Background
I have extraordinary knowledge of widely used object oriented programming languages and over 10 years experience building and shaping publishing and web projects of all kinds.
My main proficiency is web application development in PHP, Ruby, Python, and Javascript, with MVC frameworks such as Rails, Symfony, SilverStripe and Google App Engine. I am opinionated and outspoken but flexible and co-operative; capable of changing my coding style and adopting new conventions to suit a particular combination of technologies and the scale of a project.
My approach to programming is influenced by my original background in design. I have worked at all levels of the web process, from information architecture and usability testing to frontend development and HTML/CSS design.
My copy of the Mythical Man Month is tattered and dog-eared, with a skull and crossbones stamped on the inside cover.
Contact: me@maetl.net.
Technical Skills
Flicks.co.nz – I designed a bespoke CMS and RESTful web services architecture. Implemented a JSON API for the entire website data source, embedding special semantics for movie reviews and cinema session times. The API is now used to supply content to New Zealand?~@~Ys two largest newspapers and supports an iPhone application. This development has enabled Flicks.co.nz to grow from being a niche website to become the central hub for movie and cinema information in New Zealand.
Merge Communications – I developed an object oriented prepay and post-pay billing system for VoIP phone customers that plugged into a prototype SilverStripe application.
FullCodePress – I won the inaugural FullCodePress contest in Sydney, as programmer for the New Zealand team. Collaborated with a talented team to created a CMS and dynamic website in 24 hours. I was interviewed by Sitepoint.com about the wonders and pitfalls of sleep deprived coding.
The Lego Hypothesis – I created tools in Ruby to parse Java bytecode and extract statistics about the size and shape of various software projects. The research uncovered a similar scale free geometry across many large programs, challenging the claim that there is a "Lego-like" scale for reusable components of object oriented software. A summary of findings was published in Understanding the Shape of Java Software.
SimpleTest – I am an open source contributor to SimpleTest, one of the most widely used unit testing frameworks in PHP. I have also used SimpleTest as a platform to experiment with test visualization using graphs and treemap structures.
SilverStripe – I introduced a test-first focus to the SilverStripe core team, wrote key documentation, and improved the framework support for running tests as part of the standard build process.
Experience
PHP programmer and technical consultant for Berlin based logistics and e-commerce company. I helped the IT department get up to speed with version control and unit testing, managed their international payment processing systems and built a bespoke translation management application to facilitate the company's expansion into the Eastern European market.
Senior developer at Pixel Fusion. Managed the redesign and CMS and API development for New Zealand’s largest cinema guide, Flicks.co.nz. Implemented a CRM and product catalog in Symfony for Baby Angel and supported web projects for Auckland entrepreneurs and SME's.
Core developer at Silverstripe, working on an open source CMS product and client projects. Developed automated pre-pay and post-pay billing system for Merge Communications VoIP accounts. Implemented unit-testing foundation for Silverstripe projects.
Web developer at Chrometoaster. Implemented frontend Javascript, HTML/CSS, and backend PHP code for a variety of prototype and production websites, including a wide area game Air Force Special Ops.
Research assistant at the School of Mathematics, Statistics, & Computer Science. Developed parsing and collection tools in Ruby to analyze a corpus of large-scale Java programs for the "Lego Hypothesis".
Developed lesson plans, teaching materials, and tutored an entry level web design paper for the Fashion and Textiles Department at the Massey School of Design.
Design technologist at leading New Zealand web agency Shift. Introduced advanced CSS techniques to the studio and initiated the move away from table based HTML design. Developed the HTML/CSS user interface for Te Ara Online Encyclopedia and the HNZC Intranet. Developed a custom web application for the Aquamerino Retail Store.Designed the information architecture and screen flow of the MCH Corporate website. Implemented HTML/CSS and Javascript features on NewZealand.com, IRD and MED websites.
Collaborated with set designers and production assistants at Weta Workshop. Developed a guerilla application in Flash and PHP for an image library tool that was used on the set of the Chronicles of Narnia production to manage thousands of photos across disparate locations and months of filming.
Collaborated with a collective of musicians and producers to establish a micro record label, Empathy - focused on the publication of breakbeat electronica and drumnbass. Created the initial logo and identity design and helped the group secure widespread airplay on New Zealand's b-Net radio network.
Worked with a dedicated crew of writers, artists and promoters to establish The package - a free weekly gig-guide and urban magazine covering emerging music, street art, and urban culture in New Zealand's major cities. editing, content management, web design, and reviewing music, art, and local media. The Package was the first publication to establish such cultural connections in New Zealand, and inspired a host of imitators. Positive spin offs included the publication of several CDs and the creation of a comic book imprint Chopperchick Comics.
Design intern at pioneering Wellington design firm Base2, I was responsible for web production and technical implementation on a range of creative projects, and publications for clients such as Smokefree New Zealand, ABC News Australia, and Tranz Rail.
Education