1104 Walnut Street
Decorah, IA 52101
USA
1 641 260 0139
brifishjones@gmail.com
https://brifishjones.com
github.com/brifishjones
Revised: May 2018
Relevant Experience
Proven ability to work effectively with clients of diverse backgrounds. Possess communication skills necessary to convey technical ideas to the general public. Have extensive experience in software engineering, web development, operating systems, UX design, and management, as well as the ability to learn quickly new programming languages. Proven experience in working with small teams under short deadlines.
Operating Systems
Unix, Linux (Red Hat, CentOS, Suse, Ubuntu, Android), Lynx, Irix, Macintosh OS X;
Windows NT/95/98/2000/Me/XP/Vista; Windows Server 2000/2003/2008.
Programming Languages
Ruby on Rails, PHP, Java (Android), Javascript, JQuery, Node, Meteor, C, Visual C++ (MFC), HTML, CSS, SCSS, SQL (MySQL, Postgres), OpenGL, Ansible, Assembly, Tcp/Ip, Git, Unix shell scripting (sh, Perl).
Work Experience
Senior Web Developer, Luther College, Communications and Marketing, Decorah, IA, Jun 2007-present
- Lead designer and architect for www.luther.edu, an Apache web server that seamlessly integrates back-end servers running both Linux (Apache, Passenger) and Windows (IIS).
- Developed custom Content Management System (CMS) using Ruby on Rails (which is now available as open-source software at rubycms.org).
- Extended modules using PHP and JQuery to integrate Flickr, YouTube, third party newsletter signups, Google Maps, Facebook, and Twitter into the Reason CMS, which was adopted in 2010.
- Handled template creation using Foundation framework, SCSS and Javascript, and new custom
programming features during redesigns of sports, giving, and admissions sites. - Mentored student programmers and junior developers during bi-weekly scrums.
- Integrated Node.js server running Socket.io for live updates of pledge totals during 18-hour Giving Day event that has generated around half a million dollars annually since its inception in 2016.
- Automated server spin-up and deployment using VirtualBox and Ansible playbooks.
- Gained valuable experience in all aspects of dynamic campus website with up to 1 million page views per month.
Software Developer (part-time), HoneyCo, New York, NY, Sep 2011-Aug 2016
- Collaborated with the HoneyCo team on cutting-edge Ruby on Rails projects using Ruby 1.9.x/2.x, Rails 3.x/4.x, Backbone, SCSS, MySQL, Postgres.
- Gems included CarrierWave, Nokogiri, Acts-as-taggable-on, Formtastic, Devise, Dusen, Paperclip,
Kaminari, BootstrapSass; and Rspec, Factory Girl and Capybara for testing. Projects are deployed from Github on Heroku and Rackspace. - Acquired the latest Ruby on Rails skills with this emerging company for clients which include cancercare.org, quill.org, and longislandindex.org
Programmer Analyst, Luther College, Library and Information Systems, Decorah, IA, Oct 2004-May 2007
- Integrated and automated the business practices of Luther College’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
- Coordinated the flow of information between vendor supplied systems, Datatel (Unidata), Cbord Odyssey PCS and HMS (Sybase), Adastra (SQL Server); and software developed in-house—Online Admissions Application and Campus Directory (LAMP).
- Performed ad hoc queries using SQL, database maintenance, Apache web server configuration, and server upgrades.
- Wrote numerous scripts using Perl and Ruby. Participated in the long and short term planning, and establishment of priorities for IT projects.
Software Engineer, University of New Mexico, Manufacturing Engineering Program, Albuquerque, NM, Dec 1995-Sep 2004
- Designed and implemented the Robotic and Automation Design and Drive System (RADDS), cross-platform (Unix and Windows NT) software developed for factory automation.
- Valuable experience was gained taking a product through a full, documented development cycle under a given time constraint.
Research Assistant, Sandia National Labs, Albuquerque, NM, Nov 1991-Nov 1995
- Responsible for the design and 3D computer simulation of automated waste retrieval systems using methods developed by the Intelligent Systems and Robotics Center with both custom OpenGL and commercially available software.
- Through exposure to cutting-edge technology valuable analytical skills were acquired to tackle the challenging problems at hand.
Computer Lab Manager, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Jan 1988-Oct 1991
- Supervisory position in School of Architecture and Planning computer facility.
- Administered two dozen networked Apple Macintosh systems, assisted students, faculty, and staff with software questions, and managed 20 student consultants.
- Gained leadership skills needed to maintain smooth and effective operation of fast-paced computing environment.
Travel Adviser, World Travel and Incentives, Minneapolis, MN, Dec 1985-Mar 1990
- Duties included the planning and on-site coordination of travel programs for clients of major corporations.
- Served as a liaison between clients and service personnel, (i.e. hotel, transportation, activities, special programs).
- Developed the ability to communicate easily and effectively with a demanding clientele.
Education
M.S., Computer Science, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
B.A., Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA
Professional Development
Attended RailsConf, Chicago, IL, Apr 2014
Released “Baby Cry To Me,” an Android application on Google Play, Jan 2012
Designed and developed the Northeast Iowa Montessori website (neim.us), Aug 2010
Published “How Luther College is using Reason” in .eduGuru, Jul 2010
Search Engine Optimization Workshop, Small Business Development Center, La Crosse, WI, Mar 2010
HighEdWeb Conference presenter, “Website Editing Using Ruby on Rails”, Milwaukee, WI, Oct 2009
Pragmatic Studio, Ruby on Rails course, Minneapolis, MN, Jan 2007
Activities
SIGGRAPH; American Institute of Architectural Students (AIAS); high school, college, and master’s swim teams (participant in the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships); member of Luren Singers. Designed and built current family home.
Personal
Hobbies include photography, painting, music, dance, swimming, bicycling, running, and cooking. Have participated in several triathlons, and have traveled extensively throughout Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and Mexico.