Resume

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Kristen Marie Byers

650 Holloway Road • Gilroy, CA 95020 • (810) 845-2079
kristen@kristenbyers.net

Qualifications

Software: 8+ years experience with HTML, CSS, and Javascript; proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite applications; comfortable with PHP and Adobe Flash

Web Design: hand-coding websites since the age of 9 (including graphic design, layout creation, site maintenance, database-driven content, Section 508 standards, and user testing)

Writing: extensive experience writing, editing, and designing different types of print and online documents (including memos, press releases, reports, presentations, and web content)

French: advanced conversational French (relevant coursework: French Self-Expression in Writing, French Oral Expression, French Phonetics, French Linguistics)

Web Design & Development Experience

Freelance Writer/Designer

January 2007 – Present
East Lansing, MI

  • Create digital children’s storybook of Hansel and Gretel using Javascript rollovers and layered Photoshop images
  • Edit first 2 chapters (60 pages) of a doctoral dissertation on supplier development
  • Design 26-character TrueType font based on hand drawn image of 8 letters
  • Generate content for Web Ascender, a local web design and development firm, to use for
    dental office website templates
  • Create 2 digital portfolios for Michigan State University advertising students
  • Design an HTML email newsletter template for the UPS Stores of Michigan Franchise
    Owners Association and move their website from PHPNuke to Expression Engine

Online Digital Content Intern

June 2008 – August 2008
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

  • Develop online training classes for faculty, staff, and graduate students involved in the
    instructional mission of the University
  • Create digital resources for use in traditionally delivered, blended, or completely online
    Purdue University academic classes
  • Consult with clients to solicit the learning objectives for the created content
  • Reorganized the Blackboard User’s Group wiki and designed a new group logo
  • Designed 29 icons to be used by Blackboard users on a campus-wide level

Marketing & Outreach Intern

August 2007 – May 2008
Urban Options, East Lansing, MI

  • Managed the development of a new website that meets Section 508 usability and accessibility web standards
  • Authored and designed PowerPoint presentations related to UO programs and services to be pitched to the government to secure state funding
  • Edited and provided design suggestions for various print documents, including press releases, postcards, flyers, and brochures
  • Designed a custom label to be placed on heating systems installed by UO through the Heating System Replacement Program
  • Identified potential problems future interns may encounter and created a best practice document for them to follow

Webmaster

April 2007 – August 2008
MSU Neuroscience Program, East Lansing, MI

  • Implement Google Analytics tracking code, customize Google Analytics reports, and schedule their distribution to colleagues
  • Analyze reports regarding site traffic and redesign site’s primary navigation to increase the user’s ease of navigation throughout the site
  • Write and administer digital survey to obtain feedback to help make site improvements
  • Maintain front-end content and back-end server functions

Webmaster

January 2007 – May 2008
Kresge Art Museum, East Lansing, MI

  • Updated event calendar using previously configured mySQL database
  • Created individual websites for upcoming exhibitions (13 total)
  • Designed splash images for main page and rotate them using PHP
  • Developed digital auction gallery for the 2007 and 2008 Twilight in the Garden fundraisers

Abstracting & Graphic Design Lead

February 2005 – May 2007
Turfgrass Information Center, East Lansing, MI

  • Read turf-related periodicals and wrote abstracts for each article including abstracts in French for articles written in French
  • Wrote 2309 total abstracts; 75 French abstracts
  • Trained incoming employees to write quality abstracts
  • Proofread and edited abstracts of other employees using copyediting marks
  • Created graphics and interactive website mockups for TIC and affiliates, including a French website mockup for the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association
  • Provided other employees with feedback regarding their writing and graphic creations
  • Collaborated with other team leaders to write guidelines for completing procedures
  • Established and updated an in-house style guide for use by all TIC employees

Education

B.A. in Professional Writing, Michigan State University

May 2008

  • Dual Specialization in Editing & Publishing/Digital Design & Technical Writing
  • Minors: French & Journalism
  • Cumulative GPA 3.6; Major GPA 3.8
  • Honors College member; Dean’s List spring 2005, spring 2006 through spring 2008

Study Abroad: Culture, Identity and Ethnicity in Mérida, Mexico

March 2005

  • Analyzed historical representations of the people of the Yucatan Peninsula
  • Wrote a final paper detailing cultural markers and indigenous identity in the Yucatan

Study Abroad: Sociolinguistics in Québec City, Canada

July – August 2004

  • Explored Québec’s cultural, linguistic, and political uniqueness
  • Conducted research and wrote a final paper comparing the use of politeness terms among different age groups
  • Gained fluency in French

Organizations & Awards

Honorable Mention, The Big Green Poetry Contest

March 2007

Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps, Drum Corps International

2006 – 2007

  • Performed over 40 shows across the United States each summer
  • Traveled to and performed in France, Belgium, England, and the Netherlands
  • Compiled over 1600 photos and designed a digital photojournal that documents the Glassmen’s 2007 coast-to-coast tour

Spartan Marching Band, Michigan State University

2004 – 2007

  • Elected a trumpet squad leader for the 2007 season
  • Attended leadership training sessions and weekly leadership meetings
  • Assisted squad members in executing marching maneuvers correctly

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Recipient

2004 – 2008

Volunteer, Medical Ministry International

October – November 2000

  • Participated in a short-term medical mission to Jamaica
  • Worked alongside doctors, nurses, and surgeons at the Black River Hospital
  • Assisted with unpacking and sorting medicine and surgical supplies
  • Measured and recorded pulse and blood pressure of patients
  • Assisted with the care of post operative patients, transported patients from recovery room to discharge area
  • Observed minor surgical procedures