Zachary Raymond Ernst, Ph.D.

540 Mandana Blvd., Oakland, CA, 94610 734.707.9224 zach.r.ernst@gmail.com

Overview

I seek to combine my expertise in programming, design, and data analysis with my desire to create a more sustainable society. My doctorate in neuroscience gives me in-depth programming, data analysis, and statistical skill sets as well as an aptitude for quickly learning new quantitative methods. In addition, I learned how to craft presentations to match the technical expertise of my audience and to use graphics and plots to better convey the trends and statistical structure within a data set. I am confident leading classrooms discussions, and have taken lead roles in developing protocols to standardize practice and increase workplace efficiency. As an advocate for renewable energy, collaborative consumption, and sustainability, I found academic research interesting, but seek to have a more direct impact by harnessing the power of big data to improve how systems function (like a smarter energy grid) and how people interact with them (by providing individuals access to their own data and tools to make sense of it). I believe that my generation will be defined not by traditional markers of economic growth, but to the extent to which we succeed in creating a more sustainable world and equitable global society.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy 20072012 Psychology: Cognition & Perception, University of Washington Dr. Geoffrey M. Boynton (advisor) Conducted original functional MRI, EEG, and behavioral research in cognitive neuroscience Top Scholar Award, 2007 Bachelor of Science Film & Physics, Northwestern University Deans List, 2003 & 2005 20012005

Skills

Quantitative programming (MATLAB, Python, MySQL), data analysis, statistics, machine learning, linear algebra, calculus, image & signal processing, behavioral research methods Design data visualization, graphical design (Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop), 3D modeling (Google SketchUp, Blender), video editing (Final Cut Pro), industrial fabrication (laser cutter, CNC router, PartWorks), wood work & carpentry Presentation analytical writing, presenting quantitative information to wide audiences, teaching, public speaking, conversational French

Publications

ZR Ernst, GM Boynton, & M Jazayeri (accepted for publication). The spread of attention across features of a surface. Journal of Neurophysiology. ZR Ernst, J Palmer, & GM Boynton (2012). Dividing attention between two transparent motion surfaces results in a failure of selective attention. Journal of Vision. MB Manookin, DL Beaudoin, ZR Ernst, LJ Flagel, & JB Demb (2008). Disinhibition combines with excitation to extend the operating range of the OFF visual pathway. Journal of Neuroscience.

Experience

Data Analytics 2013 Fourth Sector Strategies (sustainability consulting firm) Used MATLAB to analyze CoStar databases on buildings in several Bay Area cities to develop a strategic action plan for energy efficiency improvements Programmer 20122013 Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, Seattle, WA. Dr. Adrian KC Lee (principle investigator) Developed package of standardize functions in MATLAB to be used for stimulus presentation, data collection, and I/O management Cabinet/Furniture Design and Fabrication 20122013 Theorem Designs, Tulsa, OK. Eric Fransen (master craftsman) High-end cabinet and furniture design, production, and installation Use Adobe Illustrator, Google SketchUp, and machine interface software to perform automated cutting and engraving routines for CNC router and laser cutter Research Assistant 20062007 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Dr. Jonathan Demb (principle investigator) Worked on independent project to adapt surgical and electrophysiological techniques to perform single-cell recordings in new mouse model MATLAB programming, data analysis, and image processing Developed automated image processing code featured in Manookin et al. (2008) Ecology Restoration Intern Chicago Audubon Society & Cook County Forest Preserve, Evanston, IL. Stephen Packard (wilderness steward) Managed 90-acre wilderness prairie preserve 2005

Teaching

Sensory and Perceptual Processes University of Washington Urban Self Reliance: Bicycle Maintenance Seattle Public Library Laboratory in Human Performance University of Washington Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Psychology University of Washington

2012 2011 2010 2009

Interests

environmental protection, renewable energy, sustainability & design | understanding how things work, self-education, DIY | repurposing found materials and making things: industrial design & production, furniture, sewing | sports with a view: hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, etc. | abstract strategy games (e.g. Chess, Go, etc.) and German style board games involving resource management and economics

Zach Ernst 540 Mandana Blvd., Oakland, CA, 94610 734.707.9224 zach.r.ernst@gmail.com