EXPERIENCES

Humanoid Robot Design, Design Lead | HCI Institute, Pittsburgh, PA | Spring '07 - Present
Designed interaction and visual attributes for a second semi-humanoid, human scale robot
Worked alongside roboticists, engineers, designers and computer scientists as the head designer of the robot's form and presence
Responsible for sourcing rapid prototypes and manufacturing techniques

UPMC Hospital | Interaction/Product Design, HCI Institute | Spring '08 - Summer '08
Role of Project Manager in a team of computer scientists and a communication designer to develop a motion sensing video game for post orthopedic surgery patients (hip and knee replacement)
Designed leg-mounted motion sensing game controllers

Pittsburgh Zoo | Interaction Design, CMU Design, Pittsburgh, PA | Spring '08 - Summer '08
Consulted with the zoo to create rich interactive and immersive educational tools within the Tropical Forest Center

Ervos | Freelance Product Design | Spring '08 - Summer '08
Designed an exit door handle for production; extending their existing product line
Cleared and entering production soon

Human-Robot Interaction & Design Intern | HCI Institute, Pittsburgh, PA | Spring '07- Summer '07
Designed interaction and visual attributes for semi-humanoid, human scale robot
Robot sold and served snacks as part of a design study

Mobile Communication, Design Intern | HCI Institute in assoc. with Tessera, Inc | Summer '07
Projected a realistic future for mobile communication through market research and video concept sketches Deliverables included patentable systems & interfaces

General Motors | Sponsored Product Design, CMU School of Design, Pittsburgh, PA | Spring '06
Designed potential modular heating/air-conditioning control system for future GM vechicles
Specific focus on the Chevrolet Brand

Calphalon Cookware | Sponsored Product Design, CMU Design, Pittsburgh, PA | Fall '06
Created outdoor vegetable steaming & grilling vessel concept for Calphalon Cookware

Design Research Practitioner & Design Intern| HCI Institute, Pittsburgh, PA | Summer '05
Designed soft-form mobile communication devices for a National Science Foundation study
Co-conducted two NSF studies involving a 'smart' chair for the elderly
Co-conducted an NSF study involving robots in the home

Product Innovation Intern | Erie Plastics, Corry, PA | Summer '04
Designed potential product packaging for Heinz, Listerine, and International Delight Creamers

 

DESIGN HONOR

Design 21 Social Design Network
‘Child’s Play’ - finalist - Imagination-driven Fort Building Toy | ‘07

 

ASSOCIATIONS

American Cancer Society
Initiated & led the start of a branch of Relay for Life in Pittsburgh.
Event Chair for 2 years
Event raised over $100,000.00 to date

Alpha Phi Omega
Co-Ed Service Fraternaty
visits to nursing homes
teaching boyscouts
food pantry work

 

SKILLS

SOFTWARE
(PROFICIENCY- High, Medium, Low)
Adobe CS3 (H)
Adobe Flash (M)
Microsoft Office (H)
SolidWorks (M)
Rhinoceros (M)
Graphite (M)
Alias Sketchbook Pro (H)

RESEARCH
Cognitive Walkthrough
Think Aloud Usability
Heuristic Evaluation
Cognitive Inquiry

MODELING
Wood Shop Modeling (H)
Sketch Modeling (H)
Sewing (M)
Sculpting - clay, fiberglass (M)