Ellensburg, WA
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
September 2010 - August 2013 GPA: 3.05/4.0
Skills Learned: Public Speaking, Presentations, GIS, Statistics, Programming, R, Group Dynamics, Leadership, Research
Honors:
Central Washington University Honor Roll - 2010, 2011
Central Washington University Dean’s List in the College of Sciences - 2011
AmeriCorps Students-in-Service, 2011- 2012
Claretta Olmstead-Smith Scholarship - 2011-2012
Central Washington University Dean’s List in the College of Sciences - 2011
AmeriCorps Students-in-Service, 2011- 2012
Claretta Olmstead-Smith Scholarship - 2011-2012
Relevant Coursework:
UNIV 295 - Intro to Undergraduate Research, 2 Credits, Fall 2010.
SOC 338 - Political Sociology, 5 Credits, Spring 2011.
SOC 496 - Individual Study: Human History of Marijuana, 5 Credits, Spring 2011.
MCNA 395 – Undergraduate Research Methods, 2 Credits, Winter 2012.
UNIV 295 - Intro to Undergraduate Research, 2 Credits, Fall 2010.
SOC 338 - Political Sociology, 5 Credits, Spring 2011.
SOC 496 - Individual Study: Human History of Marijuana, 5 Credits, Spring 2011.
MCNA 395 – Undergraduate Research Methods, 2 Credits, Winter 2012.
SOC 365 - Minority Groups, 5 Credits, Winter 2012.
SOC 349 - Law and Society, 5 Credits, Spring 2012.
SOC 350 - Social Theory I, 5 Credits, Spring 2012.
SOC 363 - Methods of Social Research, 5 Credits, Spring 2012.
SOC 364 - Data Analysis in Sociology, 5 Credits, Spring 2013.
SOC 349 - Law and Society, 5 Credits, Spring 2012.
SOC 350 - Social Theory I, 5 Credits, Spring 2012.
SOC 363 - Methods of Social Research, 5 Credits, Spring 2012.
SOC 364 - Data Analysis in Sociology, 5 Credits, Spring 2013.
Research and Presentation Experience:
Principal Investigator
A Study of Gender within the Cannabis Market, Winter 2013
Abstract:
Researched gender differences within the cannabis market of Ellensburg, Washington. Cannabis in Washington has enjoyed significant social acceptance as indicated by high use rates and social tolerance. Yet, despite its current legalized status in the state, sales of cannabis remain illegal and users can still face legal sanctions. This research investigates what roles gender and sexuality fulfill within the cannabis culture and the illicit market of cannabis sales. Additionally, we examine the various types and frequency of exchanges (gifting, sharing, for-profit sales, etc.).
Principal Investigator
A Study of Gender within the Cannabis Market, Winter 2013
Abstract:
Researched gender differences within the cannabis market of Ellensburg, Washington. Cannabis in Washington has enjoyed significant social acceptance as indicated by high use rates and social tolerance. Yet, despite its current legalized status in the state, sales of cannabis remain illegal and users can still face legal sanctions. This research investigates what roles gender and sexuality fulfill within the cannabis culture and the illicit market of cannabis sales. Additionally, we examine the various types and frequency of exchanges (gifting, sharing, for-profit sales, etc.).
Findings presented at the 2013 Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE) at Central Washington University (CWU), 2013 California McNair Scholars Symposium at the University of California at Berkeley. Research stipend and expenses paid by McNair Scholars Program.
Principal Investigator
10,000 Years: An Etymologically Guided History of Cannabis, Spring 2013
Paper about the etymological origins of cannabis and hemp.
10,000 Years: An Etymologically Guided History of Cannabis, Spring 2013
Paper about the etymological origins of cannabis and hemp.
Paper presented at the 2013 Phi Alpha Theta Regional Conference at Portland State University.
