I believe that if we never re-invented the wheel, then we'd all still be bumping around on stone tires. I use my creativity to build new solutions that provide a strategic advantage to my employer and improve the human experience of the user. My ability to adapt to limitations fuels my innovation. I stay practical by making the components of my solutions reusable. If I was creating a better rubber tire tread, I probably wouldn't forge my own steel rim (though I wouldn't be afraid to try if I thought it would make a difference).
Managed one full-time developer, two student employees, and several large UMN.EDU websites. Developed and maintained PHP/MySQL web applications using the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern on a Linux/Apache platform. Produced rich web user interfaces and interactive content using JavaScript. Set code, design, form, and user experience guidelines and standards for my unit while steering the University towards adoption of such documents. Facilitated and interpreted usability testing.
Produced and distributed accessible, semantic XHTML and CSS web templates directly resulting in their wider adoption University-wide. Presented at and helped organize the successful first two years of MinneWebCon, an annual U of M web conference. Developed custom touch screen building directory kiosks. Launched two E-Commerce retail solutions with overall conversion rate at 10% (and 87% for shoppers with items in their cart). Redeveloped the content and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) of our concert venue website leading to a 65% increase in traffic in the first year (66% more from Google). Executed redesign of all SUA websites, including major rebranding. Produced award winning web-based video games and accessible alternative activities. Wrote, directed, and edited an award winning video advertisement.
Hired as freelance or worked on personal business ventures as a web developer, interactive designer and developer, creative consultant, and product user experience designer and developer.
Used JavaScript to create product rapid-prototypes for a Minneapolis-based industrial design firm and a Fortune 100 company. Designed websites for businesses and a Minneapolis-based radio program. Developed the user interfaces and user experiences for web applications. Developed several well-published interactive web technology demos. Developed web-based video games using JavaScript.
Worked with lead web documentary developer in adapting radio documentaries for the web. Work included standard web HTML/CSS and design work, as well as photographic and informational research and gaining legal clearances.
Optimized markup of old web documentaries through the application of new CSS techniques and the use of server side includes to separate design from content.
Worked in a small team to develop and maintain websites and web applications for the University's Student Unions and Student Activities Office using PHP and MySQL on a Linux/Apache platform. Wrote libraries and automation tools, and then trained other individuals how to use these items. Assumed minor managerial duties in absence of lead web designer.
Developed web applications to automate student group registration and administration, to automate employment listings and online applications, and to track and view marketing statistics for facilities reservations. Assisted in developing a template based Content Management System deployed during a complete redesign of the Student Union's websites.
Developed a Win32/C++ peer-to-peer MS Windows application. Developed related server software using C and the MySQL API on a FreeBSD platform. Implemented both TCP and UDP socket communication using a proprietary protocol secured with the Blowfish encryption algorithm and MD5 hash algorithm. Produced the website and also license agreements, privacy policies, and other legal documents for product launch.
Worked independently on PHP / MySQL driven web applications for clients while working with a group on a large-scale web mail application. Tested and debugged legacy code and software written by senior developers. Designed new application User Interfaces and improved upon existing interfaces.
Created an interactive portfolio and online game using DHTML and JavaScript for the company website. Converted an offline newsletter into a web presentable format for a large insurance agency. Designed website layouts for new clients and then transferred the designs into useable templates. Digitized, edited, and compressed video for streaming on an NFL football team's website. Developed a build-on-the-fly text navigation system. Rewrote a Perl / PostgreSQL E-card application using PHP and MySQL.
Configured and maintained hardware and software. Trained employees to use software. Offered telephone support. Digitized and archived large multimedia presentations, and created new presentations. Developed software to automatically archive and index the presentations. Maintained company website.
Volunteered in the Music and Marketing Departments reviewing music, updating the telephone concert information hotline, and promoting sponsored events. DJ'ed weekly on FM from a studio playing off vinyl, compact disc, MiniDisc, and from MegaSeg.
Video games, music, cooking, travel, art, film, and downhill skiing