Kirk Laughlin

About Me

Web specialist with expertise in user experience, interface design, & web app development.

Education

• Western Kentucky University

  B.S. in Computer Information Technology | 2007 - 2011

Awards & Recognition

• CASE KY Awards

  January 2014

  Grand Award in Mobile Applications for iWKU

  December 2016

  Award of Excellence in Total Website Design & Organization for wku.edu

• Professional Marketing Association

  November 2018

  Gold First Place Award in Best Website of the Year for wku.edu/strategicplan

Languages & Skills

• HTML5 / CSS3
• PHP
• SCSS / SASS
• JavaScript
• jQuery
• GIT
• Web Design
• User Experience
• Accessibility (WCAG AA)
• MySQL
• XSLT
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Omni CMS
• Drupal

References

Available upon request.

Experience

• Web Developer I

  Western Kentucky University | January 2013 - Present

  • Front-End Developer & Web Designer

    January 2016 - Current

    • Designed, developed, and maintained the wku.edu website, ensuring optimal performance and user experience.
    • Converted third-party software to in-house systems, including the creation of a single sign-on portal for employees and students.
    • Collaborated with public affairs and various departments to develop custom pages, forms, and web applications tailored to specific needs.
    • Developed a front-end template system and standardized web styles to ensure consistency across all university applications and enhance development efficiency.

  • Mobile Applications Developer

    January 2013 - December 2015

    • Managed the iWKU mobile application, ensuring smooth operation and user satisfaction.
    • Modernized the UI with a new theme and design assets, improving usability and visual appeal.
    • Implemented a single login service enabling students to access meal plan balances, course schedules, and final grades conveniently.
    • Contributed to the management of wku.edu by participating in the web standards committee, ensuring consistency and best practices across university digital platforms.

• Freelance Web Developer

  Self | February 2013 - Present

  • Develop responsive websites for freelance clients, ensuring high-quality design and functionality.
  • Expand client relationships through regular communication and effective project management.
  • Contribute to designing, developing, and maintaining custom themes, templates, and full e-commerce sites.

• Web Developer

  Hitcents.com | January 2012 - December 2012

  • Developed and maintained multiple client websites utilizing Drupal, HTML, CSS, MySQL, JavaScript, and other relevant technologies.
  • Collaborated closely with designers to implement innovative front-end styling and functionality.
  • Conducted client training sessions on content management systems to ensure smooth user adoption.
  • Collaborated with development teams to devise customized programming solutions tailored to project requirements.