Robert Thompson Email & Phone Number

Austin, TX, US

Austin, Texas Area

Lead developer for the released MMORPG Embers Adrift. I am responsible for the design and implementation of numerous gameplay mechanics such as player movement, NPC interaction, combat, swimming, and zoning. In addition, I handle networking it all together and deciding what technologies to move forward with.

Austin, Texas Area

Developer on the released RPG titled "Shroud of the Avatar". Implemented interactive traps used by the designers throughout the game world.Integrated an external web based mapping service into the game as an in-game mini map.Organized and implemented a unified location based event logging format. Using this data I then developed an in-house heat map server.

Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Area

Independent research in computational astrophysics and data exploration. Sought and included user feedback in the design of a new python-based simulation analysis pipeline which included the creation of a portable output format. Implemented dynamic web visualizations using Plotly/Bokeh, JavaScript, Flask, and HTML enabling users to more easily explore data.

Cape Town Area, South Africa

Developed simple techniques to identify galaxies on the fly within our simulation code.Further developed an analysis pipeline that allows the user to effectively track objects throughout time. It has been used as the primary workflow in four recent publications including Nature.Setup and ran a simulation containing 4 billion particles on the Blue Waters.

Cape Town Area, South Africa

Taught an introductory python class about the fundamentals of programming and how to apply it to astronomical problems. In this course I covered programming fundamentals, the various different python containers (dictionaries, lists), loops, iterators, string manipulation, and class design. Student progress was assessed with an end of the class project.

Tucson, Arizona Area

Expanded an in-place analysis pipeline to accommodate two new file formats.Improved workflow effiency by parallelizing data analysis and simplifying the user interface.Implemented and tested a new hydrodynamic scheme within our simulation code.Assisted in the migration of three physics modules from our simulation code to a newer version.

Las Vegas, Nevada Area

• Taught two introductory astronomy lab courses per semester.• Developed lesson plans to communicate complex astronomical concepts to undergraduate non-science majors.• Responsible for writing, administering, and grading weekly quizzes.• Responsible for teaching students how to properly use telescopes and associated equipment.

Las Vegas, Nevada Area

In my nearly 11 years at Best Buy I went through numerous job positions. I started off as a part time computer technician, moved on to a full time technician, spent two years doing in-home support as a "Double Agent", and finally went back to a part time in-store "Advanced Repair Agent" during graduate school.• Developed strong hardware and software.

Las Vegas, Nevada Area

As a general technician I was responsible for a variety of tasks.• Troubleshooting and repairing hand-held gaming machines. This included soldering of new components and testing their functionality.• Improved workflow efficiency by introducing fellow employees to new techniques for cloning computer operating systems.

Las Vegas, Nevada Area

Assisted clients over the telephone in troubleshooting and repairing their Dell desktops, laptops, and accessories.• Windows 98/ME/2000/XP• Part replacements• Operating system installs, driver updates.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Astronomy

• Thesis - Topics in Galaxy Formation: Pairwise velocities of dark matter halos and molecular hydrogen regulated star formation in.

Master’S Degree, Astronomy

Bachelor’S Degree, Physics

Associate’S Degree, Science