About Will Simm.

Here is a brief summary of my experience and qualifications. If you think you may have a project that would interest me, please do not hesistate to get in touch.

Dr William Simm MEng (hons) PhD MIET

Employment History

August 2009 to Present, Research Associate, Computing Dept., Lancaster University, Lancaster

  • Technology development for the VoiceYourView project.
  • Whole system integration of prototype hardware, servers and web 2.0 feedback mechanisms.
  • Developing custom systems for real time any time, any where capture and processing of public opinion.
  • See voiceyourview.com for more.

March 2007 to present, Freelance Internet Development

  • Designed and implemented dynamic Content Management Systems and E-commerce solutions and novel systems for a number of small businesses and projects.

April 2009 to July 2009, Developer, Bespoke Internet, Preston

  • Consult with clients to elicit requirements.
  • Write quotations, proposals, requirements and specification documents for key developments.
  • Manage and develop projects according to specification.
  • Research, document and take steps to negate security issues on client websites.
  • Design and implement procedures for software development and testing.

October 2007 to March 2009, Graduate Project Assistant Internship, Knowledge Business Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster

  • Project managed and delivered a variety of IT projects to eligible SME’s under the European Regional Development Fund remit.
  • Delivery included dynamic website and web based application development, wireless networking, IT appraisals, IT strategy documents and IT usage policy guidelines .
  • Worked independently to manage and deliver projects to strict deadlines and to a high standard, often working on multiple projects at one time.
  • Managed client expectations and worked with managers at all levels to determine and explain how IT can assist business processes.
  • Managed and supervised team delivery on large novel web site developments.
  • Developed and maintained Wiki –based knowledge management tools.

October 2003 to October 2007, Teaching Assistant, Lancaster University Engineering Dept., Lancaster

  • Supervised engineering students in electronics and programming laboratory sessions and taught small groups, demonstrating strong organisational and planning skills.
  • Labs included embedded systems, LabView, C programming, digital and analogue electronics.

Professional Qualifications

Microsoft Server Courses, ICT Focus, Lancaster University (December 2008)

  • 3 courses on Implementing, Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure: MS2273B, MS2277C and MS2276C. Microsoft examinations 70-290 and 70-291 taken and passed July 2009.

Certificate in Project Management, CETAD, Lancaster University (March 2008 to February 2009)

  • Institute of Leadership and Management accredited course, 1 year of part time study, equivalent to a year of a degree.

Academic Achievements

PhD in Engineering, Lancaster University (October 2003 – April 2009)

  • Undertook research supported by the NHS and funded by the EPSRC.
  • Developed a number of novel speech metrics designed to aid Speech Therapists in their work, supporting the drive towards evidence-based practice within the NHS.
  • Extensive use of Matlab and LabView technical development environments, and involved liaising with local clinicians to produce tools of value.
  • Authored and presented a paper at the HCI (Human Computer Interaction) International conference in Las Vegas USA.
  • Authored and presented a number of other papers at conferences around the UK.

MEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering 2:1, Lancaster University (October 1999 – July 2003)

  • Studies included software engineering, distributed systems, computer networking, human-computer interaction, critical systems, embedded systems, computer-aided electronics design, interfacing and integration, engineering management and accountancy modules.
  • Final year joint project in conjunction with C-Tech Innovation involved the development of a novel impedance matching network for a Radio-Frequency oven. Used RF electronics design skills and first exposure to project management techniques.

Publications

W.A. Simm, P.E. Roberts, M.J.Joyce and C. Philpott. The Quantitative Assessment of Dysarthric Speech for Use in Evidence-Based Speech Therapy, Proceedings 3rd International Conference on Universal Access in Human- Computer Interaction (MIRA Digital Publishing CD-ROM, 2005).

W.A. Simm, P.E. Roberts and M.J. Joyce. Signal Processing For Use In The Assessment of Dysarthric Speech, Proceedings 3rd IEE International Seminar on Medical Applications of Signal Processing (The IEE, London, 2005).

W.A. Simm, P.E. Roberts and M.J. Joyce. Dysarthric Speech Measures for use in Evidence-Based Speech Therapy, Designing Accessible Technology (Springer-Verlag, London, 2006).

W.A. Simm. Dysarthric Speech Measures for Use in Evidence-based Speech Therapy. PhD Thesis. Lancaster University  (2009).