Assistant Project

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About JAG-wire

A cutting-edge exhibition in cultivating creativity through art and intellect, JAG-wire

is the personal-professional ensemble of Jeff Ginger, a graduate student in community

informatics and Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois. Through

this site, Jeff seeks to share his talents and most passionate interests in different

realms of his life: academic, creative, and professional.

read more

From the Web Portfolio

A randomized glimpse below.

see the full portfolio

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Continuing Projects

Updates and links in regards to my latest and coolest projects.

Community Informatics Projects!

I've now begun work with Community Informatics, a facet of library and information

science that's a little like social work meets computers. You can find most of myacademic, web, and multimedia work on my new research and development website, a sort of

sandbox, prototyping platform and activity archive.

check out the new digs!

The Facebook Project

Most of my work in Sociology was on Facebook and issues of virtual identity and

representation online. As part of this I began the Facebook Project, a website linking

many researchers and resources related to the famous SNS.

Find Facebook Research and Resources

Puffin'Snuff

A continuing adventure in stop-motion, the idea came from my often talked about plan to

make dinner and a movie instead of simply have them. I find value in creation and found

the random experiment to be a great deal of fun.

See the latest movie!

Jeff Ginger

Updated 08.31.2008 Printer Friendly

Full resume (05.25.2008) also available in [doc] and [pdf]

Please email me for a position specific resume1905 N Lincoln Ave #121 Capstone Quarters Urbana, IL 61801

******@********.*** www.JeffGinger.com 630-***-****

My Mission, in Brief

I hope to forever live with a relentless passion towards enjoying life to the fullest

while making a positive impact on those around me in the world. In essence, I strive to

create, connect, and love.

Personal Summary

Highly motivated student with strong credentials and practical experience in sociology

and computer-based multi-media. Excellent leader with broad and deep success in

motivating, organizing and driving activist and volunteer organizations.

Sections

Academic Experience

Specialized Courses

Teaching Experience

Volunteer Leadership Experience

Technical Work Experience

Specific Technical Skills

Academic Experience

I suggest you see my Curriculum Vitae as it contains my most salient graduate work and

qualifications.

PhD, Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

2008-2012

I begin this program in the fall of 2008

[details]

MA, Sociology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

2006-2008

Masters paper: The Facebook Project: Performance and Construction of Digital Identity

Achieved a place on the list of teachers ranked as excellent by their students twice

Started and currently run The Facebook Project, a collaborative research project

[details]

BA, Honors, Sociology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

2002 2006

Senior Projects: New Revolutions: Integrating Information Technology into Contemporary

Civil Rights Movements and Facebook.com: Social Computing Phenomena.

Minor in computer science

Sociology GPA of 3.61 (A-), overall GPA of 3.21 (B+), Deans List standing 3 semesters

[details]

H.S. Diploma, Glenbard West High School, Glen Ellyn, IL

19982002

Graduated with a 4.8 GPA in the top 20% of our class, numerous AP/honors/seminar courses

Participated in Chess Club, Amnesty International and the Forensics speech team

[details]

Back to Top

Specialized Courses

A summary of some of the most important classes I've taken throughout my academic career.

Click on an item to read details about the course.

Remarkable Graduate Courses2006-2007

Methods: Survey Research; Qualitative Research; Intermediate Statistics

Three methods courses: Sociology 485 (stats), 480 (surveys), and 583 (advanced

qualitative)

Learned and practiced fundamental survey, ethnography and interview research skills

including planning, testing, data collection/analysis and publication

Good coverage of introductory statistics, including Chi-square analysis, confidence

intervals and other standard tests of statistical significance and independence

Developed additional familiarity with SPSS 14/15

Developed and pursued individual research to contribute to the Facebook Project

Classical Sociological Theory; History and Foundations in Library and Information Science

Two courses in essential theory: Classical Sociological, and History and Foundations in

Library and Information Science

Gained advanced understanding of the major classical sociology theorists (Tocqueville,

Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and Simmel)

