Data Jedi

January 21, 2025
Headshot of Molu Shi, MSBA instructor

MSBA Adjunct Professor Molu Shi Brings Real-World Data Science and AI Experience to the Classroom

From a childhood fascination with science fiction to a career built around data science, College of Business Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) adjunct faculty member and Humana’s Director of Data Science Molu Shi has always been passionate about technology. Earning a PhD in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Shi brings experience, knowledge and a drive to support students as a graduate professor. We had the opportunity to connect with Shi and learn more about his passion for physics, his decision to teach at the University of Louisville and his advice to students interested in the field of data science.

College of Business: How did you develop an interest in physics, and how did that lead you to earn your PhD in physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?

Molu Shi: Like most physicists, my interest in physics began at a young age, driven by curiosity about the phenomena around us, such as electricity and magnetism. For me, it was particularly sparked by the idea of how lightsabers could be made to fight in Star Wars movies. This journey continued all the way through my PhD at MIT fueled by three main drivers: the rewarding experience of solving challenging problems, consistent encouragement from my inner circle to pursue higher levels of challenges and the supportive physics community that made me feel a sense of belonging.

College of Business: How did your professional journey lead you to work with data science at Humana?

Molu Shi: When I completed my PhD in 2015, data science was an emerging and popular career path for many physicists. The analytical and problem-solving skills developed during physics training translate well to a data scientist’s role. Humana was my top choice because I value the company’s commitment to leveraging data to improve healthcare outcomes. Additionally, being in Louisville allowed both my wife and me to build our careers—she accepted a tenure-track position at the University of Louisville.

College of Business: What do you enjoy most about your current role as Director of Data Science?

Molu Shi: My career at Humana has been incredibly rewarding. I started as a data scientist, focusing on specific projects, and gradually took on more leadership responsibilities. As the Director of Data Science, I enjoy leading a talented team to deliver AI software products and drive strategic initiatives that harness the power of data to solve complex healthcare challenges. The most fulfilling aspect of my role is seeing our work translate into more effective workflows for our associates, better health outcomes and a more satisfying experience for our customers.

College of Business: How did your interest in data science lead you to your fascination with Natural Language Processing, and how did that result in your decision to teach this course as an adjunct professor for the MSBA program at the College of Business?

Molu Shi: My interest in data science naturally extended to Natural Language Processing (NLP) because of its potential to unlock insights from unstructured data, such as the rich text in medical records. This type of data, although more challenging to work with, directly links AI products to end users. Teaching NLP in the MSBA program allows me to share my knowledge and experience with students eager to learn about this cutting-edge field. In the era of Generative AI, understanding the fundamentals of NLP prepares our students to become innovators with this emerging technology, rather than passive users.

College of Business: What experience has meant the most to you as an adjunct professor for this program?

Molu Shi: I have enjoyed teaching since my time as a teaching assistant in college, where I won the University of Toronto Principal’s Teaching Award in 2007. The most meaningful experience has been witnessing the growth and success of my students. Seeing them develop their skills, tackle challenging projects and advance in their careers is incredibly rewarding. Recently, a team of three students from my MSBA NLP class wrote to me after winning the 2024 Humana-Mays Data Analytics Competition. Moments like these highlight the impact of education and the potential of our students to excel in their careers. Being part of their journey and contributing to their professional development is a privilege I deeply cherish.

College of Business: What advice would you give someone who is interested in working in the field of data analytics?

Molu Shi: My advice is to stay curious and continuously seek to learn new skills. The field of data analytics is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest tools and techniques. Additionally, focus on developing strong problem-solving abilities and a solid understanding of the business context in which you are working. Being able to quantify business returns as a function of technology investment will make you a valuable asset in any organization.

College of Business: Would you encourage interested students to pursue their MSBA at UofL, and if so, why?

Molu Shi: Absolutely. The MSBA program at UofL offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the technical skills and business acumen needed to excel in data analytics. The faculty are experienced professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom, and the program’s strong industry connections provide valuable networking opportunities. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to advance their career in the AI era.

College of Business: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Molu Shi: I would like to emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary learning. Combining knowledge from different fields can lead to innovative solutions and new perspectives. Whether you’re studying physics, data science or business analytics, always be curious about the challenges and solutions from other fields. This approach has been instrumental in my own career, and I believe it can be equally beneficial for others.

About the UofL College of Business:

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region, and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives, and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity, and the power of people.

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