leonardw.it/zel

Work Experience

Software Engineer, R&D contract for Andromeda Systems

Worked on an R&D project for a defense contractor to solve an optimization problem regarding maintenance schedules for Navy squadrons. Built a model to test various optimization algorithms on a Navy database containing data on aircraft, available resources, and maintenance requirements. The model produced optimized schedules that effectively reduced waste of resources, while maximizing aircraft availability. Full integration with the existing system is currently planned, with projections for deployment in mid-2013.

Web Developer, UI Designer, CitizenCompass

Worked as part of a small development team with two other back-end developers for a startup specializing in local issues and politics. Developed front-end logic in Javascript and Ruby. Created visuals and graphics for the web application as well as for branding purposes. Wrote style related code in Haml and CSS3. Redesigned the user interface and streamlined usability. Otherwise helped out with overall business strategy and steering of the technology and development.

Academic Media Specialist, Harvard University

Supervised the operation of the Church Street Computer Facility media department at Harvard University. Provided computer and media support to faculty, administration, staff and students at the Division of Continuing Education. Trained part-time student staff. Managed the AV support team. Supervised the operation of the media help-desk. Maintained and operated the Multimedia Lab. Coordinated video production equipment reservations and loans. Managed a small call center and technical support line that provided assistance on behalf of the Distance Education program. Developed, tested, and deployed web and server based in-house tools. Performed system administration tasks such as server set-up, configuration of web-services, and regular maintenance. Assisted in the creation and maintenance of desktop images deployed on around a hundred dual boot Macintosh-Windows systems.

Teaching Fellow, Harvard University

Teaching Assistant for the Harvard Summer School class Principles of Graphic Design. Instructed two classes, one in computer aided graphic design, and the other in traditional media. Taught design techniques and concepts. Helped students develop solid ideas, and articulate those concepts in graphic form. Prepared and constructed class material. Helped in grading student work. Taught as a substitute in the professor's absence. Did much of the paperwork, administration and correspondence involved in the running of the class. Produced layouts of student works submitted to, and the cover design for the Harvard Summer Review.

Videographer / Producer, Harvard University

Produced video recordings of professorial lectures and student presentations for three semesters of The Art and Practice of Public Speaking. Edited the footage inserting course materials such as slides and videos shown in class. Maintained the class website, converted and uploaded videos. Performed technical troubleshooting and acted as a liaison between the instructor and IT services.

Translator, Intern, Human Rights Watch

Translated and prepared documents concerning human rights violations in various Asian states for use by the Japanese government and other human rights groups. Wrote letters to the Japanese government and other human rights organizations. Interpreted for meetings between Asia Watch and Japanese human rights and law groups. Was also responsible for other general office work and research.