Data Literacy Capstone – Evaluating Research

Dr. Jennifer Bachner is a prominent academic and Director of the Master of Science in Data Analytics and Policy program at Johns Hopkins University. She also oversees the Certificate in Government Analytics program, where she focuses on equipping students with the analytical skills necessary to address complex policy challenges. With a Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University, Dr. Bachner has authored several influential works, including "America’s State Governments: A Critical Look at Disconnected Democracies" and "What Washington Gets Wrong," both co-authored with Benjamin Ginsberg. Her report on predictive policing, published by the IBM Center for the Business of Government, reflects her expertise in using data analytics to inform public policy.In addition to her research and administrative roles, Dr. Bachner is an advocate for online education and has published work on teaching research methods in political science. Her insights have been featured in major media outlets such as the Washington Post and NPR, highlighting her influence in the fields of political behavior and analytics. Through her courses on Coursera, including "Data Literacy Capstone" and "Quantifying Relationships with Regression Models," she aims to empower learners with essential skills for navigating data-driven decision-making in governance.