Mary Trankel
Professional Resume
Mary A. Trankel
(206) 715-0606
Country of Citizenship: United States
- Skill Set Overview/Competencies
- Selected Achievements & Skills
- Education/Training
- Software Skills
- Teaching Experience
- Project Summaries
- Achievements & Honors
- Publications & Professional Papers
Skill Set Overview/Competencies
I have 15 years of experience in the Information Technology field as a graphic designer, Web developer, and instructional systems designer. I have completed a wide variety of projects that required solid skills in research, data analysis, writing, database management, technical writing, and instructional systems design, and have produced deliverables in a variety of electronic formats. I have conducted individual and classroom training, and provided technical assistance on information technology, research, and management topics. I have applied the principles of adult learning theory, cognitive learning styles, the ADDIE model, and ARCS principles when developing instructional design applications. I have taught postsecondary courses in sociology, social psychology, developmental psychology, criminology, and information technology. I also have 9 months full-time experience conducting research and writing technical reports on curriculum and instructional design issues for an accredited online university.
I have strong skills in a variety of software programs and content management systems that I have used to create technical reports, charts, graphs, presentations, graphic images, flyers, and brochures. I am a detail-oriented person who takes pride in producing technically accurate, stunning reports and graphical products. In addition, I have over 6 years of experience working with government agencies to develop information technology resources, including static and dynamic database-driven Web sites using ColdFusion and PHP, content management systems, and computer based training applications, including slide shows, animations, and videos—all with an emphasis on achieving Section 508 accessibility compliance and W3C Web standards.
I am well versed in both quantitative (statistical) and qualitative (narrative) research methods, and have completed several major research projects using both interview and survey research designs. Work samples, demos, and letters of reference are available on request.
Offering a breadth of experience in IT and data analysis, I design learning tools, training materials, and write technical briefs to develop and support business initiatives. Committed to client needs, I utilize technical writing and research to evaluate the applicability of new technologies and tailor them to meet company objectives.
- Implementing content management and tracking systems, improving work flow
- Collaborating with administrators and staff to fulfill technical needs
- Developing technical reports, charts, graphs and presentations
- Training diverse teams in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Analyzing corporate objectives and providing strong direction
As a result of my background in criminology and three previous jobs in the criminal justice system, I have successfully passed criminal background checks and personality profile tests.
Selected Achievements & Skills
Approved State Contractor
Approved under State of Montana Master Contract for IT Services (DOA06-1263B), for categories:
- Distributed Applications
- Internet, Intranet, eGovernment
- Staff Augmentation
Optimized organizational productivity
Contracted to design/implement comprehensive state-wide evaluations for Department of Public Health. Hired and trained 41 staff. Wrote technical briefs and research protocols. Developed national standards for program evaluation research. Funding expanded to 5 years across 56 agencies.
Designed systems to launch startup
Designed systems to launch startup. Tasked at Web Transformations to start new business. Developed website and database tracking. Advised on software technology. Designed operating procedures. Implemented financial accounting system. Produced half a million in sales. Startup became among largest of its kind in the industry.
Created user-friendly system to educate non-IT staff.
Inherited complicated database application at USDA Forest Service. Utilized knowledge of relational database systems to develop schematic diagrams. Updated elements without compromising other functions. Wrote user training manual. Improved efficiencies company-wide
Conducted major research and analysis.
Designed and documented all phases of research protocol for non-profit client at Trankel Research & Analysis. Performed statistical comparison of multiple sites. Achieved high return rate of 60%, tripling the average. Enabled client to re-sell data collection tools and procedural documents.
Education/Training
University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
Ph.D. in Sociology, June 1991. Graduate GPA 3.83. Areas of concentration during graduate work:
- Criminology/Criminal Justice
- Applied Research Methods/Program Evaluations
- Social Psychology
- Complex Organizations
M.A. in Sociology, concentration in Criminal Justice, December 1987.
Carroll College, Helena, Montana
B.A. in Sociology, with minor in Criminal Justice, June 1980. Magna cum laude, GPA 3.79.
Additional Training
- March, 2004: Human Resource Specialist training through the USDA Forest Service (conflict resolution, fact finding, report writing, management advising).
- Spring Semester, 2004: Web Programming, The University of Montana, Missoula.
- Spring Semester, 2003: Fundamentals of Computer Science II, The University of Montana, Missoula.
- Fall, 2005: User Interface Design, The University of Montana, Missoula.
- Autumn Semester, 2002: Fundamentals of Computer Science I, University of Montana, Missoula.
- January, 2002: Introduction to Oracle: SQL & PL-SQL, University of Montana, Missoula.
