SKILLS

• Web and software development: CSS, HTML, JavaScript, C#, JQuery, PHP, Dreamweaver, WordPress, and Unity
• Virtual Reality (VR) development: Oculus Rift
• Writing and editing: User guides, technical reference manuals, API manuals, tutorials, frequently asked questions, newsletter articles, and brochures
• Information architecture and usability analysis
• Management: Team and project management experience

EXPERIENCE

Writer / Editor / Developer

August 2012 - present

I am currently a freelance writer, editor, and developer. Projects have included:

• Co-authoring Oculus Rift in Action, a book on software development for the Oculus Rift VR display. My work on this book included writing individual chapters and creating sample code.
• Writing for Rifty Business / Oculus Rift in Action, a blog focused on software development for the Oculus Rift VR display.
• Writing JavaScript API documentation, including code examples (High Fidelity Inc.).
• Creating web sites from start to finish, including writing and editing web site content.
• Editing test questions for medical exams (Pearson Education).
  

 

Writer / Editor / Web Developer MontaVista Software, Santa Clara, CA

February 2009 - February 2012 (contractor) September 2004 - February 2009

MontaVista Software provides the Linux operating system, cross-development tools, and technical support for the development of embedded systems. (MontaVista Software is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cavium Networks.)

• Researched and wrote new web site content including product contents and support descriptions, product changelogs, defect fix announcements, frequently asked questions, and tutorials.
• Maintained the content of the MontaVista customer support web site by keeping navigation pages current, fixing links, obsoleting content, and troubleshooting HTML problems.
• Created video tour of web site to introduce new users to site features.
• Created and documented web site maintenance procedures, including templates and style guides.
• Proposed and developed improvements for site usability.
• Worked closely with web engineer to design and create tools to automate web site content updates.
  
  

Lead Technical Writer

May 2000 - May 2004

MontaVista Software, Santa Clara, CA

• Led team of 3+ writers.
• Selected the software and hardware for the team.
• Interviewed and trained new team members.
• Hired and supervised contractors.
• Ensured that all documentation deliverables were completed on time and were of professional quality.
• Created a documentation process including templates and style guides.
• Created project plans and schedules.
• Designed, wrote, and edited quick start guides, user guides, API guides, technical reference manuals, and on-line help.
• Published documentation in hard copy, PDF, and HTML formats.
• Developed system for single-sourcing documentation.
• Assisted in user testing.
• As part of a team, created a restricted-access support web site.
• Maintained web site contents.

Writer / Editor / Web Developer

December 1999 - March 2000

Software Engineering Institute, Networked Systems Survivability (NSS) Program, Pittsburgh, PA
The NSS Program develops and distributes security practices and an information security evaluation method that together enable organizations to protect their systems.

• Wrote, edited, and updated hard copy and on-line documentation.
• Maintained the content of the CERT/CC web site by keeping navigation pages current, fixing links, maintaining templates, and troubleshooting HTML problems.
• Coordinated content between the main Software Engineering Institute and CERT/CC web sites.

Technical Writer

May 1995 - December 1999

Carnegie Mellon University, Computing Services, Pittsburgh, PA
Computing Services provides the majority of on-campus computer and technology support.

• Designed, wrote, and edited user and reference documentation in hard copy, HTML, and PDF formats.
• Wrote technical reference, administrator, and user guides for an INGRES relational database used to maintain user accounts.
• Created all documentation for service rollout of a high-speed wireless LAN.
• Wrote newsletter articles.
• As part of a team, created web site for all help documents published by Computing Services.
• Converted all FrameMaker documentation to HTML format.
• Assisted in user testing.
• Taught hands-on software training classes.
  

Intern Technical Writer

September 1994 - May 1995

Carnegie Mellon University, Computing Services, Pittsburgh, PA

• Wrote, edited, and updated documentation for software management in a UNIX environment.

English as a Second Language Tutor

September 1993 - May 1994

Carnegie Mellon University, Intercultural Communication Center (ICC), Pittsburgh, PA
The ICC helps international teaching assistants develop the skills they need to provide effective instruction in an American university.

• Tutored students in pronunciation, grammar, and presentation skills.
• Evaluated the teacher assistant fluency tests.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Technical Writing

May 1995

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

References

Available by request and on LinkedIn.