The Engima Club
Developer, New company specializing in teambuilding through puzzles and mysteries; includes associated mobile app-enhanced murder mystery platform, Cozy Mystery Club
Recieved funding from Penn State's 2016 Summer Founders Program
Current Projects
-
Present 2016
-
Present 2015
Deskāna
Developer, Co-Designer, Floor-seated desk with sensors and a bundled mobile app to assist user with better posture
-
Present 2013
Education
-
B.S. May 2016
B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology
Focus: Design and Development
Pennsylvania State University
In-Major GPA: 4.00/4.00
Overall GPA: 3.83/4.00
-
B.A.May 2016
B.A. in Film Production
Pennsylvania State University
In-Major GPA: 3.97/4.00
Overall GPA: 3.83/4.00
Work Experience
-
Aug. 2016-PresentPariveda Solutions
Consultant
- Developed a dashboard to display and track project process for a client using JavaScript, NodeJS, D3, jQuery, HTML5, and CSS3
- Created tracking pixel verification and self-healing software for a client using JavaScript, NodeJS, AWS Lambda and Kinesis
-
May 2015-Nov. 2015Alcoa, Inc.
Global Business Services – Information Services Intern
- Developed a product filtering system for the company website using ASP, JavaScript, and SQL
- Configured and migrated web analytics to Google Analytics
- Created web-based tools for internal use that helped increase the efficiency of business processes
- Debugged existing site content
- Updated and created content for company's customer-facing websites
- Wrote user and developer documentation for projects I worked on
-
May 2011-PresentPRO-MIC Corporation
IT Systems Administrator and Web Developer
- Redesigned and modernized the company’s website; second redesign in progress to make the site more responsive, dynamic, and mobile-friendly
- Designed and programmed an online store using PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript
- Created video tutorials, product photography, and product literature
- Designed and built a fanless, solid state industrial all-in-one computer system
- Planned and implemented a long-range industrial Wi-Fi network for a client
- Planned, and maintain three webservers, several workstation computers, and the internal server system
- Designed and implemented VOIP phone system
-
Aug. 2013-PresentDeskāna (previously Easypose, LLC)
Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder
- Started as a workplace wellness firm aimed at providing yoga and mindfulness services to local businesses at lunchtime
- Pilot tested with local startup and received some cash inflow
- Failure to grow with previous business model resulted in pivot
- Through research we developed/are developing Deskāna, a novel product to facilitate proper posture, stretching, and mindfulness throughout the work day
- Currently in phase one of prototype design; mobile application is in development with basic functionality working and there is a rough prototype of the physical desk/chair
- Prototype utilizes Arduino Uno, BLE shield, and a set of ultrasonic distance sensors to track and help users improve posture and encourage stretching throughout the day
- Created a basic website about the product
- I designed and constructed the initial prototype and am the developer of the software
- (For Easypose) Created an aesthetically-pleasing and functional website for business operations
-
Apr.-Sep. 2014Brett Sherrick - Graduate Research Project
Java Developer
- Research project for the Penn State Department of Communications
- Worked on a small team to develop a Java-based video game using jFrame and Swing
-
May-Aug. 2013NBCUniversal - Sprout Division
Production Intern
- Production assistant on ”The Sunny Side Up Show,” a daily live broadcast
- Broadcasted childrens’ birthday wishes, screened contest submissions, and managed website content
- Prepared travel itineraries for guests on the show
- Created props and display plates for television
-
2012-2013PSNtv
Director of Photography / Lead Editor of "State"
- Worked on a sitcom for the student-run television network, PSNtv during the 2012-2013 academic year
-
2006-2008Walsh Industrial Company
Web Designer
- Redesigned the company's website
Portfolio
This page contains a collection of my recent media and development work. Some are personal projects, some were done for classes, and some for work.
Filter by type:
Sort by year:
Screenshot of the Chrome Extension
Description
Born out of frustration with slow Internet access at work, "Time Wasted Loading" is a Google Chrome extension that tracks how much time you really spend waiting for webpages to load. You can enter your hourly rate to see how much money is being wasted (and could be put toward a better connection). Don't worry — no data is collected!
Screenshot of Pokélympics
Description
As part of onboarding for my position at Pariveda, we had to go to "Developer School", which culminated with us breaking into teams and creating a game using the Pokémon API, NodeJS, and AngularJS. The 2016 Summer Olympics were happening at the time, so my team decided to create Pokélympics. We had about 10 hours over two days to develop the game, and this is what came of it. You can click the link below to play now!
