Experience

Jan 2008 – Present

Human Head Studios, Inc. [link] — Madison, Wisconsin

Technical Level Designer, Unannounced AAA title

• Working with a highly customized and expanded version of DoomScript.
• Rapid prototyping of new gameplay concepts, mechanics and devices.
• Planning and implementing, in collaboration with others, core game-wide systems.
• Cinematic sequence scripting, including timing and blending animations, movement, cameras and other aspects of choreography.
• Wiring entities and events in production maps using Radiant.

Aug 2006 – May 2007

Husky Game Development Enterprise [link] — Houghton, Michigan

Lead Designer and Producer, Parallels

• Created original game concept and design specifications for a multiplayer FPS modification using Valve’s Source engine.
• Managed a ten-person team responsible for programming, mapping, QA, system design and other tasks.
• Modified engine programming using a combination of C and C++. Included analyzing Valve’s code to understand execution flow, coding style and class hierarchies.
• Secured funding and tools through university department chairs and the Husky Game Development Board of Directors.

Sept 2005 – Dec 2005

Husky Game Development Enterprise [link] — Houghton, Michigan

Lead Programmer and Design Assistant, Sober

• Created original game concept for a Java-based, college-themed RPG on the PC platform.
• Designed and programmed Sober’s 2D animation engine from the ground-up, including basic support for events, triggers and NPC interactions.
• Used multi-threading and object-oriented programming with Java 5.0 to create the animation system.
• Directed database, user interface and system development for a small team of programmers.

Summers of 2004 & 2005

Siemens VDO Automotive — Auburn Hills, Michigan

Software Quality Assurance Intership

• Lead software tester for the GMX295 project, an advanced radio system that functioned as an internal command/control station for all vehicle module communications.
• Provided testing and supervision for GMX245 and GMX201.
• Created test specifications for in-house testers based on client specifications.
• Represented the QA group at client meetings and provided on-site testing as needed.
• Served as technical liaison to the software development team and provided user interface feedback.
• Performed black-box and in-vehicle testing on radio modules and instrument panels.

Education

Graduated May 2007

Michigan Technological University [link] — Houghton, Michigan

• Cumulative GPA: 3.0
• BS in Computer Science
• Relevant courses include: 3D Game Programming (openGL), Human-Computer Interface Design, Artifical Intelligence, Computer Networks, C++/Java Programming, Data Structures, Sound Design, Scientific and Technical Communication

Oct 2003 – Mar 2004

Tohoku University [link] — Sendai, Japan

• Focused on language skills and cultural exchange.
• Worked on research projects alongside Japanese professors and graudate students.

Activities, Awards and Honors

Apr 2007

Houghton Game Jam Coordinator and Chair [link]

• Proposed, planned, organized and ran the first ever Houghton Game Jam as part of MTU’s IGDA chapter.
• Designed and constructed the event’s website using modern semantic XHTML, CSS and PHP.
• Participated in the competition with an original game created using Microsoft’s XNA architecture and C#.

Hobbyist Web Developer and Enthusiast

• Approximately six years of experience with HTML, XHTML, XML, CSS, PHP and JavaScript.
• Experience with graphic design techniques and tools, including Adobe Photoshop 5.0 through CS2.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and requirements and how to achieve them.
• Site design portfolio available here.

Other Notable Achievements

• Eagle Scout with BSA Troop 179 in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
• Basic Japanese language comprehension, providing a foundation for quick study and improvement.
• Fighting game tournament experience with Soul Calibur 2, including top eight finishes at the Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle, Washington.