Curriculum Vitae – Benjamin Avery

• Benjamin Avery
• Reno NV, USA
• Cell: 775-527-6936
• Email: ben [at] benavery.net

• Strong working knowledge of C/C++, Java, and OpenGL.
• Knowledge of PHP, Python, Visual Basic, XML, HTML, SOAP, SQL, wxWidgets, Swing.
• Experience with image manipulation, video editing, 3D modelling and CAD (Photoshop, Premiere, 3D Studio Max, AutoCAD).
• Programming experience under Windows, OSX and Linux/Unix operating systems.
• Experience with computer networking.
• Program debugging of myself and others’ code.
• Public speaking, communication skills, training skills.
• Documentation and writing skills.

Ph.D. Candidate - University of South Australia (3/2005 – 2/2009)

• Programming mobile outdoor augmented reality (AR) visualisations (3D graphics, image-based rendering, image processing) using OpenGL.
• Programming networks and video streaming using C++, including interfacing with a variety of hardware devices (sensors, GPS, controllers and cameras).
• Constructing a wirelessly controlled robot for capturing and streaming video images outdoors.
• MSP430 microcontroller construction and programming.
• Linux administration, configuration, development tool chain experience.
• 3D modelling and image/video editing using 3D Studio Max and Adobe Photoshop and Premiere.
• Conference publications, presentations and demonstrations.

Wearable Computer Engineer - University of South Australia. Funded by Australian Defence Simulation Office (ADSO) (2005), Monash University (2007)

• Requirements engineering and design of custom compact wearable computers using CAD/CAM Design.
• Machining custom enclosures and mounting systems.
• Miniaturising electronics to suit custom design.
• Experience on a lathe, CNC mill, vacuum forming, forging and most standard workshop tools.
• Details of the system can be seen at http://www.tinmith.net.

Game Programmer - A-Rage Pty Ltd (3/2004 – 3/2005)

• Sole developer for creating an outdoor augmented reality game using C++, OpenGL, OpenAL, FFMpeg, XML, Linux, 3D modelling.
• Worked in a team with professional game, audio, and model designers.
• Game won Runner-Up 2004 Best Unsigned Game (Professional) at Australian Game Developers Conference.

Website Conference Chair - International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (1/2008 – 10/2008)

• Built conference website for ISMAR 2008 using Apache, PHP, HTML, dokuwiki.
• Provided support and maintenance of website (http://ismar08.org)

Lecturer, Tutor and Practical Supervisor - University of South Australia (2002 – 2008)

• Teaching both large and small classes of students for the subjects: Computer Graphics, Java Programming, User Interfaces, Virtual Reality, Operating Systems.
• Designing and running lectures and tutorials.
• Writing and marking of student examination papers, assignments and tests.
• Assisting students with debugging of code.

Research Intern - University of South Australia (Wearable Computer Lab) (11/2002 – 3/2003)

• Developing a vision-based tracking system for indoor augmented reality systems using C++ and ARToolkit on a Linux system.

Research Intern - University of South Australia (Health Informatics Lab) (11/2001 – 3/2002)

• Maintaining an online medical drug-interaction system using Visual Basic 6 and IIS.

3/2005 – 4/2009 Ph.D. - The University of South Australia

• Supervisors: Dr Wayne Piekarski and Prof. Bruce H. Thomas
• Thesis topic: “X-Ray Vision for Mobile Outdoor Augmented Reality”

2001 – 2004 Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) (Advanced Computer and Information Science) - The University of South Australia.

• GPA 6.76 (out of 7)
• Completed with first class honours
• Honours Thesis topic: “Effective Game and System Design for Outdoor Augmented Reality Games on a Consumer Grade Platform.”

• Australian Federal Government Postgraduate Research Award (APA)
• 8 internationally published conference papers. A book chapter to be published late 2009
• ACM South Pacific Programming Competition:
  • 2004 - 2nd Place on site (South Australian). 16th Place in Regional Standings (Australia + New Zealand)
  • 2003 - 2nd Place on Site, 12th Place in Region
  • 2002 - Top 2nd Year Team at Site
• University of South Australia (ITEE Division) Research day:
  • 2007 - Best Research Poster
  • 2006 - Finalist – Best Student Research Paper
• Academic Excellence Award for outstanding achievement in a Degree Program in the School of Computer and Information Science in 2001 and 2002
• Chancellor’s Letters of Commendation 2001 – 2004 University of South Australia
• Graduated Dux of College (top scoring student of senior year at the school).
• Achieved top 1.2 percentile of senior college students across the state of South Australia.