Yes, there is only one event in the Pokélympics.
Links:
Play Pokélympics
Description
LeTony and Boom Mike are up to no good (again), and it's up to our favorite pair of powerless superheroes, Favio and Tony, to stop them!
2016 marks ten years since my first attempt at filmmaking. What better way to commemorate the occasion than to finish the final Favio Bros. film three years in the making! Scheduling was difficult since we live in different cities now, but the old cast and crew managed to reunite for one last film. Despite numerous obstacles, we completed the project and are proud to present The Fantastic Favio Brothers in "Pot Progression!"
The Fantastic Favio Brothers is a series which started as a pair of health projects in high school in which two powerless superheroes fight to rid the world of petty crime.
Watch on:
YouTube
Cast
Jack Stevens
Christopher Walsh
Mason Streko
J. Barclay Walsh
Michael Livornese
Stephanie Walsh
Kathy Stevens
Meg Barclay
Dominic Maguire
Benjamin Wax
Chris McDougall
Andrew McLaughlin
Laura Walsh
John Walsh
The App Home Screen (see website for more images)
Description
What started as the project "StretchDesk" for HackPSU grew into a much larger project. Deskāna is a portable floor-seated desk/chair combination equipped with sensors that detect whether or not the user is seated with good posture, the goal being to train users to sit upright and reap the health benefits come from doing so. The system comes with a mobile app that tracks the data, recommends when to take a break, and offers stretches/exercises to do during those breaks. The desk itself can transform in order to assist the user with the stretches. Posture data is sent wirelessly via Bluetooth LE.
With the help of Manas Rajaram, we are targeting two key markets, specifically:
- A younger, innovative, techy segment that does yoga, meditation and believes in workplace wellness initiatives
- Slightly older innovators who suffer from back pain due to poor posture or are overweight
The project aims to compete with current sitting-alternatives, namely standing desks. Our seated design has the advantages of being portable, less expensive, and can transform into stretching/yoga props, while providing many of the same health benefits as its standing counterparts.
At this point, the app is in development, and a rough prototype has been constructed (in fact, I'm typing this from the prototype right now). For the summer of 2015, the only desk I will have at home will be Deskāna, so this should be an excellent test and a great opportunity to see what needs to be improved.
October 2016 Update: Deskāna has been cancelled in order to focus on other projects.
Links:
Website
Description
Thoughout summer and fall 2015 I have been working part-time to redesign PRO-MIC Corporation's website for the second time using PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript. It is being redesigned to be mobile-friendly, responsive, database-driven, and easier to maintain, as well as simply look for modern.
View Website:
PRO-MIC 2016 Redesign (Beta)
Description
With his thesis proposal two weeks overdue, Simon needs an idea. Suddenly, it comes to him. And it's out of this world. Aliens.
The film initially screened April 25, 2015 at the Blue and White Film Festival, but can not be posted for viewing due to further pending festival submissions. Below you can find a link to the film's trailer.
Created as a senior thesis film in Penn State's COMM 448/449 (Advanced Group Production I & II, Penn State's year-long senior production course).
Watch trailer on:
Vimeo
Facebook page:
WANA on Facebook
News:
WANA on TV
Cast
Alex Melso
Mercer Bristow
Donavon Stadel
Tyler Floryan
Alicia Campbell
Dana Cinque
Monica Mazel
Eben Parker
Emily Bippus
Megan King
Adam Letavish
Scarlett Lee
Matthew Martel
Arpan Patel
John Pulchenik
Madison Zoller
Description
I developed a mobile radio application for Penn State's student-run radio station, The LION 90.7fm. Currently it is available for iOS, and I'm considering bringing it to other platforms in the future. I was interviewed about the app, which was pretty exciting. A link to the resulting article can be found below.
In September 2015, I passed the development responsibility of the app to another developer.
Links:
App Website/Landing Page
App Store Link (iOS)
News Article About The App
Description
During my 2014 summer internship I developed this eCommerce solution for PRO-MIC Corporation using PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript.
View Website:
PRO-MIC Online Store
Description
I programmed this Java match-three-style game for a graduate psychology experiment about the effects of narrative story on gameplay and player interest.
Description
Young budding comedian, Carolina Davis, tries to balance the stress of her family life and her personal life while attending college. Coming from a divorced family, her life is divided into relationships, divorce club meetings and stand- up routines in which she encounters controversy at every corner. Amidst the ups and downs of college life she must learn how to find beauty in all of life’s beautiful, messy moments.
