Mary S. Dietrich

Dr. Mary S. Dietrich is a Professor of Statistics & Measurement at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She holds affiliations with Biostatistics and Hearing & Speech departments. Her career began in 2006, combining statistical collaboration with academic computing and psychiatric neuroimaging expertise. She has advised Belmont University’s FNP program, fostering nursing science integration with statistical methods.

• Education: PhD in Statistics & Measurement (Vanderbilt), MS (Fort Hays State), BS (Bethel College)

Her research focuses on advanced statistical methodologies in nursing and biomedical sciences, including group-based trajectory modeling, propensity score methods, and innovative applications in clinical trials. She actively collaborates on projects addressing lymphedema management, pediatric palliative care, and neuroimaging biomarkers for Alzheimer’s risk.

Dr. Dietrich has led/co-investigated over 20 grants since 2014, including NIH-funded studies on labor disparities, cochlear implant technology, and human-animal interactions in pediatric oncology.

• Awards: Multiple Dean’s Awards (Vanderbilt Nursing), Hardy Wilcoxon Dissertation Award

She contributes to editorial efforts advocating for evidence beyond p-value thresholds. Her work bridges statistical rigor with clinical relevance across disciplines such as audiology, oncology, and maternal health.