Principal Investigator
Policy Change in Small town and Rural America, Summer 2012
Abstract:
Cannabis activists in Washington have enjoyed significant successes across the state. In both urban and rural political arenas, there were successes and defeats for the cannabis movement. While Seattle is a shining example of urban success for the cannabis movement, among the rural successes in 2011 was Ellensburg, Washington. Across the Manashtash, lies Yakima, a community that would become a political defeat for the cannabis movement. Using the results from the 2012 elections, the initiative campaigns of Sensible Washington and New Approach Washington, as well as observations and discussions conducted with activists at festivals such as Seattle Hempfest, Tacoma Hempfest, and Portland Hempstalk, this research points to factors that influenced the political different outcomes across Washington state and will show where centers of political support for cannabis lie within the state.
Findings presented at the 2013 Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE) at Central Washington University (CWU). Research stipend and expenses paid by McNair Scholars Program.
Principal Investigator
Portrayal and Perception of Cannabis in Film, Summer 2011
Abstract:
The social construction of marijuana users and the effects of marijuana have been undergoing a continual process of definition and redefinition across time. According to public opinion polls, the attitudes and perceptions regarding marijuana have grown more favorable over the last eight decades. Public opinion has many potential influences including government, news media, and mass media. This research focuses on the how changing perceptions of marijuana have been reflected in the mass media (movies and documentaries) and the real world similarities in society. Relying on several sources, I have compiled a nearly comprehensive listing of 817 films produced from 1934 to 2011 that contain some reference to marijuana. These films were coded in terms of how they framed marijuana and its effects according to four classifications (favorable, unfavorable, both, and neutral). I have organized these representations by year of release and then linked this information to the dates of relevant public opinion polls regarding marijuana and important legislative events. The data show there is a potential correlation between these films and their effect on public opinion and policies regarding medical and recreational uses of marijuana.
Portrayal and Perception of Cannabis in Film, Summer 2011
Abstract:
The social construction of marijuana users and the effects of marijuana have been undergoing a continual process of definition and redefinition across time. According to public opinion polls, the attitudes and perceptions regarding marijuana have grown more favorable over the last eight decades. Public opinion has many potential influences including government, news media, and mass media. This research focuses on the how changing perceptions of marijuana have been reflected in the mass media (movies and documentaries) and the real world similarities in society. Relying on several sources, I have compiled a nearly comprehensive listing of 817 films produced from 1934 to 2011 that contain some reference to marijuana. These films were coded in terms of how they framed marijuana and its effects according to four classifications (favorable, unfavorable, both, and neutral). I have organized these representations by year of release and then linked this information to the dates of relevant public opinion polls regarding marijuana and important legislative events. The data show there is a potential correlation between these films and their effect on public opinion and policies regarding medical and recreational uses of marijuana.
Findings presented at the 2012 Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE) at Central Washington University (CWU). Research stipend and expenses paid by McNair Scholars Program.
Memberships:
Phi Alpha Theta
Washington State University - Vancouver
Elective Coursework
Residence Hall Leadership Council, Moore Hall, Central Washington University - Ellensburg, WA
Founded/presided organization representing the medical cannabis patients at CWU. Performed community outreach:
Represented student input on the City of Ellensburg Public Transportation Committee. Gathered feedback from CWU student body regarding the proposed revisions to city transportation. Attended monthly meetings. Gathered and provided feedback from student perspectives.
Coordinated efforts in Kittitas County to collect signatures for Sensible Washington’s I-1169 campaign in 2011 and educated the public. Successfully networked within the CWU campus and community of Ellensburg to organize community volunteers effectively to meet the goals of the campaign (1% of the total signatures needed to get the measure on the ballot (2,400 signatures). In 2012, continued to lead signature collection efforts in the county for the I-1208 Washington State Safe Cannabis Act campaign.
Washington State University - Vancouver
Vancouver, WA
Elective Coursework
Summer 2010
Relevant Coarses:
ENGL 301: Writing and Rhetorical Conventions, 3 Credits
Clark College
Vancouver WA
Graphic Communications
September 2008 - June 2010
September 2008 - June 2010
Studies: HTML, Linux System Admin, PHP, PERL, UX Design, Usability, Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop, Digital Photography, Ceramics
Honors: Clark College Phi Theta Kappa – 2009
Muscatine Community College
Muscatine, IA
Journalism
1993 - 1996
Studies: Communications, Newswriting, Photography, Pagination, Public Speaking
Professional Experience:
Recruiting Operations Coordinator at Microsoft
July 2015 - August 2015
AEROTEK STAFFING – Bellevue, WA
Assisted with collegiate recruiting efforts during one-month contract position.