Film to be released Summer 2015. For now, you may view a short teaser on Vimeo.
Watch on:
Vimeo
Facebook page:
Stones We Throw on Facebook
Description
A short experiment exploring a blend of tai chi, yoga, and the beauty of nature.
Created for a performance art video exercise for Penn State’s COMM 339 (Intermediate Alternative Production).
Watch on:
YouTube
Vimeo
1080p Download
Description
A short experiment exploring the parallax effect and the beauty of nature.
Created for an experimental exercise for Penn State’s COMM 339 (intermediate alternative production).
Watch on:
YouTube
Vimeo
1080p Download
Description
The current iteration of the Easypose, LLC website. Easypose, LLC is a student-run workplace wellness startup that I am Chief Technology Officer of. Many updates and new features coming soon!
View Website:
Easypose, LLC Website
Description
Have you ever heard
the low and steady chirping
of a frozen lake?
—Ben Vizzachero
Created for an experimental exercise for Penn State’s COMM 339 (intermediate alternative production).
Watch on:
YouTube
Vimeo
1080p Download
Description
Two unlikely lovers are abruptly separated.
Created as an short stop motion animation exercise for Penn State’s COMM 339 (intermediate alternative production).
Watch on:
YouTube
Vimeo
5k Download
Description
A video overview of the operation of the PRO-MIC Low Clearance System II.
This is an instructional video created for PRO-MIC Corporation.
Watch on:
YouTube
Description
What would life be like if everyone was biologically perfect? What if we didn't need sleep, never got sick, and didn't have to experience those more unpleasant aspects of life? Scarcity is a short film about a class called, you got it, Scarcity. In this class, students have to experience one of these "olden day" things for a final project.
This was my final group project for my COMM 338 (intermediate narrative production) class at Penn State.
Watch on:
Vimeo
1080p Download: Coming Soon!
Cast
Kyle Myhre
Dana Cinque
Mercer Bristow
Emily Bippus
Andrew Thomas
Jared Laslo
Megan King
Megan Gearhart
Description
An incompetent police officer attempts to catch a local drug dealer.
Created for a video exercise in Penn State's COMM 338 (intermediate narrative production).
Watch on:
YouTube
Vimeo
1080p Download
Cast
Luke Young
Max Utain
J. Barclay Walsh
Manas Rajaram
Christopher Roth
Leah Hoholick
Doug Tomanio
Gage Walters
Description
A British man selling Union Jacks faces unexpected competition from a Russian selling Soviet flags.
This was my final project for my COMM 242 (basic video/filmmaking) class at Penn State.
Watch on:
YouTube
Vimeo
1080p Download
Awards
Official Selection: Blue and White Film Festival (April 2013)
Cast
Dominic Maguire
Jake Katznelson
Chris McDougall
John Walsh
Christopher Walsh
Peggy Barclay
Ken Barclay
Reilly Bova
Stephanie Walsh
Benjamin Wax
Description
The brothers have fallen upon hard times since they shut down LeTony's audio piracy ring, and are in need of (paying) jobs. Sadly, crime-fighting does not pay the bills.
The Fantastic Favio Brothers is a series which started as a pair of health projects in high school in which two powerless superheroes fight to rid the world of petty crime.
Watch on:
YouTube
Vimeo
1080p Download
Cast
J. Barclay Walsh
Michael Livornese
Ken Barclay
Dominic Maguire
Benjamin Wax
Brandon Lam
Michael Wax
Sandy Wax
Amanda Garcia
Amanda McDevitt
Blaise Maguire
Chris McDougall
Anna Rende
Andrew McLaughlin
Description
A one-minute short film I did for a first-year film class (COMM 242 at Penn State) depicting a man getting kicked out of a girl's house.
Why/how he got there is the real question. He seems attached to the girl...but the girl doesn't seem to feel the same.
Watch on:
YouTube
Cast
Kurt Myhre
Michelle Rusek
Matthew Vincenzi
Description
The Fantastic Favio Brothers once again face off against LeTony, and his evil minion, Boom Mike...but it's not about drugs or alcohol this time! LeTony's new crime is music piracy, and he's throwing his largest party yet to distribute the stolen musical pieces!
The Fantastic Favio Brothers is a series which started as a pair of health projects in high school in which two powerless superheroes fight to rid the world of petty crime.
