Sameer Halai

Profile

Specializing in Human Computer Interaction (HCI). Solid background in web, software development and embedded systems. Versed with industry and academic research. Strong initiative, great team skills and leadership qualities. Demonstrated intellect, innovativeness, perseverance and resourcefulness.

Education

MS in Human Computer Interaction, School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor May 2008 BE in Computer Engineering, University of Mumbai May 2004

Course Work

Evaluation of Systems and Services Winter 2007

• Evaluation of the functionality and usability of interfaces – mobile, web, virtual
• Methods involve GTN, flow mapping, surveys, user-testing, heuristics, comparative analyses

Reputation Systems Winter 2007

• Study online reputation systems of ebay, amazon etc.
• Research on reputation systems and effect on trade and transactions in Second Life

Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) Fall 2006

• Study past, current and future technologies that support collaboration and cooperative work
• Ethnographic study and comparative evaluation of meeting processes in different Universities

Work Experience

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI January 2007 - Present

Research Assistant

• Working with Dr. Gary Olson & Dr. Judy Olson on Theory of Remote Scientific Collaboration
• Developing a web-based expert system for predicting the success of a yet-to-form collaboration

Amdocs Development Centre, Pune,India September 2004 - July 2006

Product Researcher and Software Developer

• Worked in development cycle of two major software versions of Amdocs 7 Customer Manager
• Designed software requirements based on requested enhancements and integration implications
• Introduced tools like wikis to development cycle for better quality documentation and collaboration
• Increased automation of build processes for increased productivity

Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India May 2003 - March 2004

Hardware Engineer

• Developed a Real Time Operating System for 8051 architecture
• Featured multi-tasking, scheduling and resource sharing
• Developed an autonomous robot – a micromouse

Other Projects

• !alone – Developing an interaction interface at U of Michigan bus-stops for collaborative gaming
• Mhss.edu – Responsible for end-to-end development of Content Management System for college
• Pariivartan.org – Developed a collaboration and knowledge sharing interface for a distributed group
• Lottodoctor.com – developed a web-based system for dynamic update of lottery results for members
• fileONE.net – Self-owned web-hosting and domain registration company

Skills

Programming

Java/J2EE, C/C++, PHP, MySQL, Oracle, Perl, Assembly Level XHTML, XML, CSS

Web & UI

JavaScript, Yahoo UI, script.aculo.us, Flash, ActionScript, Log Analysis

Embedded & Electronics

Microprocessor design, Circuit & PCB design, Coding & Debugging, RTOS, sensors, servos, filters

Graphics, Media etc.

Adobe Photoshop, POVRay, Corel Draw, MS Office

Awards, Distinctions, Activities

• Awarded overall best student of college
• 99th percentile in National Physics Olympiad
• 94th percentile in GATE 2004, India
• Organized Computer Assembling Workshop
• Organized and conducted Aero-modeling workshop
• Conducted Robo-Seminar
• Gave a talk on Ray Tracing techniques and effects
• IEEE member since 7 years
• Head of Internet Society
• Chair of Science Club
• Vice Chair of IEEE Student branch
• Coordinator for Learning Initiative of Amdocs Community Relations Program
• Founder member of Pariivartan – a non-profit
• Organized several college festivals including IEEE 360 Degrees ’00, ’01, ’02, ’03
• IEEE Computer Society member since 4 years