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Kristen Marie Byers

137 Bogue Street • East Lansing, MI 48823 • (810) 845-2079 • kristen@kristenbyers.net

Qualifications

Software: 8+ years experience with HTML, CSS, and Javascript; proficient in Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver; 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, slideshow presentations, and web pages)

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

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 fall 2007


    • Study Abroad: Culture, Identity and Ethnicity
    March 2005
    Mérida, Mexico
  • 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
    July – August 2004
    Québec City, Canada
  • 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

    • Web Design & Development Experience

    Marketing & Outreach Intern (August 2007 – Present)
    Urban Options, East Lansing, MI
  • Manage the development of a new website that meets Section 508 usability and accessibility web standards
  • Author and design PowerPoint presentations related to UO programs and services to be pitched to the government to secure state funding
  • Edit and provide design suggestions for various print documents, including press releases, postcards, flyers, and brochures
  • Design a custom label to be placed on heating systems installed by UO through the Heating System Replacement Program
  • Identify potential problems future interns may encounter and create a best practice document for them to follow

    • Webmaster (April 2007 – Present)
    MSU Neuroscience Program    , East Lansing, MI
  • 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 – Present)
    Kresge Art Museum, East Lansing, MI
  • Update event calendar using previously configured mySQL database
  • Create individual websites for upcoming exhibitions (12 total)
  • Design splash images for main page and rotate them using PHP
  • Develop digital auction gallery for the 2007 Twilight in the Garden fundraiser

    • 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

    • Organizations & Awards

    Spartan Marching Band, Michigan State University
    2004 – 2007
  • Served as a trumpet squad leader for the 2007 season
  • Attended leadership training sessions and weekly leadership meetings
  • Assisted squad members in executing marching maneuvers correctly

    • 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 a digital photojournal documenting the Glassmen's 2007 coast-to-coast tour

    • Honorable Mention, The Big Green Poetry Contest
    March 2007