Watch on:
YouTube
1080p Download
Cast
Dominic Maguire
Benjamin Wax
J. Barclay Walsh
Michael Livornese
Christopher Walsh
Jodie Barasatian
Tabitha Grandjean
Chris McDougall
Ellie Mearns
Vanessa Sundra
Laura Walsh
Andrew McLaughlin
Brandon Lam
Description
After a long hiatus, the bros are back in their longest adventure yet!
LeTony awakes after his last defeat to find that his brother, MaCavio, has abandoned him. Unable to procure the help of his brother, LeTony sets out alone on his quest to find a new illegal substance to addict the entire neighborhood to. Can the bros stop him and his horrible, illegal evil ways?
This short film is listed here for the sake of the completeness of The Fanastic Favio Brothers series — it is not representative of the quality my more currently work.
Watch on:
YouTube
1080p Download
Cast
J. Barclay Walsh
Michael Livornese
Dominic Maguire
Benjamin Wax
Gus Wilder
Andrew McLaughlin
Description
The first ever Fantastic Favio Brothers movie that isn’t for a school project!
The brothers are becoming bored, as nothing has happened since their epic battle with LeTony and MaCavio. The lure of a party proves to be too much to resist…
This short film is listed here for the sake of the completeness of The Fanastic Favio Brothers series — it is not representative of the quality my more currently work. Honestly, this is probably the worst of the series, and the only film not to feature LeTony VonEvil.
Watch on:
YouTube
Vimeo
1080p Download
Cast
J. Barclay Walsh
Dominic Maguire
Benjamin Wax
Isaac Worthington
Andrew McLaughlin
Description
This was created for a Health final, in this video the famous Favio Brothers have to face off against ecstasy-abusing LeTony & his brother, MaCavio.
Is the power of ecstasy too much for our heros? Watch to find out!
This short film is listed here for the sake of the completeness of The Fanastic Favio Brothers series — it is not representative of the quality my more currently work.
Watch on:
YouTube
Vimeo
480p Download
Cast
J. Barclay Walsh
Dominic Maguire
Benjamin Wax
Gus Wilder
Andrew McLaughlin
Description
Created for our Health class final (2009).
The lovable Favio Brothers must stop their arch nemesis from throwing alcohol-fueled parties!
This short film is listed here for the sake of the completeness of The Fanastic Favio Brothers series — it is not representative of the quality my more currently work.
Watch on:
YouTube
Vimeo
480p Download
Cast
J. Barclay Walsh
Dominic Maguire
Benjamin Wax
Andrew McLaughlin
Experience
The following is my work experience and filmography.
Work Experience
-
Present Aug. 2016
Pariveda Solutions
Consultant
- Developed a dashboard to display and track project process for a client using JavaScript, NodeJS, D3, jQuery, HTML5, and CSS3
- Created tracking pixel verification and self-healing software for a client using JavaScript, NodeJS, AWS Lambda and Kinesis
-
Nov. 2015 May 2015
Alcoa, Inc.
Global Business Services – Information Services Intern
- Developed a product filtering system for the company website using ASP, JavaScript, and SQL
- Configured and migrated web analytics to Google Analytics
- Created web-based tools for internal use that helped increase the efficiency of business processes
- Debugged existing site content
- Updated and created content for company's customer-facing websites
- Wrote user and developer documentation for projects I worked on
-
Present 2011
PRO-MIC Corporation
IT Systems Administrator and Web Developer
- Redesigned and modernized the company’s website; second redesign in progress to make the site more responsive, dynamic, and mobile-friendly
- I am currently working part-time resdesigning their website again to be more responsive, dynamic, and mobile-friendly
- Designed and programmed an online store using PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript
- Created video tutorials, product photography, and product literature
- Designed and built a fanless, solid state industrial all-in-one computer system
- Planned and implemented a long-range industrial Wi-Fi network for a client
- Planned, and maintain three webservers, several workstation computers, and the internal server system
- Designed and implemented VOIP phone system
-
Present 2013
Deskāna (previously Easypose, LLC)
Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder
- Started as a workplace wellness firm aimed at providing yoga and mindfulness services to local businesses at lunchtime
- Pilot tested with local startup and received some cash inflow
- Failure to grow with previous business model resulted in pivot
- Through research we developed/are developing Deskāna, a novel product to facilitate proper posture, stretching, and mindfulness throughout the work day
- Currently in phase one of prototype design; mobile application is in development with basic functionality working and there is a rough prototype of the physical desk/chair
- Prototype utilizes Arduino Uno, BLE shield, and a set of ultrasonic distance sensors to track and help users improve posture and encourage stretching throughout the day
- Created a basic website about the product
- I designed and constructed the initial prototype and am the developer of the software
- (For Easypose) Created an aesthetically-pleasing and functional website for business operations
-
Apr. 2014 Sep. 2014
Brett Sherrick - Graduate Research Project
Java Developer
- Research project for the Penn State Department of Communications
- Worked on a small team to develop a Java-based video game using jFrame and Swing
-
Aug. 2013 May 2013
NBCUniversal - Sprout Division
Production Intern
- Production assistant on ”The Sunny Side Up Show,” a daily live broadcast
- Broadcasted childrens’ birthday wishes, screened contest submissions, and managed website content
- Prepared travel itineraries for guests on the show
- Created props and display plates for television
-
2013 2012
PSNtv
Director of Photography / Lead Editor of "State"
- Worked on a sitcom for the student-run television network, PSNtv during the 2012-2013 academic year
-
2008 2006
Walsh Industrial Company
Web Designer
- Redesigned the company's website
Filmography
-
2016 2013
The Fantastic Favio Brothers in: "Pot Progression!"
