Biography
Sammy Saykao is a Senior Data Analyst with over 8 years of experience working with CMS data and over 20 years of programming in various languages (HTML, CSS, Python, SAS, R, Excel VBA, Google Scripts, & more). She also owns and operates her own art business, offering cute and adorable home goods, stationery, and accessories. This unique combination of creative, technical, and programming prowess allows her to be a one-stop shop for most all data storytelling needs!
Sammy has two dogs (Pepper-rat terrier mix, Lucy-Shepherd/Aussie mix) and two cats (Mei & Kei, tortoise shell sisters). According to her, "They're all menaces, except for Lucy who is a perfect, sweet angel."
Expertise
Education
Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Bachelor of Arts with Honors, UW-Madison, 2015
Environmental Studies Certificate, UW-Madison, 2015
Masters of Public Health-Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 2017
Six Sigma Black Belt Certification - Level 1, CSSC, 2022
Business Writing Certificate, University of Minnesota, 2023
Leading on All Levels, University of Minnesota, 2024
Generative AI and Digital Marketing Specialist, Crown College, 2025
Projects
SEER-Medicare, SEER-Medicaid, and SEER-CAHPS
Research Data Support Hub (RDSH)
Articles by Samantha Saykao
Reference Article: Medicaid Waivers
Published on Aug 28, 2026
The Shape of Professional and Technical Components in CMS FFS Data
Published on Jul 07, 2026
Missing Prescribed Date in 2019 TAF Pharmacy File
Published on Jul 07, 2026
Completeness of Provider ID Variables in CMS TAF Files
Published on Jul 07, 2026
An Argument for Dummy Tables with Examples
Published on Jul 07, 2026