This document provides an introduction to data structures and algorithms from instructor Ellen Grace Porras. It defines data structures as ways of organizing data to allow for efficient operations. Linear data structures like arrays, stacks, and queues arrange elements sequentially, while non-linear structures like trees and graphs have hierarchical relationships. The document discusses characteristics of good data structures and algorithms, provides examples of common algorithms, and distinguishes between linear and non-linear data structures. It aims to explain the fundamentals of data structures and algorithms.