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Douglas Sweetser
45 Grovers Ave Winthrop, MA 02152 (617) 846-4610 sweetser@alum.mit.edu |
Summary Statement
Doug is a renaissance nerd, using knowledge from science and mathematics
to direct new projects in the arts and vice-versa. He received two S.B.
degrees from MIT, in biology and chemical engineering, and is working on
an Advanced Certificate in Software Engineering at Brandeis. He has extensively
exploited art and science educational opportunities available in Boston
to pursue his visions. As a result, Doug is developing mathematics powerful
enough to go head-to-head with Einstein, backed up by software that can
be seen on the web, has a first-rate art collection, and he cruises through
Boston in a bicycle of his own design.
Education
Masters Degree in Software Engineering, Brandeis University
EXPECTED Fall 1999
2 S.B. degrees in Biology and Chemical Engineering, MIT
June 1984
Computer Skills
Computer languages: C, Java, Javascript, Perl, and HTML
Operating systems: Macintosh, Windows 95, Linux
Internet development: Dreamweaver, Home Page, Marketwave
Hit List
Graphic design: Photoshop, Freehand, Painter and Freehand
Desktop publishing: Quark Express
Databases: Filemaker Pro
Technical Support, Software Tool & Die
Internet Projects
Do While Virtual
The Virtual On-Line site of Do While Studio orchestrates
events that are international in scope. This created a
problem in coordinating the times for events. Designed
digital and analog clocks that give local and Greenwich
Mean Time which appear at the bottom of each page.
Doing Physics with
Quaternions
Constructed all aspects of web site devoted to a new
approach to physics. Developed mathematics to manipulate
3D space and time consistent with known laws of physics.
Programmed a Java scientific
calculator that operates on
quaternions, real and complex numbers. Designed an
animated 2D world
as a prototype of a graphic environment that is based on
quaternion mathematics. Promoted interest in site, with
over 3000 visits in a year from every continent.
Monitored traffic
and updated site as new math was created.
Computer Science Education
Pursing a Masters Degree in Software Engineering from Brandeis
University (expected, Fall 1999). Courses included Advanced Java
Programming, Object Oriented Design, Client/Server Application Development,
Software Development Fundamentals and Advanced Unix Programming. Studied graduate level New User
Interface Design at Do While Studio.
Doing physics with quaternions
This research project entails trying to reformulate all the fundamental
equations of physics. The reason for such a large task is to start
from one core hypothesis: events from any object in spacetime are described
by the mathematics of a topological algebraic field, known as the quaternions.
This is an old goal, but Doug has made a number of new insights, including
a new way of expressing the Maxwell equations.
Physics Education
Working to develop a broad understanding of physics from a broad range
of learning institutions in Boston, including Harvard Extension School,
Harvard University, MIT, and BU. Courses included the Foundations
of Physics, Waves, Particles and the Structure of Matter, An Introduction
to Modern Astrophysics, Special Relativity, General Relativity, Electrodynamics,
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, High Energy Physics and Group Theory
and Its Applications to Particle Physics.
Working with Professor Guido Sandri of BU to publish work on the Maxwell equations.
Professional Experience
Harvard School of Public Health, 1990-1996
Conducted independent research on DNA recombination in yeast under
the guidance of Prof.. Jac Nickoloff. Helped formulate goals and new methods
needed for the project. Techniques required included: plasmid constructions
(over 200!), yeast strain constructions, DNA sequencing, PCR, and Southern
blots. Maintained efficient lab by designing databases for plasmids and
chemical inventory. Ordered supplies and used Quicken to produce monthly
financial statement.
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 1984-1987
Laboratory technician for Prof.. Richard A. Young. Work featured in
NOVA documentary on leprosy, the New York Times, and in ten technical publications.
US patent granted for 5 genes cloned and for epitope mapping technology
first used in the project. Sequenced second largest subunit of yeast RNA
polymerase II.
Managed Macintosh personal computers and Mac/mainframe interface for
three laboratories.
Biology Education
University of Colorado, Boulder, 1987-1989
Awarded Fellowship by the Office of Naval Research to pursue a Ph.
D. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. Independently drew
up thesis topic on the role of RNA recombination in evolution. Designed
and built automated thermal cycler for PCR. Organized Graduate Student
Symposium on "Pathogen Strategies."
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1980-1984
Two S. B. degrees, in Biology and Chemical Engineering. Concentrated
in Creative Writing. Gained working experience in FORTRAN programming,
VMS and UNIX operating systems.
Exhibitions
The First National Juried Exhibition, Lancaster Museum of Art, Lancaster,
PA, July 1997
The painting "Turquoise Einstein" was one of 60 works chosen from over
300 submissions.
When Art and Science Collide, Newton, MA, Feb. 5, 1997
Gave a guest lecture at Lasell College on "Pop Science."
ArtWorks, First Impressions Gallery, Boston, MA, Jan. 1, 1997
The multimedia work, "A Brief Definition of Time", was part of a First
Night event sponsored by the Massachusetts Interactive Media Council (MIMC).
An open studio at 50 Ackers Ave., Brookline, MA., Sept. 21, 1995
Forty guests were treated to food, wine, and Grand Marnier chocolate
truffles. Performed Waltz No. 1, written and choreographed by the artist.
Duramount and Other Adhesives, Mass. Art, May 15, 1995
Student group show at Mass. Art. Displayed six works, including two
performance pieces using original music.
Two liter daffodils, Whitehead Institute, 1987-1992
An uncommissioned sculpture for the front courtyard used flasks normally
used for bacteria.
Art Education
Courses taken at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and Mass. Art
in computer and electronic art, collage, cold glass work, welding, clay
sculpture and business skills. Has taken private lessons in singing and
piano while learning how to Lindy Hop.
Museum of Science
Participate in the Eye Opener program which involves giving a tour
of the museum for a small group of Boston second graders every Tuesday.
Worked as an interpreter for the Leonardo da Vinci: Scientist, Inventor,
and Artist exhibit, which entailed explaining Leonardo's ideas and methods
to a general audience.
Charities
Five per cent of all take-home pay goes to charities, including Planned
Parenthood, the Nature Conservancy, the Union of Concerned Scientists,
Amnesty International, the ACLU, the American Diabetes Association, the
AIDS action committee, Mass Bike, Bikes Not Bombs, the Museum of Fine Arts,
and the Museum of Science.