Matt Peterson
Web Developer
B.S. Computer Science, University of San Diego, California (expected graduation date: June 2009)
This is my fourth year at UCSD studying Computer Science and Japanese Studies. I've been at CSCI for almost 2 years working on a variety of projects, but my main focus has been building the website and database for the Digital Fish Library. After graduation, I plan on working in the web development industry for awhile before continuing my education.
Projects
I'm involved primarily in the development of the DFL website which part of a new movement to create digital libraries that promote the digital preservation and availability of many types of data. The DFL is an online database of fish specimens collected the Scripp's Institute of Oceanography's marine vertebrates collection. Classification, biological, photo, and MRI data about each specimen are stored in a database and searchable online. Our short term goal is to have viewable MRI data for all specimens in the library, and in the long term we are planning on integrating a full 3D-viewer into the site. My responsibilities include building and maintaining the database, writing the code to search and display information about the specimens, and creating tools for associates to manage the information in the database. This project is in collaboration with many other groups and individuals, especially specialists from SIO and the collection keepers.
In addition, dealing with the many and varied challenges I have faced at CSCI has taught me a great deal of practical knowledge and allowed me to explore many areas of interest within the web development world. The experience I've gained here will be invaluable in my professional career.