Read works on the most crucial underpinning aspects of LIS

Met and learned about several prominent writers in the field

Improved paper writing and development skills;

Art Interactivity and Interface Design

An innovative art course focused on bringing art into a online and interactive format

Discussed the application of STS and art theory to web site interactivity

Learned how to comprehensively use Macromedia Flash 8 in a collaborative learning and

working environment

Race, Ethnicity and Identity

A course providing a refreshing look on race and ethnicity in the US and how they figure

into the construction and transformation of identity

Familiarized with major names and theory in the field of research

Developed a comprehensive paper related to the perpetuation of racial structures in

social computing environments

Notable Undergraduate Courses2004-2006

Computer Science 496 Designing Accessible Web Resources

Graduate course in advanced web design focused on designing, creating, and maintaining

web sites accessible to people with disabilities

Helped to construct a new web site for Beckwith Hall, the assisted living residence hall

on campus

www.jag85.com/beckwith

Sociology 496 Sex and Madness Teaching Assistant work

Worked as a teaching assistant leading a discussion group in both an online and in-person

environments made specific effort to help students in my discussion in the class

Created an honors film project demonstrating a potential distopia society

www.sexandmadness.com

African American Studies 398 Black Leadership Development

Established a valuable non-standard perspective as a progressive white thinker in a black

dominated class empowering students with additional resources and anti-white nationalist

ideals

Created a plan for integrating IT into black leadership and civil rights in the AASRP

program

Helped to facilitate (staff) the Race, Roots, and Resistance Conference at UIUC

www.jag85.com/afro

Other Relevant Academic Skills

Classroom experience with art and graphic design fundamentals

Elementary Spanish speaking, reading, and writing skills

Computer architecture, data structures, software principles, and introductory discrete

math

Senior Honors Seminar exploring Science, Technology and Society from a Posthumanist

sociology perspective

Teaching Experience

You can learn a lot about my teaching experience by looking at the structure of my

courses. I have designed web sites for all of the courses I teach. See details below.

Introduction to Sociology - Soc 100

Fall 2007-Spring 2008

This course covers the foundations of Sociological thought and practice. It provides

background on some of the key areas of Sociology. Students also hone important life skills

in this course including critical thinking, writing and understanding the social world.

Though it's a large survey course Sociology 100 has proven to be one of the most

influential classes the University offers - giving students a chance to explore life from

the perspective of the Sociological Imagination and see themselves as a part of the larger

whole. Beyond teaching a section I help to present on stage during lectures to over 700

students and manage the website. My specific mission this semester has been to help

integrate intergroup dialogue material into the section classroom format.

I decided that this year I would try my hand at teaching a majority freshman intro class.

Each semester I've been benefited with fewer, smaller classes, which has really allowed me

to get to know my students as people and help to connection sociology in pertinent ways to

their everyday life. Teaching the course two semesters in a row has been an additional

boon because I've been able to better test new lesson plans and teaching strategies.

I was a Teaching Assistant for Heather Downs, an assistant professor in the Department of

Sociology.

Course Syllabus (Fall 2007) and (Spring 2008)

I do not have a section website for this class

[details]

Sociology 273 Social Perspectives on the Family - Soc 273Fall 2007

This course reviews sociological theory used in family research, and examines some of the

current developments confronting family researchers such as the rise in divorce and out of

wedlock births, as well as declines in marriage and fertility. Besides these popular

issues, this course also takes a look at areas of research that receive less attention

such as fatherhood and father involvement.

I help to find sources, teach class, and perform administrative duties like handling

email and the website. I also grade the final course paper. Beyond this I'm essentially

taking the class along with the students - the topic is new to me too!

I am a Teaching Assistant for Ray Muhammad, an assistant professor in the Department of

Sociology.

