical modeling and machine learning to evaluate mental health outcomes, patient experience, and cultural safety in underserved populations.

• Published 20+ peer-reviewed articles on healthcare quality, mental health, and patient-centered outcomes, strengthening the applied health statistics evidence base.

• Advised faculty and trainees on research design, including sampling strategies, survey instrumentation, protocol development, and rigorous statistical analysis plans.

• Developed and taught graduate-level courses in biostatistics, measurement theory, and quantitative manuscript development for health and social science researchers. UNC GREENSBORO, SCHOOL OF NURSING - Greensboro, NC 2018 - 2020 Clinical Assistant Professor / Statistician

• Spearheaded statistical design and data analysis for multi-site, nursing-led quality improvement initiatives, resulting in measurable improvements in patient outcomes and peer-reviewed publications co-authored with students and faculty.

• Redesigned and taught graduate-level courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health data analytics, improving student performance and applied research readiness through integration of real-world clinical datasets.

• Served on the task force to redefine the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) capstone project by reviewing AACN guidelines and benchmarking against leading nursing schools, promoting greater collaboration between DNP and PhD students.

EXCELSIOR COLLEGE - Albany, NY 2016 - 2018

Psychometrician

• Applied Item Response Theory (IRT) and Classical Test Theory (CTT) across 50+ academic and professional programs to strengthen assessment validity, fairness, and defensibility.

• Led standard-setting workshops and predictive analytics efforts to establish evidence-based, legally defensible cut scores for high-stakes licensure and certification exams.

• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to design psychometrically robust assessments aligned with healthcare and education accreditation standards.

• Championed continuous quality improvement in assessment development, enhancing reliability, construct validity, and compliance with regulatory and industry benchmarks. GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT - Greensboro, NC 2015 - 2016 Intern - Accountability and Research Office

• Automated district-wide data workflows using SAS macros, improving efficiency in predictive modeling, program evaluation, and equity-focused analyses.

• Performed advanced statistical modeling (e.g., multilevel models, regression, MANOVA) to forecast college enrollment, scholarship attainment, and uncover academic achievement gaps.

• Led psychometric evaluations of K–12 benchmark assessments using IRT, Classical Test Theory, and Differential Item Functioning (DIF) methods to ensure validity and fairness.

• Communicated complex statistical findings to educators, administrators, and test developers, translating data into actionable insights that informed strategic planning and assessment design. UNC Greensboro 2012 - 2014

Research Assistant - Center for Community and Health Research and Evaluation (2012 - 2014)

• Contributed to mixed-methods evaluations for community health needs assessments, supporting focus groups, survey development, and statistical modeling to inform public health planning.

• Assisted in conducting focus groups across multiple hospital sites and community centers, gathering input from diverse community stakeholders on health service access and needs.

• Co-authored technical reports that translated findings into actionable recommendations, influencing provider strategies and public health interventions.

• Synthesized qualitative and quantitative data to support policy development, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based decision-making for resource allocation. Evaluator Intern - Physician for Peace, Office of Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Service (2013) Developed research proposals and evaluation frameworks for global healthcare training programs, aligning assessments with project goals and stakeholder needs.

• Created and administered mixed-method assessment tools; synthesized data to identify gaps, measure impact, and enhance program delivery.

• Translated findings into actionable insights to support executive decision-making and drive strategic planning across international initiatives.

EDUCATION

Ph.D. in Educational Research Methodology and Measurement - UNCG, Greensboro, NC (2016) Dissertation: Diagnostic Classification Analysis for Testlet Tests Chair: Robert Henson.

M.S. in Educational Research Methodology and Measurement - UNCG, Greensboro, NC (2013) Ph.D. in Education (Coursework Completed), Curriculum and Instruction - Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (2008) M.S. in Developmental and Cognitive Psychology - Peking University, Beijing (2004) B.A. in Moral and Political Education - Beijing Normal University, Beijing (2001) Other Professional Training

1. Clinical Trial Weekly Study Group, Brown Cancer Center (Jan 2024- Present) 2. Planning and Writing Successful NIH Proposals, University of Louisville (May 2023) 3. Grantsmanship Bootcamp, SuRE Resource Center (March 7, 2023) 4. A variety of statistics, data mining, and research methodology courses from biostatistics department and online platforms.

Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=i467VuQAAAAJ&hl=en

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