Work
Washtenaw Community College
Professor (August 2017–December 2018)
Taught multiple sections of English 111: Composition 1. Responsible for designing curriculum, preparing and delivering lectures, and creating and grading in-class and at-home assignments.
Freelance Writer
Writer (August 2018–Present)
Contributed paid pieces to well-known blogs, including Eidolon and VRV, on topics ranging from cultural critique, academic interest, and creative non-fiction. See samples on the Publications page.
NASA Langley Research Center
Intern (May 2018–August 2018)
Analyzed data gathered from a user study that tested text- and speech-based input modalities for image description information. Using various techniques informed by linguistics and natural language processing, I evaluated how image descriptions changed when offered through different modalities in order to determine the best method of communication between humans and autonomous teammates. Also contributed to the setup and execution of the next stage of user studies designed to gather more information on this subject, and analyzed data gathered from this secondary study as well to offer a final recommendation on communication modalities best suited to increase team effectiveness and success.
Nutty Scientists
Professor (October 2017–May 2018)
Taught after-school and extracurricular science programs for kids and adults. Helped interpret scientific curricula in fun and interesting ways, creating hands-on science experiences designed to allow people to interact with science.
Adler Planetarium
Facilitator (October 2016–August 2017)
Responsible for guest experience and engagement at the planetarium. Taught scientific concepts ranging from vacuum chamber and liquid nitrogen to constellations and history of astronomical observations to patrons. Gained experience in scientific education as well as guest services and public relations.
NASA Langley Research Center
Intern (August 2015–September 2016)
Interned with the Crew Systems and Aviation Operations Branch, researching methods for certifying human and autonomous system interaction for next generation aircraft. Summarizing existing research in the area and assembling a research plan for experimentation and continue investigations. Continued work with the Autonomy Incubator, using observation of one-side human-drone communication to develop voice-activated “help” and “additional information” capabilities as well as voice-initiated safety protocols.
Hudson Legal Group
Editor/Training Manager/Contract Writer (February 2014–August 2015)
Wrote and edited time-sensitive scientific summaries for a local law firm that specializes in employment-based immigration. Trained new and current employees in new tasks and assignments, answering questions, and acting as a resource for all employees. Noticing a lack in initial training procedures, I revamped the training process to allow for faster learning, extended practice, and improved employee performance. After leaving for current internship, the office opened up a new contract writing program and offered me one of the first positions due to my previous success and performance.
WorkForce Software
Software Developer (April 2012–January 2014)
Helped upkeep and expand the Java code base for our time and attendance management software, with primary coding in Java. Gained experience with revision control systems and online code collaboration tools. Helped our support team troubleshoot customer problems to offer solution and workarounds in a prompt manner.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Intern (June 2011–August 2011)
Helped with proof-of-concept work for the Integrated Spacecraft Analysis Tool Suite by demonstrating the use of ontologies in the design and implementation of the tool suite. Created an ontology of program functions as well as online display capabilities, helped to plan for future use and integration into the larger tool suite.
The LINGUIST List
Editor, Team Leader (June 2009–April 2012)
Edited portions of the LINGUIST List online journal and listserv. Also worked on four projects funded by grant money from the NEH and NSF, including: MultiTree, a searchable online database of language relationships; GOLD, a moderated ontology of linguistics terminology; LEGO (Lexical Enhancement via the GOLD Ontology), an online searchable database of language lexica; as well as acting as team leader for RELISH (Rendering Endangered Language Lexicons Interoperable through Standards Harmonization), an international collaboration utilizing the LEGO project to set lexicon standards in Europe and America. Led the tech team and Cold Fusion programming team, responsible for installing, updating, and fixing hardware and software around the office, and fixing and adding to our website. Jobs included everything from editing and data-entry to xsl, coldfusion, and javascript programming.