Course Syllabus

Course Website

[details]

Introduction to Social Research Methods - SOC 380

Spring 2007

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills to conduct social

research as well as to offer a firm foundation so that students can produce basic social

science. The topic of social research is introduced with a discussion of various methods

of human inquiry and why the social sciences rely on scientific methodology. Individual

reading assignments and group exercises will facilitate an active learning environment in

which students will master an understanding of how social researchers structure inquiry

and how researchers make observations about the social world.

During this semester, student groups complete two research projects, one quantitative

based on previously gathered data, and one qualitative with self-collected ethnographic

observations.

I am a Teaching Assistant for Assata Zerai, a professor in the department of Sociology.

Course Syllabus

Section Web site

[details]

Intergroup Dialogue on Race and Ethnicity - EOL 199Spring 2007

This course introduces students to the different aspects of race relations in the United

States by having students explore the histories, social contexts, and ideas that have

shaped their experiences as racial and ethnic students. We will be exploring five main

areas:

Our own racial identities

Group similarities and differences

The history between our groups and its legacy for contemporary life

Institutional and cultural factors that influence individual and group experiences in the

context of structural and social inequality

Roles and factors in working with and across differences

Through these objectives, we hope to achieve the following five learning outcomes:

Self-reflection

Perspective taking

Multi-layered listening

Expanding knowledge / correcting misinformation

Strong-sense critical thinking

Strong sense critical inquiry

This course uses a structured, intergroup dialogue format that requires participation in

both class discourse and activities. You are encouraged to bring personal experiences and

perspectives to the critical analysis of weekly readings and dialogue topics. We use

experiential learning exercises in addition to the weekly readings, reflective writing

assignments, and intergroup dialogue. We, as the instructors/facilitators for this course,

work to create a learning environment where students can feel safe to explore the topics,

be challenged by them, and engage with their fellow students.

I facilitate dialogue sessions with Andre Bean, a M. A. in Clinical Psychology and intern

at the University of Illinois Counseling Center.

Course Syllabus

Section Web site

[details]

UIUC Volunteer Leadership Experience

I've been involved in numerous volunteer leadership positions over the course of my

academic career. See the most important ones below - click on an item to read the details.

Avalanche (2004-2005)

Planned, created, and ran the organization known as Avalanche a community based

solution to the social problem of college-age drinking

A group committed to giving students activity opportunities with which they can spend

their weekend nights as a superior alternative to alcohol or drinking related activities

Established Avalanche s presence as a large scale and highly successful community

program, developed contacts and operational procedures, formed up a leadership board,

managed and procured resources, designed, structured and implemented advertising plans,

and finally inspired and empowered the students who took part in activities

Events ranged from small scale 15 person programs like creating valentines for the

elderly to massive 130 person open mic nights the Avalanche brand name became well

known

www.shavalanche.com

Association of Undergraduate Sociologists (

2003-2008)

Helped to plan, create and run the Sociology club for the University of Illinois a

registered student organization dedicated to enacting as a resource for sociology majors,

minors, and enthusiasts, as well as a provider of career and internship information,

research studies and volunteer and outreach programs

Worked as an Executive Advisor and President of the group

Helped to recruit and organize numerous members, create and run the web site, and plan

and execute nearly all club activities

Served for a couple of years as a graduate advisor

www.jag85.com/soc

Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (2005-2008)

Resource Management and Web Design officer on the Executive Board

Coordinated the Faces of Feminism discussion panel, created the web site, helped lead a

protest, attended the Midwest Feminist Majority Conference

www.jag85.com/femmajority

Served for a couple of years as a graduate advisor

Sexual Health Peers (2005-2006)

Volunteered as a Sexual Health coordinator and workshop presenter as part of the campus

organization (an extension of the McKinley Health Foundation), planned and led many events

www.jag85.com/SHP

Snyder Hall Council (2002-2005)

Served as an officer for 3 years while I lived in the residence halls first year as a

floor representative, second year as treasurer, and third year as vice president

Helped to establish many new programs and events, including volleyball, wallyball,

Frisbee, swimming, and helped to lead Snyder Hall Impact, a volunteering and outreach

program

Double Hitters Anonymous Volleyball (2003-present)

