PROJECTS | EXPERIENCE & SKILLS | EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Full-stack developer with a background in anatomy, biomechanics and dinosaurs. I am happiest when I am making things.
mrvivianallen@gmail.com | LinkedIn | Medium | Google Scholar Profile
| Project | Summary | Tech | Test Framework | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snail (Web interface Github, control API Github, blog) | A web-enabled self-driving car based on a Raspberry Pi (hardware blog here) that uses a webcam and a deep learning image classifier system to navigate basic tracks (control system blog here). First use of Python for web development, first experience with machine learning and writing APIs for hardware control. | Python, Flask, GPIO, Raspberry Pi, Tensorflow | Pytest | Two weeks |
| Acebook (Github, app URL, blog). | Social network app built for two-week team project at Makers Academy. A more complex web app with multiple database relationships, user authentication, posting, uploading and storing images. First use of continuous integration/deployment pipeline via Travis CI to both staging and production servers on amazon web services. | Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, JQuery, Paperclip, Devise, AWS-EB, Travis CI | Rspec, Capybara, Selenium, simpleCov, CodeClimate | Two weeks |
| Bowling Scores (Github) | Single-page web app for calculating bowling scores. Starting to understand dynamic HTML, web frameworks, serving web pages, OOP & TDD for the web. | JavaScript, Node, Express, EJS | Jasmine, Zombie, Mocha | Two days |
| Takeaways (Github) | Object-based system for creating and managing takeaway orders. Weekend homework project for second week at Makers Academy. Starting to understand OOP principles and TDD. First API use (sending order confirmation SMS via. Twilio) | Ruby, Twilio | Rspec | One day |
| 3D mesh mass estimation (Github) | Matlab functions for estimating the mass properties of complex 3D shapes, designed to work with models of extinct dinosaurs. The first piece of useful software I wrote! | MATLAB | Predates my exposure to TDD! | Four weeks |
Positions held:
Royal Veterinary College, London (UK) (November 2013 to January 2018)
Research scientist in the Structure and Motion Laboratory.
Friedrich Schiller University, Jena (DE) (October 2011 to October 2013)
Research scientist at the Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung.
Skills learned:
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Communication:
- Lectured anatomy and biomechanics to undergraduate and postgraduate students and staff (including guest lectures at University College London).
- Presented technical reports of project work at major conferences in the US, UK, and DE.
- Published award-winning papers on project work in top-level research journals.
- Performed outreach work on projects in London schools and research fairs, and blogged for a major national newspaper.
- Scientific consultant for Discovery Channel documentary.
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Projects & People:
- Time-critical teamwork under high-pressure conditions (performing surgical procedures).
- Senior postdoc on major research project.
- Tutored/Mentored undergraduate student through projects at all levels.
- Led small teams of students on research expeditions.
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Technical:
- Intensive training program in Agile Test-Driven OOP, with emphasis on teamwork, pair programming and XP values. Curriculum here.
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2007-2011 : PhD , Royal Veterinary College (UK). Thesis title: The evolution of avian hindlimb conformation and locomotor function.
Committee: Dr. Paul Upchurch (chair), Dr. Sandra Shefelbine, Dr. Stephen M. Gatesy. -
2004-2005 : MSc Palaeobiology, University of Bristol (UK)
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2001 - 2004 : BA Archaeology & Geology, University of Bristol (UK)
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Certificate in Practice and Principles of Science Education 1, Royal Veterinary College (UK) – Theory and practice in higher education.
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Home Office modules L, E1 PIL A, B, C & K (Theory) - Animal handling and basic surgery.