Shapiro, Sidney

Shapiro, Sidney
Faculty

Dhillon School of Business - Policy ＆ Strategy

Phone
(403) 329-2455
Email
sidney.shapiro@uleth.ca
Faculty

Dhillon School of Business - Policy ＆ Strategy

About Me



Professor Sidney Shapiro

Welcome! I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Lethbridge's Dhillon School of Business, with a focus on data analytics. My expertise lies in the integration of business intelligence, data engineering, machine learning, and automation, honed over a decade in various data-centric roles.


In my current position, I am responsible for developing and delivering data analytics courses, ensuring students gain a solid foundation in both theory and practice. My research interests include AI's practical applications in business and healthcare, emphasizing data privacy and AI adoption.

Biography

Dr. Sidney Shapiro is an Assistant Professor of Business Analytics at the Dhillon School of Business. With a decade of experience in data science, he specializes in integrating business intelligence, data engineering, and machine learning. Dr. Shapiro's academic focus includes teaching data analytics courses and conducting research in AI applications in business. Prior to his current role, he has led data science teams and contributed to academia as a program coordinator and educator. Dr. Shapiro holds a PhD in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies from Laurentian University focused on social network analytics. He is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for the evolving field of data analytics.

Current Research

My current research focuses on leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence, and decision-support systems to improve student success in higher education. I am developing tools that help students better understand degree requirements, course sequencing, and graduation pathways through intuitive dashboards and predictive analytics. This work combines educational technology, data visualization, and user-centered design to create practical solutions that increase transparency and support informed academic decision-making.

In addition to student success initiatives, my research explores the application of modern software development and AI-assisted technologies to institutional challenges. By integrating data from multiple sources and transforming complex information into actionable insights, I aim to improve operational efficiency, enhance advising processes, and support evidence-based decision-making across academic environments.


Publications

Shapiro, S., & Khalid, A. K. M. I. (2026). AI-assisted evaluations and EDI: How temperature settings influence reliability, bias, and inclusion. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 40(1), 1-11.

Shapiro, S., & Price, M. A. (2026). Building mastery, governing ecosystems, and measuring what matters: Managing AI-enabled education enterprises. In Managing AI-Enabled Education Enterprises: Strategy, Performance, and Responsible Innovation.

Pearson, D., Shapiro, S., Venegas, E. S. G., Al-Khatib, S., & Arzola, A. P. (2026). Graph-based agentic AI with LangGraph: Workflow pathways for long-running stateful business processes (arXiv:2607.19297). arXiv.

Shapiro, S., Pearson, D., & Venegas, E. S. G. (2026). Pandas for reproducible data analysis: From spreadsheets to research-grade Python workflows (arXiv:2606.14924). arXiv.

Shapiro, S., & Panvelwala, B. (2026). Prophet as a reproducible forecasting framework: A methodological guide for business and financial analytics (arXiv:2601.05929). arXiv.

Shapiro, S., Lam, V. D., & Lam, V. (2026). Bridging the AI divide: Equity, integrity, and the governance of generative AI in higher education. In Rethinking Education and Agency in the Age of Human-Generative AI.

Kim, Y. B., Vilches, S. L., Shapiro, S., & Clarkson, A. (2025). Testing the capability of generative artificial intelligence for parent and caregiver information seeking. Family Relations, 74(3), 1266-1284.

Shapiro, S., & McAlorum, S. (2025). Leveraging generative AI in academic libraries: A case study of the AI Story Idea Generator at the University of Lethbridge. Journal of Open Initiatives in Academic Libraries, 1(1), 138-154.

Shapiro, S., & Lam, V. (2025). Understanding and deobfuscating textual data: Managerial insights and computational challenges. IEEE Engineering Management Review, 53(6), 204-220.

Shapiro, S. (2025). Hybrid quantum-classical machine learning with PennyLane: A comprehensive guide for computational research (arXiv:2511.14786). arXiv.

Shapiro, S., & Lam, V. (2024). Artificial intelligence in program evaluation: Insights and applications. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 39(2), 382-391.

Oystrick, V., & Shapiro, S. (2024). Photovoice as a participatory evaluation method: Evaluating a collective kitchen program in Northern Ontario. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 39(2), 373-381.

Shapiro, S., Oystrick, V., Liu, A., & Vadlamudi, N. K. (2024). From spreadsheets to scalability: Databases as a next step for non-profits. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 39(2), 363-372.

Killam, L. A., Timmermans, K. E., & Shapiro, S. J. (2021). Motivation and engagement of nursing students in 2 gamified courses: A mixed-methods study. Nurse Educator, 46(6), E173-E178.

Shapiro, S., & Oystrick, V. (2018). Three steps towards sustainability: Spreadsheets as a data collection analysis system for non-profit organizations. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 33(2).


Personal Website

In The Media

  • CBC News (2026). Featured expert commentary in“Chatbot TAs, coding on the fly: Here's how these educators weave AI into their classrooms.” Interviewed regarding the use of generative AI in higher education, AI literacy, assessment, and responsible classroom integration. [cbc.ca]

  • AI Experience Podcast (2024). Featured guest,“AI Unplugged: Demystifying the Tech That Shapes Our World.” Discussed artificial intelligence adoption, business analytics, the future of AI, and practical organizational applications. [podcast.ausha.co], [ai-experience.io]

  • Localization Fireside Chat (2025). Featured guest,“Stop Believing the AI Hype: What AI Really Can (and Can't) Do.” Interview focused on AI limitations, synthetic data, organizational adoption, and responsible AI implementation. [robinayoub.blog]

  • CAFA Leading Learning Webinar Series (2026). Panelist,“The Amazing and Alarming Spectre of Gen AI in Alberta Higher Education.” Discussion on generative AI, academic integrity, critical thinking, and post-secondary education. [sidneyshapiro.com]

  • PUBlic Professor Series, University of Lethbridge (2025). Public lecture,“AI and Us: Building a Human Future in a Machine World.” Presented on AI governance, human-centered technology adoption, and the future of work and learning. [sidneyshapiro.com], [linkedin.com]

  • AI in Action Podcast (Host and Producer). Creator and host of a public-facing interview series featuring experts from academia, industry, and technology sectors discussing real-world AI applications and innovation. [sidneyshapiro.com]


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