TIM THORP

North Providence, RI · timthorp.com@gmail.com

Achieving goals with, and in spite of, technology.

Experience

Lead Web Developer/Analyst

Brown University School of Professional Studies
  • Web Design, Development and Production;
  • System Architect;
  • Project leadership, business analysis, system selection and implementation;
  • Data migration planning and execution;
  • Implemented Salesforce for CRM, Student Application and Enrollment platform.
January 2017 - Present

Web Developer

Brown University School of Professional Studies

Web Design, System Development and Web Production

December 2007 - January 2017

Manager, Training and Communication

Brown University Computing and Information Services

Departmental IT communications manager, including training plans and internal relations communication.

November 2006 - December 2007

Manager, Computer Education

Brown University Computing and Information Services

Departmental IT training manager, including training plans.

August 2005 - November 2006

Computer Education Trainer

Brown University Computing and Information Services

Departmental IT training delivery expert.

October 2002 - August 2005

Computer Trainer

CompUSA Training

IT trainer.

October 1999 - August 2002

Freelance

I love making websites! There are few IT jobs where design, voice and technology converge in such a vibrant way. In each project, I use established techniques and also include some experimentation, allowing me to continually develop my skills while working on projects.

Education

Rhode Island College

Bachelor of Arts in Education. Focus on Elementary and Art Education.
1997
Why is an art education graduate doing web development?

I went to college to be an elementary school art teacher. Upon graduating, I did not get a job as a teacher and started doing random work that matched my skills. During that time (the mid 1990s), I got pretty good at using a computer and particularly good at Microsoft Office. I wanted to use my aptitude for teaching and got a job doing computer training.

One day, my training manager called me into his office and explained that the instructor who was scheduled to teach the HTML class for the next day had fallen ill and he needed me to teach the class. At that time, I had never done any programming, but with the help of webmonkey and geocities, I made my first web page that night and successfully taught the class the next day. That was close to twenty years ago. Over the years, I have become proficient in several systems and languages including Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, CSS, Python, Javascript and WordPress - knowing all of these things is called being a "full stack developer".

Since then, I have made around 100 websites. A lot of them are really simple sites and some of them are fairly complex. Along the way, I have been constantly learning about many layers of service delivery:

  • technology innovations and how the translate into secure and durable solutions;
  • web design advances and how they enable users to experience applications that feel simple and capable;
  • customer service and how it is necessary to providing solutions..."all set";
  • organizations and what they need, both in short and long-term.

Paying attention to each layer of service delivery is what makes my web services unique.

Programming Languages & Tools
Workflow
  • Mobile-First, Responsive Design
  • Project Planning and Management
  • Full Stack Development
  • Cross Functional Teamwork
  • Agile Development Approaches

Interests

Apart from being a web developer and system analyst, I enjoy most of my time being outdoors. I am an avid mountain biker and love to hike. During the warmer months here in Rhode Island, I enjoy surfing and canoeing. Landscape design and gardening are continually rewarding during the warm months.

When forced indoors, I take up woodworking with a focus on fine furniture and woodturning. I also enjoy cooking.

Awards & Certifications

  • 2006 Brown University Excellence Award for Innovation
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI)
  • CTT+ CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer
  • 1997 M.O.U.S. Certified, Master Level
  • 1997 Microsoft Certified Project 2000 Expert
  • A+ Certified Computer Technician