- December, 2001: Crystal Reports 8.0 Advanced—Level 1 & Level 2, New Horizons.
- August, 2000: Advanced Access 97, New Horizons.
Software Skills
- ForceTen Developer Certification for Learning Content Management System (LCMS) software by OutStart (formerly EEDO)
- Introduction to Angel Learning Management System
- SoftChalk 6 Learning Content Management System
- Correctional Worker Core, Department of Corrections and Peninsula College, Washington.
- Macromedia Dreamweaver—HTML/CSS/XML Web Site Design; creation of dynamic Web sites using PHP and ColdFusion
- Adobe PhotoShop—Photo/Graphics Editing and Design
- Adobe Flash—animations, videos, movies, instructional training materials, slide shows
- Adobe Acrobat Professional—creation of PDF documents
- Adobe LiveCycle Designer—creation of PDF fillable forms
- Adobe Illustrator—vector graphics development
- Adobe InDesign—page layout and design
- Adobe Captivate—screen capture, software simulations, and e-learning content development
- Microsoft Access—Relational Database, through version 2007
- Microsoft Word—Word Processing, through version 2007
- Microsoft Excel—Spreadsheet
- Microsoft PowerPoint—Spreadsheet
- Microsoft Publisher—desktop publishing
- SPSS—Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
- Oracle database
- MySQL database
- Paradox for Windows—Relational Database
- MS Visual FoxPro—Relational Database
- Crystal Reports—using MS Access and Oracle databases
- MS Outlook and MS Outlook Express—e-mail programs
- WordPerfect and WordPerfect Office 2000 Professional
- QuattroPro spreadsheet
- Final Cut Pro on an Apple computer; Pinnacle Studio and Sony Vegas on PC computers for video editing
- SnagIt (TechSmith) screen capture software
- Camtasia Studio (TechSmith)—screen recording software
- Peachtree Complete—accounting software
Teaching Experience
TACOMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Tacoma, Washington
Summer 2010 and Fall 2010: IT Instructor teaching Microcomputers, Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office Suite Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) on a contract for the Washington Department of Corrections. Letter of Reference available.
THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA, Missoula, Montana
January 1991 through June 1991: Adjunct Professor teaching Group Process and Applied Social Research, Social Work Department, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812.
September 1984 through June 1988: Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Montana Sociology Department teaching Principles of Sociology, Social Problems, and Sociology of Deviance. Tutored students in Social Statistics and Business Statistics.
SALISH-KOOTENAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Pablo, Montana
Fall 1986 and Spring 1987: Visiting Professor teaching Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, and Social Psychology.
PART-TIME DANCE INSTRUCTOR, Missoula, Montana
Fall 1988 through 2009: Top Hat & Tails Dance Club. Teaching choreographed ballroom dance basics and dance routines. Member of the Roundalab Professional Round Dance Teachers’ Association since 1988.
Project Summaries
- Development of instructional systems design storyboards on category management principles for an eLearning company in California; development of Flash animated course modules
- Path-Wise Corporation—systems analysis for software development, including user interface screen mockups in PhotoShop; usability analysis; quality control
- State of Montana, Fish ,Wildlife & Parks—Web site development using a content management system; graphics development
- USDA Forest Service—development and maintenance of static and dynamic Web sites and applications; training staff on use of a digital asset content management system; development of a tracking application to monitor status of in-house publications; use and maintenance of Access and Oracle database systems; development of software documentation and technical training materials (letters of recommendation and performance reviews available)
- Artistic Metals Forge—Web site development; database application for management of online photos displaying company work products; password-protected administration area for owners to upload and manage Web content; Flash video to display work products
- Health Habits Fitness & Massage—production of DVD videos; development of dynamic database-driven Web site with password-protected administrative area; ongoing Web site maintenance; publications layout; flyers and promotional materials
- Velocity Fitness, a start-up business in Helena, Montana—grants and loan financing research; development of graphic designs for logos.
