I am a Business Analytics Professor and AI researcher at the University of Lethbridge, specializing in the practical application of AI and data analytics in business and education. I collaborate with organizations, media, and academic partners to advance responsible AI adoption and data-driven decision making.
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About
I am an Assistant Professor of Business Analytics at the Dhillon School of Business and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Lethbridge. I was formerly the coordinator and a professor in the Business Analytics program at Cambrian College. My teaching focuses on applied data science, business analytics, and AI at the intersection of business and computer science. I bring experience as a data science team manager and academic researcher to develop and teach courses that are both rigorous and practice-oriented. I teach courses in business analytics, data science, and AI at both undergraduate and graduate levels. See Courses Taught for a complete list. My teaching philosophy centers on clarity, engagement, and iterative learning with frequent formative feedback and real-world applications.
I incorporate applied examples and tools like DataCamp, Excel, Python, SQL and many others in my courses to help students connect theory to practice. I have led and co-supervised several applied studies and thesis projects involving municipalities, industry partners, and research labs, covering topics like AI in public engagement, workforce resilience, and stakeholder feedback systems. I have also integrated storytelling, simulations, and exploratory themes to enhance classroom engagement.
My research interests includes social network analytics, data ethics, AI in education and public administration, and program evaluation. I have published in the Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, Light on Teaching, and the Open Access Teaching Case Journal, and presented at conferences including ASAC, Upper Bound AI, Inventures, and the Southern Alberta AI Conference. Current research projects span AI governance, thematic analysis in LLMs, and algorithmic applications in corporate discourse. I also serve as a reviewer for journals such as First Monday, IJTHI, and CJPE.
I frequently collaborate across sectors, including with municipalities, non-profits, and international partners, and I actively contribute to curriculum development, mentorship initiatives, and public engagement on AI and analytics. I organize speaker series and serve as a reviewer and advisor for student awards and funding programs. My work aims to advance the responsible use of technology in business, education, and community contexts, equipping students and organizations with tools to navigate an increasingly data-driven world.
Podcasts, Interviews and Media
Quoted expert in CBC News article discussing the pedagogical use of artificial intelligence in higher education, including benefits, limitations, and implications for critical thinking.
CBC News, February 6, 2026
AI and Us: Building a Human Future in a Machine World | Oct. 30, 2025
Featured in The Globe and Mail discussing the implications of using AI for parenting advice. The
article highlights research conducted with co-authors on testing AI's capabilities for answering
common parenting concerns, published in Family Relations journal. The study found that while
AI-generated answers were mostly accurate, they lacked important cultural context and specific
citations.
The Globe and Mail, May 12, 2025
In-depth interview on the Localization Fireside Chat podcast discussing AI's current
capabilities, limitations, and the importance of maintaining human oversight in AI applications.
The conversation covered topics from AI in education to the future of technology in Canada.
Localization Fireside Chat, April 21, 2025
Featured in the Lethbridge Herald discussing AI's current limitations and realistic applications
at the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs session. The article covers insights on AI's
practical uses, misconceptions, and the importance of human involvement in AI systems.
Lethbridge Herald, April 13, 2024
View on YouTube — https://youtu.be/kjkKHt8tajE
In-depth feature article in UNews discussing the current state of AI, its implications for
society, and the balance between AI's benefits and drawbacks. The article explores topics from
AI in education to the environmental impact of large language models.
University of Lethbridge News, February 6, 2024
View on YouTube — https://youtu.be/m_OGm3B5H90
View on YouTube — https://youtu.be/wsqN0964neM
View on YouTube — https://youtu.be/1DfQeR4X_C8
In my discussion with Canadian Family Offices, I highlighted the complexities of applying generative AI in investment decision-making. While AI has the potential to enhance operational efficiencies, relying on it for financial advice presents challenges. I emphasized that generative AI models, such as ChatGPT, analyze patterns in language rather than financial data, which can lead to inaccuracies when applied to quantitative analysis. This reinforces the need for human oversight to ensure AI-generated insights align with clients' best interests and regulatory compliance.
Dr. Sidney Shapiro is an assistant professor of business analytics at the University of Lethbridge's Dhillon School of Business as well as an adjunct assistant professor of computer science, with a wealth of experience in data science and business analytics. With over a decade of expertise in developing and automating data, Dr. Shapiro has worked extensively at the intersection of AI, data engineering and business intelligence. Formerly a data science manager in the occupational health and safety sector, Dr. Shapiro focuses on advancing theoretical and practical applications of data and business analytics. His research spans AI adoption trends, data privacy and the transformative potential of emerging technologies in business and education.
View on YouTube — https://youtu.be/TELlhfmeNTo
The University of Lethbridge's PUBlic Professor Series will feature Sidney Shapiro, Assistant
Professor of Business Analytics at the Dhillon School of Business, discussing the current state
and future possibilities of Generative AI, as well as its societal impacts. The event is
scheduled for Thursday at the Slice Bar and Grill.
Source: Lethbridge Herald
The University of Lethbridge's PUBlic Professor Series
Source: Education News Canada
The Southern Alberta B2B Tradeshow and Conference, organized by WIDA Procurement and Supply Chain Solutions, is scheduled for October 10, 2024, at the Lethbridge and District Exhibition. The event aims to showcase products and services across various industries, including consumer packaged goods, logistics, warehousing, transportation, distribution, retail, and manufacturing. Speakers include Carol Haayema, certified financial planner at IG Wealth Management; Sidney Shapiro, assistant professor of data analytics at the University of Lethbridge Dhillon School of Business; and Trevor Lewington from Economic Development Lethbridge.
Source: Inside Logistics
A University of Lethbridge event exploring the transformative potential and challenges of generative AI, part of the Public Professor Series.
Source: My Lethbridge Now
AI Unplugged: Demystifying the Tech That Shapes Our World
View on YouTube — https://youtu.be/Wt1zGK1u7Tg
View on YouTube — https://youtu.be/WWWfwgH2HxY
View on YouTube — https://youtu.be/4SjjK70f2tI
View on YouTube — https://youtu.be/Pg2Th42T84Y
View on YouTube — https://youtu.be/QBUewDK9Wio
View on YouTube — https://youtu.be/XNYjNW_xw64
Our Business People Make the Difference - Cambrian College Social Media
One-on-One with Dr. Mike: A Q&A with Data Scientist Sidney Shapiro
On chicken dashboards and gaining insight through data science
Sudbury Star Nov 5, 2019
Cambrian College pleased with research efforts
Project will analyze and integrate statistics that can be used to better predict and prevent potential workplace injuries
Sudbury Star November 16, 2019
Sudbury tech firm, Cambrian mining centre working together
Project will analyze and integrate statistics that can be used to better predict and prevent potential workplace injuries
Sudbury Star November 19, 2019
Sudbury college, tech firm partnering on mine safety research
Cambrian College and Sofvie Inc. will use data analytics to prevent workplace injury
Sudbury Star November 20, 2019
Cambrian College students from the business, crime, and health analytics programs are helping organizations on two continents as part of their capstone projects.
Cambrian analytics students' capstone projects help organizations on two continents
Sudbury Star July 7, 2021