Paul Anthony Cohen

Address          Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, Japan 
Mobile               
Bs/Hm           +81-3-3469-3341    
Nationality Australian + Japanese Spouse Visa
Email   me                    
Website: http://www.sonicviz.com/
Blog: http://sonicviz.com/wordpress/  

Experience, Skills and Abilities

Production Experience

1.    2005-Current. Multiple projects and productions in emerging virtual worlds such as SecondLife. Multiple mixed reality Real World/Virtual Worlds projects. Immersive Learning simulations development.
2.    1994-2004 Australia and Japan. Participation and awards in multiple arts festivals, photographic/video exhibitions and competitions.
3.     2001. Auran Jet Game engine documentation, 2 beta releases
4.     2001/2002. Multiple game/interactive prototypes developed for Music Masters using Java, Rapid Prototyping methodology, and game middleware.
5.     1985-1998. International finance industry. Senior IT consultant/architect on multiple multi-million dollar system development and custom installation projects.

Analytical (Planning and Problem-Solving)

·        15 years of experience in designing, developing, implementing, and troubleshooting mainframe, midrange, desktop, and internet based computing systems; a proven track record in identifying problems and developing creative, innovative solutions.

·        Business analysis, planning and budgeting

·        Project evaluation

·        Market research

Decision Making and Communication

·        Situation Analysis via DSS, Technology evaluation and alternative selection

·        Business and technical writing.

Leadership/Management, Interpersonal abilities

·        Agile project management for SW development

·        Team leadership, Mentoring

·        Change management, Conflict management

·        Asynchronous web based communications (email to online Forum facilitation)

·        Empathy, Organisational awareness, networking, teamwork and collaboration

Networking

·        Input into the strategic action plans for development of the QLD gamesdevelopment cluster and development of business support for start-ups.

Work Organisation

·        Project management (multiple methodologies)

·        Risk Management

Computer/Technical

·        Programming: High Level: Java, Javascript, php, C#, LSL, XML, HTML.   Knowledge of: C++, Cobol, ASP, HTML

·        Operating Systems, DB and Networking: MS Windows, Linux, TCP/IP, Internetworking,OS/400, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, DB4o

·        Game/Virtual Worlds middleware: SecondLife, Opensim, RealXtend, Multiverse, Virtools Dev, Various open source game engines, Unreal, 

·        Applications/Frameworks: Eclipse/Netbeans, Drupal, Simwriter, Mindjet, Enterprise Architect/UML, Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Office/OpenOffice, Microsoft Project, 3D Studio Max/Blender, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere/FinalCut Pro, Cubase VST/Wavelab, Dreamweaver, Flash, Visual Interdev, RoboHelp, Doc-O-matic, Fruityloops, KoanPro, Reaper

Research

·        Research gained over two Masters degrees into designing and developing experiential learning games, audio-visual instruments, emerging technologies and potential applications for enhancing human performance.

Creative Abilities

·        Music production and performance @ http://music.sonicviz.com/ , Photography, Video, Web, New media, Games and Interaction design

Detailed Employment History

Period: March 2003 - current

SonicViz ( Independant Consultant)

Responsibilities:

• Project Consulting

• Project Management

• eLearning – Immersive learning simulations

• Virtual Worlds Event Production

• Machinima Production

• R&D/Market Research

Achievements:

• Business planning, market research, technology evaluation /selection, game concept and prototype development.

• R&D new concepts for game interaction, specifically in the emerging areas of gesture/biometrics for Games for Health.

• Highly Successful online events producer and community builder/manager http://music.sonicviz.com/ 

• Produced multiple machinima projects in SecondLife and spanning RL/SL

Period: 10/2000 – 03/2001

Project Lead, Technical Communications: Auran Technology Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Qld, Australia

Responsibilities:

Lead a small team of technical writers attached to the Auran Jet Game Engine development project for two beta releases.

Achievements:

• Research, develop, and implement documentation standards, tools, processes, and procedures for Jet Technical Communications.

• Design, develop, and produce technical documentation for the Jet project.

Period: 01/2000 – 07/2000

Research Officer: Technology and Innovation Management Center, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia

Responsibilities:

Provided R&D support for a postgraduate e-learning program while completing a Masters in Technology Management (http://www.techman.uq.edu.au/)

Achievements:

·        R&D effective e-learning tools, techniques & strategies for the MTM Flexible Delivery post-graduate program.

·        Design, develop (outsourced), and implement new website.

Period: 12/1994 – 03/1998

Senior Consultant:  Computer Sciences Corporation, Tokyo, Japan.

Responsibilities:

Team leadership, mentoring, Analyzed problems and processes; designed, tested, and implemented customized software for the Life/400 system.

Achievements:

• System Architect/Consultant to Zurich Japan LTD, Life/400 System Implementation.

• Team Leader, Life/400 Subsystem Japanese Customization & Implementation

Period: 1985 - 1994

Contract Senior Analyst/Programmer : Various Financial Services Companies, Australia, UK, Europe

Responsibilities:

Worked as a programmer & analyst/programmer on a variety of systems before contracting in a number of countries.

Achievements:

·        Analysed problems and processes; designed, tested, and implemented customized software for the Life/400 system. Contracted to client sites in London (UK), Guernsey (Channel Islands), Oslo (Norway), Lisbon (Portugal).

·        Analysed problems and processes; designed, tested, and implemented customized software on an MVS/IDMS insurance system development project in Brisbane, Australia.

·        Worked as a programmer on an MVS administration system in Canberra, Australia.

Education

·        Master of Music, 2003, Queensland University of Technology

·        Master of Technology Management; 2000, University of Qld, Australia 

·        BSc, Mathematics/Computer Science, 1984, University of Queensland, Australia

·        Certficate in Electronic Publishing, 1998, QUT, Australia

Awards Received

Personal Interests

Tai-Chi, Skiing, skydiving, music (Shakuhachi, Slide guitar, Harmonica), photography, video, new-media, rollerblading