Elizabeth Yalkut

Front-End Developer

I'm here to make the internet better: more accessible, tidier, and easier to navigate. I create the user experience with CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.

  • Website: elizabethyalkut.com
  • I'm not currently looking for a full-time position, and I am very limited in the number and scope of freelance projects I can take on.

    • Skills and Knowledge

    I write concise CSS and SASS that takes advantage of developing specifications and progressively enhances the user experience. My HTML is semantic, accessible, and modular, putting content first. I know vanilla JavaScript, jQuery, and Angular. I've worked with Wordpress, Drupal, and Django as CMSes, am comfortable with git and svn, and can conduct user tests and implement analytics strategies. I've worked in Agile teams, can turn a Photoshop image of a web site into a working site, and I document and test as I go.

    Experience

    Web Developer
    Columbia College Information Technology, Columbia University
    April 2015 - present

    Columbia College Information Technology (CCIT) is responsible for the infrastructure, hardware, software, web publishing, on-line marketing, and software development/integration needs of the offices of Columbia College.

    • Create and maintain a portfolio of Drupal-based websites
    • Monitor, maintain, and improve website stability, performance, and security
    • Create, modify, and test custom Drupal modules and themes
    • Collaborate with the software development team to implement web application interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
    • Work with Columbia College staff to manage website configurations, troubleshoot issues, and provide new features
    • Create and maintain technical and user documentation for websites
    • Provide basic Drupal training to Columbia College staff
    Key projects: migrate Board of Visitors site from Drupal 6 to 7; development of Drupal 7 site for Office of Global Programs & Fellowships
    Web Developer
    Databases & Web Initiatives, Office of Alumni and Development, Columbia University
    July 2012 - April 2015

    The Databases & Web Initiatives team at the Office of Alumni and Development of Columbia University is responsible for maintenance and development of the donor database, as well as internal and external websites and applications.

    • Design, maintain and develop Drupal, Wordpress and other sites written in PHP, JavaScript (jQuery and jQueryui), HTML/CSS
    • Produce technical outcomes based on user stories defined for one-week sprint cycles
    • Embrace emerging standards while promoting best practices
    • Partner with and train fellow team members, marketing, communication and CAA staff on CMS and HTML/CSS
    • Work well both independently and as part of a team
    Key projects: redesign the online giving forms for Columbia University; relaunch of the internal Human Resources Planning & Performance Tool for Office of Alumni and Development (new design, user testing, front-end development, user training); lead development of CAA Arts Access website; implement automated testing and documentation of front-end code.
    Front-End Developer
    Threespot Media
    October 2011 - June 2012

    Threespot is an independent digital engagement agency that crafts experiences and connections between brands and consumers.

    • Served as front-end lead on relaunch of MacArthur Foundation website
    • Created CSS and HTML for relaunch of Brookings Institute website, as part of a five-person team
    Developer
    Do Something
    June 2011 - September 2011

    Do Something is a New York City not-for-profit dedicated to activating young people in their communities.

    • Conducted A/B testing to improve user conversion rates
    • Created individually branded microsites for campaigns
    Computing Fellow
    Barnard College Educational Technology
    September 2008 - May 2011

    Computing Fellows at Barnard College Educational Technology help faculty and staff integrate technology into their teaching and learning.

    • Created podcasts introducing Internet law, social media, and user-generated content
    • Updated social media accounts, including Facebook and Twitter
    • Supported faculty and staff in use of software, including Office and Dreamweaver
    • Created, updated, and maintained PHP-based websites for academic departments

    Education

    Barnard College, Columbia University, Bachelor of Arts, History, May 2011
    I wrote my senior thesis on the development of intellectual property law in eighteenth-century England, with particular reference to gender.
    Courses include: Statistics, Research Seminar in History, Public Speaking
    Emma Willard School, Diploma, June 2004

    Awards and Nominations

    2014 Best of the Net
    Nominated by the Editors of Spry.
    Tow Research Fellowship
    Barnard College, 2010
    Awarded to support senior thesis research.
    Bertha Vapnek Research Fellowship
    Barnard College, 2010
    Awarded to support senior thesis research.
    Bregman Computing Fellowship
    Barnard College, 2009-2011
    Awarded for ability to assist faculty and staff with technology
    Elizabeth Hughes Gossett Scholarship
    Barnard College, 2008-2009
    Awarded to a student with demonstrated leadership skills and interest in public service

    Training