Tara L Andrews
University College, Oxford OX1 4BH
taralee@alum.mit.edu
07792 964 990 (M)


TECHNICAL SKILLS
Programming languages: Perl (functional and object-oriented), Python, Java, C, Scheme
Operating system development: Unix/Linux, Mac OS X
Data formats: HTTP, HTML, XML, Unicode
Databases: MySQL, other proprietary SQL-based systems
Network technologies: TCP/IP, DNS/BIND, HTTP, SMTP, NFS

EDUCATION
Degree qualifications:
Master of Philosophy in Byzantine Studies,
University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (expected) 2005
Bachelor of Science in Humanities and Engineering, 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 1999

Additional coursework:
"Network and Computer Security", Ron Rivest, 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 2001

SUMMARY
Systems and software engineer skilled in functional and
object-oriented programming, Linux database application development,
and scalable process design.  Strong interpersonal and writing skills,
strong ability to work well under pressure, be flexible, and meet
deadlines, and very good at absorbing and understanding new
information about complex systems.

EMPLOYMENT
FREELANCE SOFTWARE ENGINEER, Oxford, United Kingdom	2003-present
Contract work, Best Practical Solutions, Cambridge, MA (2004-present)
Skills used: Perl, HTML::Mason, MySQL, Javascript
* Designed, implemented, tested, and maintained extensions and core
  improvements to a world-class open-source issue tracking system, on
  an as-needed basis
* Projects included:
  - Design and implementation of an invoice tracking extension for RT
  - Access control improvements
  - Substantial and wide-ranging improvements to RTFM, the RT
    documentation manager

Occasional work, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK (2003-present)
Skills used: Perl, Unicode, MySQL, Javascript

* Performed maintenance work and added Unicode support to a suite of
  tools to create Japanese self-study CD-ROMs
* Made improvements to an online dinner reservation system for an
  Oxford college
* Designed and implemented a conversion system to make archaeological
  database records ready for publication

AKAMAI TECHNOLOGIES, Cambridge, MA			1999-2003
Network Operations consultant (2003)
Skills used: Perl, XML, XSLT
* Designed a system and began the conversion of all Akamai NOCC system
  alerts to XML definitions, in order to facilitate automated alert
  response procedures
* Finished several Perl programming tasks to streamline the operation
  of the Network Operations tools and procedures

Systems Engineer (2000-2002)
Skills used: Perl, Python, XML, shell scripting, proprietary data
             formats, proprietary transport technologies, HTTP,
             DNS/BIND, SMTP, Linux administration, Cygwin
             administration
* Conceptualized, designed, and implemented several high-profile
  projects to automate the smooth, scalable running of very large
  distributed service networks of up to 6000 servers each.
* Led small team development effort on a short-notice project with a
  tight deadline for the OS upgrade of all our networks.
* Wrote and maintained tools and programs that improved the efficiency
  of the Engineering and Operations Departments.
* Projects included:
  - Custom software installation harness for Linux and Cygwin servers
  - Tools and process for standardized management of DNS servers and
    zone files
  - Process, software, and system architecture changes necessary for a
    relocation on short notice of the management of a major service
    network
  - Design and implementation of a new service network

Customer Care Advocate / Engineer (1999-2000)
Skills used: HTTP, DNS/BIND, TCP/IP, Linux problem diagnosis
* One of the founding members of an award-winning customer service
  organization.
* Investigated and diagnosed complex problems with network protocols,
  routing, and HTTP-based content delivery.
* Provided feedback to Engineering about customer issues and the
  software bugs causing them.
* Wrote tools and programs which allowed my organization to quickly
  and effectively resolve problems for a customer base of 200
  companies.


MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Cambridge, MA	1997-1999
Student employee, Center for Educational Computing Initiatives (1999)
Skills used: Java, HTML
* Implemented an online virtual exhibit, and researched different
  types of search engines for use on the web site.

Student employee, Gesture and Narrative Language Group (1997)
Skills used: C, C++, interface design
* Worked with two others to implement a system for children's
  storytelling.  My responsibilities included the design and
  implementation of subsystems, hardware construction, and programming
  PIC chips.