Graduate Student

I am Graduate Student pursuing my PhD in Computer Science. My areas of interest are Information Visualization, Big Data, Human Computer Interaction, Usability, and Human in the Loop Engineering.

• Human Centered Methods - Fall 2014
• Programming Languages - Fall 2014
• Digital Libraries - Spring 2014
• Usability Engineering - Spring 2014
• Computational Thinking - Fall 2013
• Research Methods - Fall 2013

Graduate Research Assistant ( Learning Analytics Dashboard )

As the lead developer for datavisualizations, I help facilitate research around making data meaningful for students and teachers alike. We analyze large data sets and provide meaningful visualizations and dashboards through particpatory design methodologies.

Graduate Research Assistant ( Candy Factory | Candy Depot [Fraction Learning] )

I developed a set of Participatory design tools { graphs, wireframes, multi-threaded video } to run usability studies with teachers to enhance the feedback system available to teachers, students, parents, and interested parties.

• Research and design wireframes for information visualization to benefit teachers for opportunities in areas of improvement.
• Design and structure the data structure and gathering for the current implementation
• Run usability studies on the concept ideas, and continue development on promising prototypes.

Graduate Research Assistant ( Sound of Fractions [Fraction Learning])

I am on a multidisciplinary design team to help refine a proof of concept learning tool to help struggling middle school students to learn fractions, the largest road block in K-12 mathematics. The application uses a musically complex interface to help students understand part/whole concepts in different representations, building from their current strong musical skills.

• Research and design mockups to beta test intricate learning theories
• Convert the single page JS application into a robust front and backend, using require.js, backbone.js, underscore.js, RoR, and an Ubuntu VM server
• Research current concepts and theories surrounding entrainment, child brain development, learning stages, music education, and fractions.
• The Sound Of Fractions proof of concept can be found at specialorange.org/sof .The current implementation can be found at compthink.cs.vt.edu:3000 .

Web Developer

I help with a complete overhaul of the the ICAT website to integrate with two other main components, a project database and visualization, that help ICAT's accomplish it's mission to connect Virginia Tech both internally and externally for all.

• Website development using Drupal.
• Discuss with other memebers of the team to organize the Drupal database across all three projects: website, project connections, and project visualization.

Event Manager

The 2012 Democratic National Convention is in Charlotte, NC, my hometown. Given the rare opportunity, I was excited to be a part of the select few overseeing the success of the event, as well as providing the true southern hospitality to those attending, by overseeing the entire staff for hospitality, transportation, and communication.

• Research and design transportation routes to support the media, staff, and guests
• Coordinate volunteers and staff training, materials, and presentations
• Incorporate safety, security, and access requirements into events and transportation
• Construct a volunteer and staff management system that incorporates availability with restrictions enabling on the fly adjustments for various conflicts

Contractor Corporate Liaison - IT Development Projects

After a massive business realignment resulting from the economy crash, IT resources available to independent delivery contractors were significantly reduced. I presented and developed an elective application that would allow the contractors to provide business analytics that provide daily performance feedback, as well as trending analysis that identifies areas of opportunity as well as high performing metrics, available to each contractor and their employees.

• Contractor Optimization
  • After enough data aggregate was collected, I was able to identify atypical operational correlations previously unknown, including: low productivity and excessive tire wear for newer employees, brake pad lifespan and other specific vehicle component wear, and although easily highlighted - maintenance record upkeep with increased injury incidents
  • J2EE implementation including mySQL, JSF/myFaces, Spring, Hibernate, Tomcat, Maven, XML, and X/HTML, with Git versioning, in a traditional Waterfall developing environment comprised solely of myself, end to end in Eclipse
  • Customized data reporting and data entry of PDF, email (SMTP), XML, and CVS into single comprehensive queryable presentations using Sikuli
  • Basic data verification and session/transaction steps within the bean to cleanse and prevent rogue data from entering database
  • Database design with Business level logic for security management of CRUD cycle user and data history retention
  • Chose J2EE and associated technologies and self taught to account for 50 requirements including scaling and future support of the program
  • Hold recurring contractor meetings to discuss functionality, best practices, requirement listing, and business potentials
• Vehicle Rental standardization
  • After making an excel version for proof of concept, a viable JS, JQuery, HTML5, and CSS version was constructed, eliminating time consuming paperwork, inventory controls, and management

