Hi there, my name is Dakota Rennels.

I’m a graduate from the University of North Texas with a master’s degree in Advanced Data Analytics with a focus on Deep Learning and AI. I also hold another master's degree in Data Science and a bachelor's degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from the same institution. I spent the majority of my undergraduate journey at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City Community College pursuing Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry. My academic journey seamlessly integrates computer science and engineering, providing me with a strong foundation in machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, software development, and AI systems - all areas that align with my personal interests. This combination of skills allows me to design, build, and deploy innovative solutions that bridge intricate technological gaps and address critical business problems.

I currently work as a full-stack Data Scientist for Paycom, a leader in payroll and HCM operations. Working for Paycom has exponentially improved my well-rounded tech stack skills from concept ideation to driving applications into production. This end-to-end build of AI/LLM and data science applications has honed my ability in all the core skillsets needed in the modern data infrastructure. My current role allows me to be a key curator for an internal python library, used throughout the organization, both as a maintainer and a contributor to new functions and optimizations. Additionally, my role has given me the ability to conduct research-based projects within the LLM space. This has allowed me to experiment with a multitude of methodologies and push the limits of our existing documentation.

Working within the dev/IT departments has allowed me to gain valuable experience in all facets of the computer science field, along with the business and data strategy exposure. My current role also focuses on developing and deploying general machine learning models like decision trees, random forest, XGBoost, SVM, Kmeans, and KNN models to deep learning models like ANN, CNN, RNN, and NLP models. In my previous roles, I’ve used my technical expertise and collaboration skills to contribute to significant projects in AI systems, end-to-end data models, and software development. My experiences demonstrate my ability to navigate complex challenges and drive interdisciplinary projects. With a passion for technology and a versatile skill set, I’m well-positioned to make lasting contributions through innovation and collaboration.

Check out my portfolio, Resume/CV, and Python Projects to learn more about me and my projects.