Lead Multimedia Developer, Educational Technology
Staff member since: 1993
Background: Film and video production—passion for filmmaking since eighth grade (when he received his first home movie camera); undergraduate and graduate degrees in Media/Mass Communication. After freelancing and producing short films, joined Harvard as a Media Technician, learning new technologies while working in various areas of the University.
Came to HBS because: The School's early adoption of new technologies (e.g., high-bandwidth video streaming) offered the chance to work in a dedicated multimedia development group.
Main responsibilities: Manages development of multimedia tools and content for use by faculty and throughout the School (online cases, streaming video, Flash tutorials, live Webcasts, simulations, etc.).
Give us a sense of what it's like to work in the IT Group.
For starters, you're part of something big. You tell people where you work, and they say jokingly, "Yes, I've heard of it." There's a well-known history of excellence at HBS, which we try to live up to every day. It really is a privilege to work with outstanding faculty, expert staff members, and a student body that reflects a truly global environment. Our "bottom line" is people—helping students and faculty reach their full potential through course material development, tools, and an infrastructure of networked technology to support everything from streaming video to renewing your parking pass. We have excellent resources to work with, as well as the chance to work on very ambitious, challenging projects.
What do you like best about working in the HBS IT Group?
The people. I'm fortunate to oversee a group of bright, creative, and fun individuals. I feel part of a collaboration, not a competition. We share information all the time—people are always willing to get together and help each other out.
I also like the opportunities we have to work closely with faculty and staff. It's great to hear how our work has enhanced the faculty's teaching efforts or a student's educational experience.
How have you developed professionally since joining the IT Group?
I've learned an incredible amount simply through experience. The diversity of the projects we're involved in has also helped me develop a better sense of how to apply technology in the best possible ways: To use a new technology because it's the right solution, not just because it's cool.
What might surprise people about the IT Group?
The truly advanced nature—and the sheer amount—of what we do. We build many of our own applications; most of our resources and services are in-house. I'm not sure many people would think we operate in this way. Plus, there's just so much going on. It's not until you stop and look back that you realize how many projects you've participated in, how much original development your group has done, and how closely HBS has integrated technology into its day-to-day operations. What sounds like a cliché happens to be true: We really are on the cutting edge in many ways. That's very exciting.