- Performed queries in database and used data to construct employment offer letters.
Applied Skills: Data Analysis, Databases, SQL, Queries, Report Writing, Quality Control, Microsoft CRM, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word.
Data Visualization Specialist II at Google
May 2014 - July 2015
AEROTEK STAFFING – Bellevue, WA
Manipulated, and interpreted complex datasets using Google Docs, Sheets, dashboards, Fusion Tables, MapMaker, and other in-house applications. Researched, collected, and analyzed data, reported results, tested methods and applied corrective actions to Google Maps environment.
- Trainer for team specific policy and methodologies. Trained and certified member of Building Evacuation Team.
Applied Skills: GIS, Data Analysis, Databases, Queries, JSON, jQuery, Report Writing, Quality Control, Presentations, Trainer.
Technical Support Specialist I / Graphic Design Consultant
June 2013 - August 2013
Central Washington University - Ellensburg, WA
Managed the design and development of recruiting and marketing materials for the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program under contract. Worked with campus marketing to develop materials in compliance with university policies. Assisted computer lab patrons by providing technical support for Macintosh and Windows workstations, software, and printing requirements.
Applied Skills: Graphic Design, Social Media, Technical Support, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Photography.
Ronald E. McNair Research Fellow
June 2011 - August 2013
Central Washington University - Ellensburg, WA
Designed, managed, and facilitated paid undergraduate research projects. Used social media to gather research data. Presented research findings at academic venues across the west coast. Prepared complex reports while ensuring full compliance with funding requirements and tight deadlines.
- Presented quantitative and qualitative data using tables, graphs, and figures.
- Communicated detailed information using basic terminology to facilitate understanding.
- Rapidly learned computer programs, languages, and operating systems.
Applied Skills: Data Analysis, Project Management, Budgeting, Travel Arrangement, Presentations, Public Speaking, Research Methods, Excel, R, Tableau, SPSS, Python. Report Writing.
ASCWU-BOD Vice President of Equity and Community Affairs
June 2012 - December 2012
Central Washington University - Ellensburg, WA
Served as the liaison to university equity, diversity and service task forces and committees; led outreach and service efforts to off-campus students; and represented the ASCWU Student Government at Ellensburg city government and community agency meetings on a regular basis.
- Served as chair for the Equity and Services Council (ESC).
- Coordinated and facilitated campus events that focused on equity, service, and diversity.
- Served on Ellensburg City Transit Committee while representing student government’s commitment to local busing.
Applied Skills: Event Planning, Scheduling, Budgeting, Social Media, Public Policy Analysis, Presentation Design, Public Speaking, Drupal, Twitter, Facebook, Word, Excel, Blackberry.
Environmental Health and Safety Administrative Assistant
January 2009 - December 2009
Clark College - Vancouver, WA
Developed training and safety materials for the safe handling of hazardous materials, safety training, ergonomic consultations, campus audits, recycling resources, and accident reporting.
- Assisted in institutional compliance with OSHA, Department of Ecology, and other regulatory agency requirements.
Applied Skills: Database Maintenance, Graphic Design, Social Media, OSHA Regulations, Environmental Policy.
Graphic Designer / Electronic Prepress Specialist
April 2007 - May 2008
Printing Expressly For You – Vancouver, WA
Designed and printed graphic design projects for clients of print shop using Adobe Creative Suite. Performed Pre-flight procedures on customer files for digital printing or plate creation. Provided technical support to clients regarding file issues.
- Worked directly with customers to complete projects on time and per desired client specifications.
- Operated multiple Xerox DocuTech systems, PlateWriter, and assorted bindery equipment.
