B. Lorton

Web Developer

About Me

I'm a back-end web developer. I work on complex problems by communicating well and being organized and systematic. I have led teams through all parts of the application development cycle, beginning with collaborating with the client to understand their product vision and users’ needs and continuing through planning, execution, and deployment of the finished application.

Skills and Strengths

  • Developing web applications in Ruby, with the Rails and Sinatra frameworks.
  • Creating test suites with RSpec, Capybara, and Jasmine.
  • Implementing and maintaining JavaScript front end frameworks Backbone and Angular.
  • Managing and developing SQL databases.
  • Systematically authoring and collaborating on code with Git.
  • Iterative design and implementation. Stringent code reviews.

Clear and effective communication. Excellent problem-solving skills. Constantly learning and applying new concepts, both technical and non-technical. Ruthless revising and refactoring for quality and clarity.

Experience

  • Web Developer
    Bendyworks, Madison, WI
    December 2013 - present
    Architect and build maintainable, extensible software to solve complex client problems. Create thorough test suites for every code base. Create and maintain clear, useful documentation. Keep up with changes, improvements, and vulnerabilities in open-source libraries and frameworks to ensure highest quality products.

    Uphold agile methodologies by continuously integrating client requirements into working software. Collaborate with clients to specify project requirements that keep projects within their budget, timeline and scope. Advise clients on best practices and guide strong technical decision-making.

    Collaborate closely as member and leader of small software teams. Mentor newer developers in Ruby on Rails, consulting practices and version control processes.
  • Technical Services Engineer
    Epic, Verona, WI
    April 2012 - April 2013
    Provided individualized customer support for six organizations installing and using Epic's Health Information Management software, acting as main point person for these customers' success. Developed technical troubleshooting resources for resolving immediate issues and proactively preventing issues.
    Contributed to improvement of internal technical resources, pursued self-education on industry topics, mentored newer coworkers. Produced weekly scripts in M to pinpoint the causes of software errors, reducing troubleshooting time.
  • Calculus Tutor
    Grinnell College Math Lab, Grinnell, IA
    August 2006 - May 2009
    Tutored Calculus students one-on-one and in small groups in a walk-in support center.
    Recognized for mathematical ability, clarity of explanations and dedication to student understanding
  • Researcher
    Grinnell College Math Department, Grinnell, IA
    Summers 2006 and 2008
    Conducted independent mathematical research project with a professor of mathematics, produced a formal paper of research findings (Summer 2008). Collaborated to develop statistical research tools on a team with professors of Statistics and Computer Science and select students (Summer 2006). Presented research findings to faculty and students.
    Quickly learned and implemented programming skills in Java, Latex and Matlab

Education

  • DevBootcamp, Chicago, IL
    Intensive Web Development School
    August - October 2013
    1000+ hours of hands-on development experience, focusing on Ruby, Rails, SQL, ActiveRecord. Emphasis on pair programming and group projects.
  • Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA
    Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with honors
    2005 - 2009
    Cumulative GPA: 3.72; Mathematics GPA: 3.74
    Relevant Coursework: 4 semesters of computer science, including Introduction to Software Design, using Java, Scheme and C++.
  • Associated Colleges in China, Beijing, China
    Intensive Language Immersion Program
    2007
    Earned two semesters of advanced-level Mandarin Chinese credit in two months; GPA 3.85. Honored ACC’s Language Pledge to speak only Chinese during the immersion program
  • North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, Nashville, IN
    Photovoltaic Entry Level Certification
    2011

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