As a data scientist, Professor Anna Baynes looks for meaning from the mounds of information that’s collected every day. From the apps and games on our electronic devices to online shopping and visits to the doctor’s office, “that’s billions and billions of data,” says Baynes, who’s worked with software engineering teams from around the world in understanding big data. During the new Data Science Academy, students will apply computer science techniques to discover interesting trends and insights hidden inside everyday data.

“Assuming you have no background in the area, this class will introduce the basic skills necessary to perform a data analytic process and explore the results,” said Baynes, who “enjoys mentoring and advising students to plan for their future careers.” 

Baynes joined Sacramento State’s Department of Computer Science in 2017, with a specialization in data visualization. She has also taught at California State University, San Jose State and University of Washington, Seattle. Before Sac State, she was a software developer in a big data and analytics group at IBM. 

Baynes has used her interest in data analytics and visualization to improve student learning. She was also selected for a National Security Internship Fellowship at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for the U.S. Energy Department, and there she produced “a visual analytic discovery tool which analysts can use to uncover details in their large complex networks.” 

Baynes earned her doctorate and master’s degree in computer science and engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the University of Washington.