Applied Skills: Graphic Design, Web Development, Electronic Prepress, Social Media, Customer Service/Support.
Art Director / eCommerce and Technical Support Manager
January 2002 - October 2007
theGrafixGuy – Portland, OR
Supervised nine full-time employees and five freelance artists. Maintained company website and social media accounts. Performed project management, payroll, scheduling, ordering, and billing duties using QuickBooks.
- Recruited, coached, and mentored sales and creative talent. CRM duties performed in Oracle PeopleSoft after 2005.
- Developed company website and eCommerce systems based on PHP & SQL database using Dreamweaver & MySQL.
- Provided reseller-level technical support for both hardware, and software (POS, Applications, OS).
Applied Skills: Project Management, Graphic Design, Social Media, Sales, eCommerce, Web Design, Technical Support.
Volunteer Experience:
Phone Bank Trainer
June 2012 - November 2012
Washington United for Marriage - Seattle, WA
Worked with local volunteer coordinator to operate and manage phone banks in Kittitas County over the course of the campaign.
- Recruited and trained volunteers to conduct politically-oriented cold calls professionally to influence voter decisions.
- Used CallFire cloud-based services to update, manage, and maintain call lists.
Applied Skills: Presentations, Training, Social Media, Phone Banks, Call Center Management, Event Planning / Coordination.
Communications Director
Disability Awareness Week Chair
February 2011 - June 2012
Access Belonging, Learning, Equality - (ABLE), Central Washington University - Ellensburg, WA
Worked with members and university faculty to provide a friendly and welcoming learning environment for people with disabilities on campus and in the community.
- Advocated for students with disabilities.
- Recorded meeting minutes into organizational journal.
- Created promotional materials for ABLE events.
- Scheduled facilities and equipment rentals for ABLE activities.
Applied Skills: Presentations, Graphic Design, Social Media, Copywriting, Policy Analysis, Event Planning/Coordination.
Director of Publicity
September 2010 - June 2011
Residence Hall Leadership Council, Moore Hall, Central Washington University - Ellensburg, WA
Developed and distributed marketing materials to promote student events and activities within Moore Hall and campus.
- Assisted in the development, funding, and implementation of student life activities within Moore Hall.
Applied Skills: Presentations, Public Speaking, Graphic Design, Social Media, Event Planning/Coordination.
Club President
November 2010 - June 2013
CWU Wildcats for Compassionate Care & Students for Sensible Drug Policy - CWU Chapter, Central Washington University - Ellensburg, WA
Founded/presided organization representing the medical cannabis patients at CWU. Performed community outreach:
- Informed the public about patient rights and medical cannabis issues in Washington.
- Raised public awareness about the War on Drugs.
- Successfully lobbied city of Ellensburg to allow patient collectives.
- Coordinated educational venues with outside agencies.
- Organized public events such as The Great I-502 Debate - Round 3, A Conversation about Cannabis, Ellensburg Medical Cannabis Authorization Event, and RAID Preparedness Training.
Applied Skills: Presentations, Advocacy, Public Policy, Event Planning and Management.
Committee Member
June 2012 – June 2013
City of Ellensburg Transportation Committee - Ellensburg, WA
Represented student input on the City of Ellensburg Public Transportation Committee. Gathered feedback from CWU student body regarding the proposed revisions to city transportation. Attended monthly meetings. Gathered and provided feedback from student perspectives.
Applied Skills: Presentations, Public Speaking, Surveying Public
Kittitas County Volunteer Coordinator
December 2010 - November 2012
Sensible Washington - Seattle, WA
Coordinated efforts in Kittitas County to collect signatures for Sensible Washington’s I-1169 campaign in 2011 and educated the public. Successfully networked within the CWU campus and community of Ellensburg to organize community volunteers effectively to meet the goals of the campaign (1% of the total signatures needed to get the measure on the ballot (2,400 signatures). In 2012, continued to lead signature collection efforts in the county for the I-1208 Washington State Safe Cannabis Act campaign.
Applied Skills: Presentations, Public Speaking, Signature Gathering, Event Planning
