Welcome Dr. Min Shu: Expert in data science and statistics joins department, spearheading innovation

Help us in welcoming Dr. Min Shu to our Department of Statistics, Actuarial and Data Sciences. Dr. Shu brings a wealth of expertise and experience to CMU, with a diverse academic background and a passion for data science and statistics.

Dr. Shu's academic journey began in China, where she earned her bachelor's degree in information and computer science. She then pursued higher education in the United States, obtaining a master's degree in mathematical sciences from Michigan Technological University, followed by a PhD in applied mathematics and statistics from Stony Brook University. Prior to joining CMU, Dr. Shu served as an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science Department at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

When asked about her choice of statistics and analytics, Dr. Shu expressed her fascination with data and her enjoyment in uncovering hidden relationships and patterns. She cited John Tukey's quote, stating that "the best thing about being a statistician is that you get to play in everyone’s backyard," emphasizing her passion for solving data modeling challenges across various domains.

Dr. Shu's research interests primarily focus on detecting financial bubbles and crashes, recognizing the profound impact these events have on modern society. Her goal is to develop a real-time bubble monitoring and forecasting system for financial markets, aiming to timely identify and mitigate the effects of such crises. Additionally, she is keen on applying statistical techniques to address data modeling challenges in other fields.

At CMU, Dr. Shu is very involved in the new undergraduate data science major launched in Fall 2022. She teaches a range of statistics and data science courses, including Data Visualization and Programming, Exploratory Data Analytics, Applied Analytics, Statistics for Risk Modeling, and Advanced Data Mining Techniques. Dr. Shu is also enthusiastic about proposing new courses that incorporate the latest developments in statistics and data science.

Expressing her excitement about joining CMU, Dr. Shu extended her gratitude to her colleagues in the Department of Statistics, Actuarial and Data Sciences for their support and assistance in transitioning smoothly into her new role. She highlighted the warm and supportive environment within the department, which has contributed to her sense of belonging and confidence in achieving success at CMU.

Dr. Min Shu's appointment strengthens CMU's commitment to excellence in data science education and research, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in the field. Her arrival heralds a new era of innovation and collaboration at CMU.