- Triple-I of Colorado, Inc.—technical and legal research and report-writing
- Clayton Floyd Insurance Agency, an independent agency in Missoula, Montana—database application development; market research; report writing; development of graphics, forms and flyers
- Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services, Child & Family Services Division—5-year statewide evaluation of child abuse prevention programs in Montana (letter of recommendation available)
- Missoula Demonstration Project, Quality of Life’s End—development and administration of survey research forms, research administration protocols, statistical analysis of research results, and report writing for surveys in four states (letters of recommendation available)
- Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Nation—survey research; data analysis; report writing
- Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation—survey research; data analysis; report writing
- Decorative Industrial Plating, a metal finishing business in Helena, Montana—development of a financial accounting system; business data collection instruments; market research surveys; database development; Web site development (letter of recommendation available)
- Skyline Recording Studios, Missoula, Montana—technical writing/editing; development of business forms and informational materials; Web site development
- Department of Social Work, The University of Montana—survey research; data analysis; report writing; journal articles published jointly with Social Work professors
- Montana Association of Area Agencies on Aging—research and data analysis
- Rural Institute on Disabilities, University of Montana—research and data analysis
- USDA Forest Services, Region I, Administrative Services Division—region-wide (3 states) analysis of Administration services, follow-up group training to present results and assist staff in developing a plan to implement findings
- Pine Hills Youth Correction Facility in Miles City, Montana—Ph.D. dissertation focused on evaluating the Juvenile Sex Offender Treatment Program (JSOP)
- Missoula City-County Health Department—survey research and data analysis
- Options Unlimited, sponsored by Women’s Opportunity Resource Development—survey research and data analysis; program evaluations
- Women's Economic Development Group (WEDGO)—data analysis and reports
- Missoula Community Business Incubator (MCBI)—data analysis and reports
- Blaine County Jail, Chinook, Montana—evaluation to determine the feasibility of a secure juvenile detention facility in Blaine County
- Missoula City-County Public Library—user survey to improve Library services
- Elderphone Project of the Department of Aging Services—survey research and report
- Missoula Housing Authority—survey research to determine low-income housing needs in Missoula, Montana; statistical data analysis and summary report
- Licensed Private Investigator in the State of Montana (1986-1994).
- Corrections Counselor at the Missoula Life Skills Pre-Release Center, Missoula, MT (1982-1983).
- Boulder County Sheriff’s Department, Boulder, CO. Deputy Sheriff assigned to the Boulder County Jail as a Corrections Specialist (1981).
- Taught University courses in: principles of sociology, social psychology, group processes, social problems, sociology deviance, and applied social research. Also tutored university students in statistics.
Achievements and Honors
Twice awarded Bertha Morton Scholarship for outstanding graduate work: in 1986 and 1988. Receipt of this award placed me in the top 5% of all graduate students at The University of Montana.
Received Award of Excellence for a professional paper presented at The University of Montana's “Graduate Development Day Conference,” Missoula, Montana, April 1987.
Presented Professional Paper, Pacific Sociological Association Conference in Las Vegas, NV, April 1987.
Publications and Professional Papers
1999. “Black and White and Shades of Gray: A Portrait of the Ethical Professor,” Ethics and Behavior, 9(3), pp. 243-261, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Mahwah, New Jersey.
1996-1998. Technical Assistance Briefs: Developing a Sound Program Evaluation, Program Evaluation Components, Planning Overview for Evaluating Home Visitation Efforts, Definitions of Research Terms, Developing a Survey Instrument, Techniques to Increase Survey Response Rates, Commonly Asked Questions About Research Procedures, Sample Evaluation Plan.
1998. Key contributor, Healthy Families America “Community Planning and Site Development Guide,” a technical manual on comprehensive outcome evaluations for child abuse prevention programs.
1991. “Examination of Empowerment and Rape Myth Acceptance Among Male Adolescents in a Sex Offender Treatment Program,” doctoral dissertation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT.
1991. “AIDS Education for Rural IV Drug Users in Montana,” by Mary Birch and Mary Trankel, Human Services in the Rural Environment, Autumn 15 (2), Eastern Washington University Journal, Cheney, WA.
1988. “Women in Law Enforcement,” a research study involving in-depth interviews with female and male police officers, sheriff deputies, highway patrol, and probation officers in Montana.
1988. “Differences in Aggressiveness Between Female and Male Lead Characters in Television Crime Dramas,” by Trankel, Summers, Fowler and Buskirk. Currently under review for publication.
1987. “A Content Analysis of Aggression Performed By Lead Characters in Prime-Time Crime Dramas,” by Trankel, Summers, Fowler and Buskirk, professional paper presented at the Pacific Sociological Association Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada in April 1987.
1987. “A Behavioral Inventory for Identifying Types of Aggression,” professional paper, Graduate Development Day Conference, The University of MT, Missoula, April 1987. Award for “best use of theory.”
1985. “Intergenerational Transmission of Values: A Data-Based Reassessment,” by McBroom, Reed, Burns, Hargraves and Trankel, Social Psychology Quarterly, Vol. 48, No. 2, pp. 150-161.
1980. “Emotional Stresses of Childhood and Adolescence as a Basis for Future Coping Efficacy,” undergraduate honors thesis, Carroll College Library Document, Helena, Montana.