Beau Harrison

Leading Software Modernization at Fermilab

Chicago, Illinois, United States

About

Leading the modernization of the Fermilab legacy control system by adopting new technology and integrating industry best practices. Explored text analysis, natural language processing, and data visualization as a part of the University of Chicago’s Public Policy master’s program. Built web applications to streamline particle accelerator operations at the United States’ largest high-energy physics laboratory. Developed an educational curriculum to bring professional tools to middle school students.

Experience

  • Fermilab (15 yrs 6 mos)
    • Software Engineering Manager
      Apr 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 3 mos

    • System Application Developer
      Oct 2018 - May 2022 · 3 yrs 8 mos

      Responsible for maintaining existing systems and upgrading the personnel safety control system. The personnel safety control system includes technologies from web clients to central services responsible for handling communication from embedded hardware around the lab.

    • Senior Accelerator Operator
      Jul 2015 - Oct 2018 · 3 yrs 4 mos

      Responsible for particle beam operations and machine efficiency, as well as the safety of personnel performing work in these areas. Continued to lead an Operator training program aimed at producing effective Accelerator Operators. Served as a consultant in response to a controlled access violation. Converted and implemented a wiki repository for storing technical knowledge assets. Assisted in managing effort and procurement for the Proton Improvement Plan. Front-end developer for a modern key logging system mandated by controlled access violation review committee. Developed high-frequency accelerator status displays using web sockets for the Proton Improvement Plan II. Assisted in implementing a new beam loss monitor system for the accelerator R&D. Developed a new system for implementing portable temporary instrumentation using Raspberry Pi and Arduino. Skills developed include: • Project Management: high-level decision making, effort and material planning and management • Programming: advanced JavaScript, REST API, database design, WebSockets, C++, Python • Hardware: Raspberry Pi, Arduino

  • Adjunct Instructor at Northwestern University Coding Bootcamp at Northwestern University
    Jul 2019 - Jan 2020 · 7 mos

    Instructed at Northwestern University Coding Bootcamp for their full-stack web development track. Facilitated students with no command-line experience to learn complex web development and deployment processes using React, MongoDB, Express, and NodeJS.

  • Counselor at Camp Tanako Lake Catherine
    May 2010 - Jul 2010 · 3 mos

  • Research Assistant at Henderson State University
    2008 - May 2010 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    We collected and processed remote telescope image data for the Physics department; focusing on cataclysmic variable stars. We then developed a middle school curriculum based on our collection process for classrooms to collect their own telescope images. Skills developed include: • Fortran image analysis • Curriculum development