Melanie Boyd

Resume

Objective: I am an extremely capable User Interface Engineer who excels at problem-solving and can deal well with multiple technologies. I'm quite good at writing object-oriented code and keeping the "big picture" in mind when writing applications. Above all, I always try to remain as professional as possible.

Qualifications: I enjoy writing good code, and will always strive toward that goal while maintaining project deadlines. I've been writing a metric ton of JavaScript during the past few years, but enjoy writing in multiple styles and languages. I'm equally happy coding with module patterns (self-executing anonymous patterns are my kick right now), various jQuery plugin patterns (I've been using a hybrid style which is quite controlled but flexible, with public/private functions), jQuery widgets and ye olde singletons.

The one thing I would really love to do is spend more time coding with application patterns in other languages - JavaScript by itself is very malleable but somewhat limiting at the same time (there is a time and place to know when to use it). Flex/Flash, Java, PHP, Ruby and mobile apps are all intriguing to me. I love to code.

Specialties: CSS, XHTML (learning HTML5), JavaScript (various module patterns, jQuery plugins and widgets, Prototype / Scriptaculous), JSTL / JSF / A4J, Facelets (amazing to work with), XSL (in conjunction with CMS systems). Experience writing many Ajax and dynamic applications over the years using multiple styles of metrics tagging. Great talent for clean code. I've also had very good training in Scrum, so I know well enough that agile development does not necessarily mean what most people think it means.

I've also been told I have the patience of a saint.

Employment History:

WebMD (ATL)

Senior Web Developer
April 2010 - Present

I am currently a Senior Web Developer at WebMD. I've completed a high number of varied projects using jQuery with module patterns or plugins, XML/XSL work and WebMD's own CMS system.

AutoTrader.com

User Interface Engineer
November 2007 - April 2010

While at AutoTrader.com I lead several projects and completed numerous ones using the following technologies: JSP, JSTL, JSF, JSF components, A4J and JavaScript (jQuery plugins/widgets, Prototype and Scriptaculous). Favorites pieces would be the JavaScript modules and Facelets tags.

COXnet

Front-end Web Developer, Implementation
January 2007-October 2007
530 Means St. NW, Atlanta GA

I became a UI developer for the COXnet family of newspapers after transferring from the AJC. These newspapers include the AJC, Austin-American Statesman, Dayton Daily News, Palm Beach Post and 20+ community papers or specialty sites. My responsibility was to maintain site wraps (JSP files which contain header, footer and right rail structures) for a CMS environment and create new code for site redesigns. Some of the redesigns I had implemented (creating HTML, CSS and site wraps) were: the Living Green channel for all COXnet papers, the Florida Pennysaver and Mundo Hispanico.

ajcjobs.com

February 2004-December 2006
UI Engineer

I produced code as a UI Engineer for ajcjobs.com and worked with developers to produce two completely different versions of the website. The first was already under development when I was introduced to the project and had only rudimentary CSS support. The second was based on the Endeca search engine, a more proper struts framework and was much more robust platform.

Symetri Atlanta

2000-2001
UI Developer
Atlanta, GA

I produced computer graphics, advertisements and websites (HTML, CSS, etc.) for clients or internal use from prototypes or designs. I performed maintenance and upkeep of websites for clients. I also participated in usability/planning studies for Kimberly-Clark Healthcare. Other clients included Connect2Client, Cbeyond Communications.

Pollak Levitt and Partners

1998-2000
UI Developer
Atlanta, GA

I produced websites (graphic cutting, HTML, CSS), banner ads and email promotionals for clients. Many of the online projects were long term and included self-management, asset management and client interaction. Major clients included Kimberly-Clark Healthcare, Cypress Communications, Powertel, Gardening123.com (Kelly Registration Systems), Georgia Power and Claus.com.

Freelance UI Developer

1997-1998
Tucker, GA

I created online, tradeshow and CD-based promotional materials for Atlanta area clients. These clients included Entrust Technologies, the American Cancer Society and other Atlanta-Based organizations.

Macquarium

1994-1997 3D-Animator
Atlanta, GA

I produced 3-D animation (using Alias PowerAnimator) and graphics for video, presentations, websites and applications. I did have the opportunity to work with Syd Mead (whose designs are featured in the movie Bladerunner) and create a 3D short for the movie FLED. Clients: IBM (SchoolVista), MGM, Coca-Cola (polar bear screensaver), Emory University, the Sci-Fi Channel and Kimberly-Clark.

Education

The Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah, GA
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Illustration, with focus in Computer Science
1994 (cum laude)

Skills and Abilities

Personal

• I am always open to learning, this helps my skills stay current.
• I tend to be likeable and friendly with clients, and do a great job of understanding the customer's point of view.
• I self-manage very well when needed.

Professional

• I have an excellent understanding of code structure and have worked as a front-end developer for many years.
• I have consistently worked very well with Software Engineers.
• I have a great understanding of frameworks and modules and how frontend code relates to them, regardless of language.
• I have experience managing several sites' code assets and modules/templates.
• I have a very good understanding of the Adobe range of products (and I've always preferred to cut my own graphics).
• I work well in practically any computing environment.

References

I can give plenty of good references upon request. Please contact me for an updated list.