Dan Anderson

contact info

A results-driven, quick learning software engineer with diverse industry experience, outstanding communications skills, and proven problem solving abilities that are logical and analytical but creative and outside the box. Interested in challenging, dynamic technical work in a growing, vibrant company.

Technical Expertise

Work Experience

Web Developer, Avesta Global Technology

March 2005-September 2007

Responsible for maintenance, upgrades and new functionality of a site with over 100,000 registered users, then implemented a new site version, due to come out June, 2008. Accomplishments include:

• Doubled maximum traffic capacity with no new hardware by optimizing original ASP backend.
• Improved human-monitored verification process, reducing average per-user workload from 10 seconds to under 4 seconds.
• Increased successful client contact rate by over 20% by modifying several aspects of an automated email system.

Junior Software Developer, RSA Security

May-August 2004

Using OO methodology, specced, designed, and implemented the majority of a complex, critical internal application to replace an aging existing system. Specific accomplishments include:

• Completed a data-conversion task slotted for 60 workdays in fewer than 10.
• Designed and developed a replacement UI with markedly improved usability, used by 3-10 people daily for 1-5 hours.
• Rewrote most of an engine, greatly reducing possible human error while increasing speed.

Web Component Developer, Mosaic Communications

June-July 2003

Implemented a system designed to provide most of the functionality of Photoshop through a well-documented API accessible via COM objects, for use with web backends.

Database Admin/Developer, Skoah Spa

January-May 2003

Upgraded and maintained a legacy database and UI which were used primarily for customer tracking and statistics.

Software Developer, Point Grey Research

May-December 2002

Worked on diverse projects involving calibration, web design, object recognition, realtime 3D visualization, firmware maintenance, and application design, development and maintenance.

Software Developer, Point Grey Research

January-August 2001

Responsible for the design and development of several applications, working both on my own and as part of a team. Projects were frequently worked on in parallel and had tight deadlines. Various projects involved networking, image processing, 3D display, database design, library updating, GUI design, passive and active 3D image capturing, accuracy measurement, and software maintenance.

Software Tester, Top Producer Systems

June-August 2000

Edited and revised specs and developed and executed test plans for the Software Quality Assurance department. Accomplishments include:

• Reported the most bugs for three consecutive months in a 20-strong QA department.
• Developed rigorous test plans used by teams of 3-8 people.

Education

B.Sc., 2007, University of British Columbia. Double Major in Computer Science and Mathematics. Completed UBC Science Co-op program.

Presented "A Case Study of a Covert Channel over TCP Timestamps" at BCNET Advanced Networks Conference, 2006

Related coursework:

• CPSC 417: Computer Communications. Topics included layered protocols, packet switching, data communications, queuing analysis, data link controls, virtual circuits, datagrams, network design, routing, flow and congestion control, and satellite and packet radio links.
• CPSC 416: Distributed Systems.
• MATH 442: Optimization in Graphs and Networks.
• EECE 412: Computer Security.

Relevant Skills

Athletics

Teamwork, communication and drive demonstrated while a varsity athlete with UBC Cheerleading. Gained an emphasis on mediation and a positive attitude playing Ultimate Frisbee at UBC, in the Vancouver Ultimate League, and in tournaments.

Community Involvement

• Guidebook writer, V!VA Travel Guides, Nov 2007-Apr 2008. Wrote articles with a focus on conciseness, accurate information, and clear communication.
• Volunteer, Jatun Sacha, Ecuador, Nov 2007. Moved a large endangered plant nursery and performed other environmental and social work in the Amazon rainforest.
• Volunteer, Asociación ANAI, Costa Rica, Sept-Oct 2007. Worked with sea turtle adults and juveniles during peak breeding season for a program responsible for a hatchling survival rate increase of over 18,000%. Personally handled thousands of eggs on a daily basis.
• Councillor, Science Undergraduate Society, UBC, Sept 1999-Apr 2002, Sept 2003-Apr 2005. Facilitated communication between departments, clubs, and students, organized and ran events, and helped write forward-looking policy.
• Executive, Science Undergraduate Society, UBC, Sept 2002-Apr 2003. As executive secretary was responsible for society bylaw reform, chairing two committees, council records.
• Chief of operations, RBF, UBC, 2002-2005. Managed production and distribution of campaign materials and handled public speaking and debates for the longest-lived political party at UBC.
• Editor-in-chief, The 432, UBC, Sept 2001-Apr 2002, Sept 2003-Apr 2004. Managed editors and contributors for a bi-weekly paper with print runs of up to 3,500. Responsible for relations with printing companies and the student body. Edited and wrote sporadically for several other years.
• Held terms as executive for the UBC Computer Science Students' Society, UBC Parkour Club (founder), UBC Ukrainian Club, UBC General Science Club, among others

Languages

Native English, fluent French, conversational Spanish.