Responsibilities at CTF Systems
CTF Systems’ primary product is MEG systems. MEG (magnetoencephelography) is like EEG (electroencephalography), except that it measures the tiny magnetic fields produced by electrical currents in the brain, rather than attaching electrodes to the scalp to detect the currents directly. An MEG system consists of the MEG dewar containing SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices) in liquid helium, a bank of electronics to control and acquire information from the SQUIDs, and a software system to control the electronics and to analyze and display the data.
I was initially hired at CTF as a C programmer, but I often filled the role of system administrator.
Later, I took on the role of Data Analyst. Finally, I was also put in charge of managing a software product.
Data Analysis
Research and solve data noise problems
Study methods for imaging neuromagnetic data
Present findings to staff
Write code implementing these methods (using RLAB, Mathematica, C++)
Help other staff with math, physics and computer programming
Project Management
Stimulus Software: Given full responsibility for whole project. Interviewed experimenters to determine parameters, ensured hardware was purchased on time, prioritized and scheduled software production and integration with the rest of the system.
Manual for MEG Software: Lead a team of programmers and engineers to produce a manual for MEG software. This manual had been put off until a month before delivery, but was finished on time, and has been praised as the most useful part of the software.
Programming
Large neural stimulus sequencing package in C++ and Java on PC
Several small special-purpose neural stimulus programs in C++ on PC
Program to convert written text into sound files in C on Mac
Linear algebra class library in C++ (cross-platform)
Program implementing Mosher’s method for dipole localization in C++ on Mac, HP
Program to track and display magnetic dipole in C++ on Mac
Re-write, debug parts of large data analysis and display package in C on Mac
System Administration / Analysis
Install Apache, Wu ftp, configure sendmail and DNS on Sun workstation
Install and configure dozens of other packages on Unix systems
General networking, problem-solving, instruction, system maintenance on unix and Mac’s