Dr. Hynes attended Kenyon College and received a Bachelor of Science in Education from The Ohio State University. He taught mathematics and science in Akron, Ohio public schools for seven years. While teaching, he completed a Master's degree in Mathematics Education at Kent State University.

After completing his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Kent State University, Dr. Hynes joined Florida Technological University in Orlando as an Assistant Professor in the Elementary Education Department. Dr. Hynes has been promoted twice in his tenure at the university, and now holds the rank of Professor.

Dr. Hynes professional interests relate to mathematics education, science education, the use of technology in instruction, problem solving, and the improving the preparation of teachers. He has been very active in obtaining external funding for research. He has received over $4,000,000 in funding in the last ten years. Dr. Hynes recently directed a joint project of NASA and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Mission mathematics, that resulted in three books for teacher of mathematics. Over the years Dr. Hynes has been published in many journals related to mathematics education and has consulted on several basal mathematics series for elementary schools. Most recently, he co-authored an article entitled, Teaching/Learning/leading: Synonyms for Change with Dr. Judith Johnson.

Professor Hynes is the founding director of the Lockheed Martin/UCF Academy for Mathematics and Science. This endowed program prepares teachers of mathematics and science from elementary and middle schools for leadership roles in the improvement of mathematics and science teaching.