Created and ran the Double Hitters Anonymous Volleyball Registered Student Organization,

a group for casual and competitive play

Worked as a coach, leader, and connector, playing 2-3 days a week

www.jag85.com/volleyball

Inline Insomniacs (2003-present)

Skating club community dedicated to night time inline skating and related events

Participated as a general member for 2 years, currently holding the position of Morale

Officer on the executive board

Helped to introduce new ideas and skating routes into the organization, recruit new

members, and assist in creating community

Positive Event Chain (2006-present)

An activist organization about creating positive chains of events

Relay for Life team captain, web master enthusiastic member

Boy Scouts of America (high school, 1989-2002)

Obtained the rank of Eagle Scout, Served in many troop positions and ranks

6 years in Cub Scouts, 8 years in Boy Scouts, plus additional Venture Scouts

Back to Top

Technical Work Experience

University of IllinoisRSC Network Technician20032008

Consistently provide in-depth technical support to University Housing students

Trouble-shoot real world problems, working with both hardware and software in a live in-

person working environment

Explain and teach residents about campus technology policies and opportunities, answering

questions of all sorts, even those unrelated to computers

Help residents learn to effectively use and trouble-shoot their own computer, as well as

how to best ask for assistance with the ultimate objective of helping them learn to stand

on their own

Host lab hours a few days a week working with RSC staff and helping to maintain labs

[details]

CDW IT Help Desk Technician InternSummer 2005

Provided floor responses to technical problems of many sorts directly diagnosing,

understanding and remedying issues involving computers, printers, phones, and networking

Helped to run the Help Desk configuration lab conducting computer repair and

refurbishing as well as mass configuration and installation operations

Spent time helping to keep the warehouse storage area clean and assisted in recycling

older phased out material learned use of warehouse tools as well as etiquette

Helped to teach employees how to use various programs and computer systems

[details]

ROC Group Web Designer and Developer InternSummer 2004

Developing a strong foundation for web development principles and concepts

Experience programming in Visual Basic 6 and Dreamweaver MX for data driven web

applications learned crucial validation and information passing principles

Learned some basics about ASP.NET, SQL and the use of MS Access databases

Developing a strong foundation for web development principles and concepts

Received experience designing presentation diagrams, animations, graphics and design

frameworks

[details]

Specific Technical Skills

Technical Skills - Software

High level of familiarity: Windows 9x/ME/2k/XP/Vista, MS Office 97/2k/XP/2k3/2k7 (Word,

Excel, Power Point, Publisher, etc ), Adobe programs (Dreamweaver and Fireworks 8/CS2/CS3,

and LiveMotion 2). I've used MS Frontpage/Sharepoint Designer in conjunction with MS

Access and Visual Studio.NET to create data/search-driven websites.

Significant experience with several Adobe programs (Flash, Photoshop, AfterEffects,

Premiere), trouble-shooting Anti-virus (Symantec & McAfee), Audio Recording/Editing

software (Cakewalk Home Studio, various vst/dxi synths/pluggins, SoundForge), Windows

Movie Maker, and comprehensive knowledge of all mainstream web browsers

Extensive familiarity with HTML (XHTML) and CSS; limited familiarity with C++, Java,

Visual Basic 6, SQL, Javascript, ASP.NET, Flash ActionScript 2.0, and XML

In-depth knowledge of troubleshooting principles, concepts, and methods (technician

skills)

Impressive web management skills, solid understanding of elegant, user-oriented design,

content management and organization, and web development (web skills)

Moderate experience creating/recording/editing audio (vocal, acappella, instrumental) and

filming/editing movies (producer skills)

[details]

Technical Skills - Hardware

High level of familiarity configuring and repairing computers both laptops and

desktops.

Expert experience troubleshooting hardware difficulties of all kinds

Basic understanding of hardware architecture (processor and system design)

High familiarity with brands and cutting edge hardware technologies

[details]

2009 Jeff Ginger

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