maker.json
A data standard for tracking makerspaces around the world.
Rules for your presentation slides
That is, if you need slides.
In defense of ditching the headphone jack
But really in defense of innovation
Launching maker.json
Another step in building community and busting silos in the maker movement
Joining the Presidential Innovation Fellows
Proud to announce that I'll be joining the second round of PIFs, the White House's startup for better technology is government.
About me
Hi, thanks for stopping by my site. Little bit about me: I have over ten years of experience managing effective communications teams and developing online products across non-profit, government, and private sector companies, from large institutes to smaller and more agile development shops. I lead technical and community-oriented initiatives, create scalable web services, and specialize in data management and visualization. I am currently based in Washington, DC, USA.
Projects
I like to build things. Here's some highlights on projects or where I was technical lead for the team or did independently.
Booty
An awkwardly named user theme for Ushahidi v2.X built on the Bootstrap framework.
Watertracker
A platform for tracking USAID funded water stations around Afghanistan via IVR.
Experience
My most recent work experience. My full CV is available below along with my current LinkedIn profile.
Director, Signal Program, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative
August 2018 - present
Director, Tech Salon DC
January 2017 - December 2018
Lead Technologist (Political Appointee), USAID Global Development Lab
June 2016 - January 2017
Operations Officer (staff), World Bank Group
December 2014 - May 2016
COO, Ushahidi
January 2014 - October 2014
Presidential Innovation Fellow, USAID
July 2013 - March 2014
Publications
I have not, to date, made publishing a professional priority over building tools but I've had the great opportunities with some colleagues to share knowledge and insights from those projects.
- Baker, Robert et al. 2016. Open Data Readiness Assessment: Sierra Leone. Assessment of the World Bank Group, prepared for the Government of Sierra Leone, May 2016, Washington DC. Available online.
- Bailard, Catie et al. 2012. Mapping the Maps: A Meta-Level Analysis of Ushahidi and Crowdmap. Report of the Internews Center for Innovation & Learning, May 2012, Washington DC. Available online.
- Baker, Robert. Volume 8, Issue 2, 2012. Universities for Ushahidi: A Curriculum for Crisis Mapping. Journal of Map & Geography Libraries: Advances in Geospatial Information, Collections & Archives, Washington, DC. Available online.
- Baker, Robert and George Chamales. 2011. Securing Crisis Maps in Conflict Zones. Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC), 2011 IEEE, Seattle, WA. Available online.
Where
The places I've traveled for work and spoken at conferences.