Vision Implementation Manager

Vision, a live GIS/GPS aided GUI dispatch system developed in Java to aid package handlers to load packages correctly on Contractor vehicles based on daily utilizations, thresholds, and temporary logistics, was 5 years behind a releasable product, and closing in on $125M cost, despite an original and incorrect scoped project of $25M in 9 months. I took over a team of seven engineers and 120 vendor developers, and restructured the reporting, deliverables release schedule, and testing around an Agile inspired environment. Focusing on releasing working deliverables to the field enabled for a more comprehensive testing environment for faster feedback, eliminating group think and finger pointing. A full release to 15 terminals was achieved in 8 months, affecting 25% of the daily package volume of the company. A two year scaled rollout was designed, with the first year achieving 70% of company package volume.

• Train terminal management and employees on new processes, follow up with previous terminals, and prepare new rollouts
• Engineer new technologies while communicating between field, programmers, and corporate to exceed deadlines
• Project Manager for 10 terminals with a proprietary sorting technology, while exceeding process standards, increasing staffing, and reducing task oriented processes, effecting 11% of daily package volume in the company, all on or ahead of a 10 month schedule
• Identify an SQL security hole in an outsourced employee information database, affecting +30% of FedEx Operations, saving +20M in liability
• Restructure vendor IT infrastructure to streamline reporting, feedback, and decrease downtime by implementing self-efficacy processes
• Manage budget of employees (7 direct), interact with external customers and vendors to plan and execute projects on time
• Facilitate business requirements gathering and definition in various formats including joint collaboration sessions with business and IT, targeted Q&A sessions with multiple Subject Mater Experts, and one-on-one user interviews in order to provide solutions that meet business and user needs
• Vision
  • Job Aids
  • Training manuals, classes, testing, and reporting materials design, printing and
  • GUI/UX Design of web based program from field user perspectives

Southern Divisional Preload Quality Initiative Manager 2

With the southeast US as my geographical area, I lead a team of two that identified struggling terminals and worked with the local management team to identify root problems, retraining of best practices, develop short term solutions, and used teleconferencing for long term follow up. Our Division went from a reactive focus to preventative measures within 6 months, exceeding all other divisions in 4 of every 5 metrics. Our team had an 87% success rate of management improvement, and we suggested individual Performance Improvement Plans to upper management for followup with extremely low performers.

• Retrain terminal management and employees on current processes and improve on new opportunities
• SCADA process improvements using to reduce specific redundant or legacy workflows of hourly workers by 50%, totaling a 5% increase across all productivity
• Support 116 terminals with 20+ different personal visits resulting in streamlined adjustments with $10K savings each
• FAST Team Manager - Peak Season 2009

Dock Service Manager 3

A veteran service manager responsible for training, service and production metrics, and internal and external customer issues on a daily basis, with long term junior manager mentorship programs.

• Encompass all aspects of customer service to ensure proper delivery of the customers' package(s)
• Developed streamlined applications for inventory and daily workflows enabling users to visualize current and potential issues in real time
• Sortation Charts
  • Melissa Data incorporation in Excel with color coding and van attribute listing

P/T Service Manager

A self proposed training position to transition qualified package handlers into full time managers, focusing on management training, not training for metric requirements of typical full time manager positions.

• Manage 15 Package Handlers in daily operations
• Load Optimizations
  • Using time studies to improve productivity

P/T Package Handler

Load packages on to contractor vehicles for daily dispatch, handling special customer requests as needed.

• Load Packages

Grocery Manager

Heading a team that ensured the daily presentation of the grocery department, eventually connecting 3 stores' inventory to reduce product gaps to customers.

• QA test a prototype automated inventory control and ordering system and focus on inventory mismatches and business anomalies
• Redesigned the store price sticker to reflect inventory of slow moving product, and created reports to track label issues that cause excess inventory
• Lead a team of six clerks to ensure proper ordering, stocking, rotation, and appearance of the Grocery Department with a $15M inventory
• Manage three adjacent stores and retrain employees on the proper procedures, methodologies, and system processes

Customer Service Clerk

Managing different part time employees to meet the needs of customers throughout the day.

• Assist a team of 10+ associates on the front line while ensuring the customers' needs/wants are met and exceeded

Cashier

• Cash

Bagger

• Bag