Director, Directory of Photography, Editor, co-Writer, Actor — LeTony and Boom Mike are up to no good (again), and it's up to our favorite pair of powerless superheroes, Favio and Tony, to stop them!
-
2016 2013
Stones We Throw
Director of Photography — A feature-length film about a young budding comedian, Carolina Davis, tries to balance the stress of her family life and her personal life while attending college. Coming from a divorced family, her life is divided into relationships, divorce club meetings and stand- up routines in which she encounters controversy at every corner. Amidst the ups and downs of college life she must learn how to find beauty in all of life’s beautiful, messy moments.
-
2015 2014
We Are Not Alone
Director of Photography — With his thesis proposal two weeks overdue, Simon needs an idea. Suddenly, it comes to him. And it's out of this world. Aliens.
Official Selection: Blue and White Film Festival, April 2015
-
2014
Barefoot
Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Writer — A short experiment exploring a blend of tai chi, yoga, and the beauty of nature.
-
2014
Species
Director, Animator, Editor, Writer — A short experiment exploring the parallax effect and the beauty of nature.
-
2014
Winter
Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Writer — Have you ever heard
the low and steady chirping
of a frozen lake?
—Ben VizzacheroAn experimental piece based on the above haiku.
Official Selection: Blue and White Film Festival, April 2014
-
2014
Unplugged
Director of Photography, Animator, Editor, Writer — A stop-motion animation about two unlikely lovers who are abruptly separated.
-
2013
Scarcity
Director of Photography — What would life be like if everyone was biologically perfect? What if we didn’t need sleep, never got sick, and didn’t have to experience those more unpleasant aspects of life? Scarcity is a short film about a class called, you got it, Scarcity. In this class, students have to experience one of these “olden day” things for a final project.
-
2013
Cop-out
Director of Photography, Editor, Writer — An incompetent police officer attempts to catch a local drug dealer.
-
2013
Older Than This Year's Cutting
Camera Grip, Boom Operator — Danny, a boy bright for his age, drifts away from his mother one day while out shopping. As Danny navigates a bookstore, he searches for something that can please his inquisitive mind and distract him from his complicated life. What he finds is a landscape of morally dubious figures that stand between him and his desire for a mysteriously impossible product: a pitch-black puzzle with a billion pieces.
Official Selection: Blue and White Film Festival, April 2013
-
2013
Vagabond
Director of Photography, Editor, Writer — A one-minute short film I did for a first-year film class (COMM 242 at Penn State) depicting a man getting kicked out of a girl’s house.
Why/how he got there is the real question. He seems attached to the girl…but the girl doesn’t seem to feel the same.
-
2012
The Pedlar
Director, Directory of Photography, Editor, co-Writer — A British man selling Union Jacks faces unexpected competition from a Russian selling Soviet flags.
Official Selection: Blue and White Film Festival, April 2013
-
Present 2009
The Fantastic Favio Brothers (series)
Director, Directory of Photography, Editor, co-Writer, Actor — Two powerless superheroes fight to rid the town of petty crime.
Currently six films long, with the 7th in production.
Contact Me
How to reach me
I would love to hear from you! This page contains all the ways to contact me.