Matt Villano's Resume

Journalism/Writing experience:
Click here to see some of MJV's articles. Teaching experience:
  • San Francisco State University
    Location: San Francisco
    Positions: Adjunct professor, Summer 2007

      Taught JOUR-300 reporting course, a prerequisite class in which 23 students were expected to master the ins and outs of reporting. Coursework involved learning the art of interviewing as well as nuances of covering meetings, speeches, cops and more. Freedom of Information Act also was covered.
Internet experience:
  • WeDirect
    Location: San Jose
    Positions: Writer, Oct. 2002 to May. 2003

      Created search-friendly editorial content for clients of small search engine optimization firm. All told, built more than 1,000 pages and contributed nearly 2,000 entries into company database. Pages regularly scored high on Google and Yahoo searches.

  • DDB Digital
    Location: New York City
    Positions: Associate Producer, Aug. 1998 to Feb. 1999

      Created original, online editorial content for clients of DDB Needham, a major worldwide advertising firm. Among other Web sites, worked on "Godspeed, John Glenn," an interactive special site to commemorate the Senator's return to space. Recognized company-wide for achievements.

  • Pioneer Press
    Location: Glenview, Ill.
    Positions: Online Technician, Sept. 1996 to June 1997

      Maintained Web site for a company that publishes more than 50 weekly newspapers in the Chicagoland area. Participated in weekly updates of the site's UNIX, PERL and HTML coding, using Adobe PageMill, Netscape and Microsoft Internet Explorer. Designed pages, as well as many of the site's community and real estate guides.

  • Locomotive Online Communications
    Location: Evanston, Ill.
    Positions: Co-founder and partner of own company, Jan. 1996 to June 1997

      Conceptualized and created Web sites from beginning to end. Wrote HTML and JAVA scripts, as well as original editorial content. Built graphics using Adobe Photoshop, Director, Shockwave and GIF Builder. Solicited new accounts through self-developed marketing strategy. Managed public relations campaign, as well as books and funds.

Marine Biology experience:
  • The Center for Oceanic Research and Education
    Location: Gloucester, Mass.
    Positions: Research assistant, June 1997 to Aug. 1998

      During whale season, collected data on the humpback and fin whale populations of the Gulf of Maine, cataloging identification photos and sequencing behaviors. Also served as a naturalist, narrating 4-hour whale-watches for up to 150 passengers. During off-season, coordinated photos with data, and taught local schoolchildren about marine mammals.

  • Shedd Aquarium
    Location: Chicago
    Positions: Volunteer, Marine Mammals department, Sept. 1996 to June 1997

      Assisted animal care specialists in caring for 5 beluga whales, 6 Pacific Whitesided dolphins, 5 Alaskan sea otters, 45 penguins of different species and 4 harbor seals. Prepared food, cleaned habitats, recorded data and participated in mammal presentations to the public.

  • International Wildlife Coalition/Brazil
    Location: Florianopolis, Brazil
    Positions: Volunteer, Aug. to Sept. 1995

      Cared for injured or sick animals, including more than 20 Magellanic penguins, two fur seal pups and two macaw parrots. Prepared food and medication for animals; weighed, cleaned and fed them. Conducted off-shore and on-shore research on Southern right whales off coast of Southern Brazil.

Other experience:
  • Book Tech, Inc.
    Location: Woburn, Mass.
    Positions: Rights and Permissions Analyst, Nov. 1997 to Aug. 1998

      Managed permission requests to reprint material for academic use. Detailed client orders, using Microsoft Access database. Provided job estimates to potential clients. Handled customer service for national client base. Designed advertising fliers. Represented company at regional publishing conventions. Built and maintained Website. Loved company dog. Also wrote and edited semi-annual company newsletter.

  • Asian Youth Services
    Location: Chicago
    Positions: Volunteer and trustee, Oct. 1994 to Sept. 1996

      Tutored English to about 40 Vietnamese and Cambodian refugee children. Coached the kids' basketball team.
Awards:
  • Silver, Newspaper Travel Article (fewer than 1,000 words)
    Sponsor: Society of American Travel Writers, Western Chapter

      Recognition in June 2008
  • Bronze, Internet Travel Article
    Sponsor: Society of American Travel Writers, Western Chapter

      Recognition in June 2008

  • Second Place, Consumer and Environmental Affairs Reporting
    Sponsor: Society of Professional Journalists, Western Washington Chapter

      Recognition in May 2004

  • Outstanding Individual Profile, Eastern Region
    Sponsor: American Society of Business Publication Editors

      Recognition in June 2001

  • Hearst Award for Feature Writing
    Sponsor: Hearst Foundation

      Recognition in 2006-2007
Education: Professional Organizations: References:
    Up to five for each category available upon request.
Contacting me:
    Email: mjv [at] whalehead [dot] com