jen @ jenweir.com
http://www.jenweir.com
Education: B.A. (Honors) Communication, June 1991. University at Buffalo
Employment:
4/07 to Present Chief Technology Officer, Global Representation LLC.
Global Representation is a web-based service designed to help connect manufacturers with independent sales reps worldwide. .
4/04 to 6/07 Owner, PraxNet Inc.
President / owner of PraxNet Inc., a small web design and development firm in Buffalo NY. Globalquest Solutions Inc. acquired PraxNet's book of business in June 2007.
4/01 to 4/04 Independent Web Site Designer
Independent contractor with the University at Buffalo and several local IT companies to provide web design, maintenance, and consulting. Clients have included research projects, small businesses, and corporations.
Center for Assistive Technology (CAT), University at Buffalo:
5/00 to 4/01 Webmaster/developer
Responsible for the design, maintenance, development, and information content of CAT’s website -- http://cat.buffalo.edu -- and the Cornucopia of Disability Information -- http://codi.buffalo.edu -- (since 1997). Responsible for advanced development of websites for Assistive Technology Training Online Project (http://wings.buffalo.edu/hrp/atto) and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Transfer. Specific activities included implementing user authentication, online surveys, database management, and e-commerce programs using Perl, PHP, and MySQL.
Every state receives federal funds for the TRAID (Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities) Project, commonly known as Tech Act Projects. New York State's TRAID Project is headquartered at the Office of Advocate for Persons with Disabilities in Albany. CAT is the Regional TRAID Center for Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, and Orleans Counties. As Coordinator, I provided information and referrals and gave presentations and demonstrations regarding assistive technology devices and services to customers from these counties.
8/96 to 3/99 Director of Information Dissemination, RERC-Aging
The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Aging focuses on research, education, and information related to assistive technology for older persons both in the home and beyond the home. As Director of Information Dissemination, I wrote and disseminated information about assistive technology for the elderly to consumers, their caregivers, professionals, and students. Activities included Project LINK (see below), newsletter inserts, an Assistive Technology Resource Line, and an Assistive Technology Resource Guide for Lodging Facilities.
10/93 to 3/99 Project LINK Coordinator
Project LINK is a national, free information dissemination service that provides a link between manufacturers of assistive devices and consumers who need assistive devices.
· Promoted Project LINK through various media, including Internet/World Wide Web, television, radio, direct mail, and publications.
· Built, maintained, and marketed several databases of consumers, manufacturers, service providers, and disability or aging-related media.
· Coordinated mailing service of client’s catalogs to Project LINK registrants.
10/94 to 12/95 Promotions Specialist
· Promoted CAT activities through various media, including Internet/World Wide Web, television, radio, direct mail, and publications. Wrote most promotional materials, including press releases, catalogs, and articles.
· Wrote copy for products produced by CAT, such as videos and educational booklets.
· Copy-edited submissions to Technology and Disability, a quarterly, international journal.
4/93 to 10/93 Scanning Secretary
· Scanned and edited graphics for use in CAT promotional literature, articles, and presentations. Designed brochures and charts for CAT staff.
· Created and maintained relational databases of data on consumers participating in CAT research activities.
· Proofread articles for Technology and Disability, a quarterly international journal. Scanned and formatted manuscripts for same journal.
Research Institute on Addictions (RIA)
12/95 to 7/96 Public Communications Manager
· Managed public relations for the Institute and its scientists. Wrote and distributed press releases, fact sheets, and advertisements to key audiences, including researchers, practitioners, legislators, the general public, and the media. Communications with these audiences were through the Internet/World Wide Web, television, radio, and print media.
· Served as Editor of four separate Institute newsletters. Researched and wrote articles, managed production and coordinated dissemination.
· Developed and implemented plan for expansion of RIA’s World Wide Web Site (http://www.ria.buffalo.edu). Supervised Webmaster, Graphic Designer, and Editorial Assistant in the completion of the plan.
· Coordinated special events, including a conference, open house, reception, and exhibits.
· Supervised Photocopy, Scanning, Document Delivery, and Audiovisual Services staff.
University at Buffalo Libraries
8/90 to 8/91 Staff Assistant, Computer Operations
· Assisted with conversion of card catalog to interactive, relational database.
9/89 to 11/90 Staff Assistant, Interlibrary Loan
· Performed searches on national library databases, including RLIN and OCLC.
WRUB Radio, University at Buffalo
1/89 to 1/90 Promotions Director and Disc Jockey
· Promoted activities of the station through concert promotions, contests, and special events.
· Wrote and produced station promotion spots and public service announcements.
· Hosted a weekly alternative music show.
Honors and Awards:
· 1/95, 1/96, 1/98 First Place, Marcy scholarship piano competition, Buffalo NY
· 7/86 to 7/87 Rotary Exchange Scholarship, Kanazawa Japan
Articles and other published writing:
Weir, J. (1998) Organizations for Professionals in the Field of Assistive Technology. Technology and Disability, 9:1,2.
Weir, J. (1998) Assistive Technology Resources for Lodging Facilities. Buffalo, NY: RERC-Aging, University at Buffalo, 1999.
Helpful products for older persons: Wheelchairs & scooters. (1997) Buffalo, NY: RERC-Aging, University at Buffalo.
Helpful products for older persons: Devices for leisure activities. (1996) Buffalo, NY: RERC-Aging, University at Buffalo.
Heavy drinking contributes to violence in newlywed couples. Research in Brief, 96-2.
Erie County arrestees at high risk for substance abuse and HIV infection. Research in Brief, 96-1.
Healthcare intervention service reduces alcohol consumption in hospital patients. The RIA Report, 9:1.
Rub a Dub Dub, Devices for the Tub. [fact sheet] (1995) Buffalo, NY: RERC-Aging, University at Buffalo.
Get a Handle on Things with Reachers! [fact sheet] (1995) Buffalo, NY: RERC-Aging, University at Buffalo.
Helpful products for older persons: Telephones and accessories. (1994) Buffalo, NY: RERC-Aging, University at Buffalo.
Weir, J. Public service: World University Games. (1994) QST, 95.
Helpful products for older persons: Canes and walkers. (1994) Buffalo, NY: Center for Assistive Technology.
Weir, J. Home Remedy for Snoring. [short fiction] (1991) artVOICE, 2:22, 27.
“Information Resources on the Internet and Beyond” – October 1998, Network on Aging Annual Meeting, Lockport, NY.
“Helping Getting Older Get Better” – June 1998, New Horizons Symposium, Utica, NY.
“Marketing Assistive Technology Information to Older Persons” – June 1997, RESNA Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
“Information Dissemination to Older Adults” -- November 1994, Gerontological Society of America Conference, Atlanta, GA.
“Distributing Assistive Technology Information to Elders” -- June 1994, RESNA Conference, Nashville, TN.
On-line writing samples are also available.