<p>NYU SPS adjunct instructor Marc Bacchus's story is one of overcoming obstacles, seizing opportunities, and ultimately, finding a fulfilling path in teaching and data mining. Teaching courses on data mining, data warehousing, database design, web applications, and more, he brings his practical knowledge from over 20 years in the field to the classroom.</p> <p>Taking us through the path that led him to NYU and his successes so far as a professor in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-management-and-analytics.html" title="MS in Management and Systems">MS in Management and Systems</a>&nbsp;program, Bacchus gives students a peek at the rich experiences that inform his teaching style and industry knowledge.</p>

<p>Bacchus's academic and professional careers began with a dream of becoming an Aeronautical Engineer. However, life took an unexpected turn, and he started working right after high school. Reflecting on this time, he shares, &quot;What seemed like a promising job at the time eventually revealed itself to be a dead-end path.&quot;</p> <p>At 22, Bacchus got married and soon after had two children. Following a challenging divorce, he found solace and support in his current wife, Lily. The arrival of their first child together, Emily, ignited his determination to provide a better future for his family. &quot;Recognizing that education was the key, I enrolled in a Computer Information Systems program at DeVry University in New Jersey at the age of 33,&quot; Bacchus recalls.</p> <p>Balancing full-time work and studies, he excelled academically, driven by his desire to create a better life for his family. An unexpected internship opportunity during his second semester was a clearly defined turning point. &quot;I was handed a book on Oracle JDeveloper and told to return once I had learned it,&quot; he says. Bacchus spent the entire weekend mastering the content and secured an unpaid internship, which quickly turned into a paid position and eventually a full-time role.</p>

<p>Bacchus's education continued as he completed his undergraduate degree in just two and a half years and went on to pursue a Master of Science at Stevens Institute of Technology. His love for teaching emerged strongly during this period. &quot;Teaching is deeply embedded in my DNA,&quot; he explains. Growing up in a household where his father was a teacher, Bacchus always found joy in helping others understand complex concepts.</p> <p>He began teaching at DeVry University immediately after earning his MSIS in 2008. Despite pausing his teaching career in 2014 to focus on a startup, his passion never waned. In 2017, a fortuitous moment while helping Emily with her schoolwork rekindled his love for teaching. Encouraged by Emily, he applied for a faculty position at NYU SPS and was hired shortly thereafter.</p>

<p>Bacchus's teaching at NYU SPS primarily focuses on several Database concentration courses, with MASY3500 being the most impactful. &quot;MASY3500 is an intense, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming experience—by design,&quot; he notes. This course equips students with the confidence to tackle real-life data-related projects effectively. &quot;I have witnessed numerous students transform from novices to proficient practitioners within the span of 10 weeks,&quot; Bacchus proudly shares.</p> <p>Bacchus maintains contact with many of his former students and takes pride in their accomplishments. &quot;Many students unexpectedly develop a passion for data, with some even being inspired to pursue further education in the field,&quot; he says.</p>

<p>Looking ahead, Bacchus sees exciting developments in data mining, recognizing its potential to enhance human decision-making. &quot;I anticipate its applications will extend into various fields such as economics, psychology, and social sciences,&quot; he explains. However, he also acknowledges the importance of navigating ethical boundaries, particularly concerning bias and fairness.</p>

<p>Bacchus's advice to current students is simple yet profound: &quot;Think of school as your playground, a place to practice and prepare for your career.&quot; He encourages students to approach assignments with dedication and utilize constructive feedback to continuously improve.</p> <p>As technology continues to advance, Bacchus believes that staying ahead of the curve requires a commitment to lifelong learning. &quot;Real learning begins once you start working; you must become a lifelong learner.&quot;</p> <p>For prospective students, Bacchus suggests experimenting with different subjects to discover their true passion. &quot;Expose yourself to as many different subjects as possible. When you find your passion, you will recognize it,&quot; he encourages.</p> <p>Finding himself among equally dedicated faculty members, Bacchus remains steadfast in his determination to prepare students to take their place at the center of their field. Join the next wave of data professionals by pursuing an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-management-and-analytics.html" title="MS in Management and Systems">MS in Management and Systems</a>.</p>