Directory Profile

Headshot of Mary Sammel

Mary Sammel ScD

Professor, Associate Director (CIDA)
  • Center for Innovative Design & Analysis
  • Department of Biostatistics & Informatics

Dr. Sammel leads the Center for Innovative Design & Analysis' (CIDA) initiatives that support life long learners across the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and the greater Denver region. She also works to build out CIDA's consulting clinics which support the next generation of researchers. She develops educational and training programs for junior faculty, staff, and students to strengthen team science throughout the university. She also provides both statistical scientific leadership to faculty in the School of Medicine Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Psychiatry.

Dr. Sammel earned her doctorate in biostatistics from the Harvard School of Public Health. With over 22 years of experience as a professor at University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Dr. Sammel made the decision to travel west and join the CIDA team. 

Dr. Sammel’s statistical interests are in the area of multivariate statistical models that assume an underlying latent variable, such as factor analysis, latent class analysis, and Item response models. Her other interests include observational study design and longitudinal data methods. Dr. Sammel focuses on women's health, studying sex differences, and aging.



What's in your data?    Eureka  


"A consult with a statistician prior to embarking on your next research project will be time well spent. The conversation will help you to solidify study aims and design and will ensure that you have a comparison group that is well defined."

"Just as each scientist has been trained within their discipline, data are the discipline for us (statisticians). By having a statistician as part of your research team, you can tap into a deeper understanding of data and the tools we use for analysis."


Areas of Expertise

  • Collaborative biostatistics
  • Longitudinal and correlated data
  • Discrete data methods

Education, Licensure & Certifications

  • ScD, Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health
  • MA, Applied Statistics, University of Michigan
  • BA, Statistics, University of Michigan

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