Benjamin Cooley
About Benjamin Cooley
Benjamin Cooley is a Senior Software Engineer and Creative Technologist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where he has worked since 2024. He has a background in digital journalism and extensive experience in data visualization and human-computer interaction.
Work at Broad Institute
Benjamin Cooley currently serves as a Senior Software Engineer - Creative Technologist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. He has been in this role since 2024, where he focuses on integrating creative coding into data visualization and interaction design. Previously, he worked at the same institute as a Visualization Software Engineer from 2020 to 2024. In his current position, he emphasizes collaboration with designers and scientific partners, acting as a bridge between design and development services. He also mentors junior developers, contributing to their professional growth.
Education and Expertise
Benjamin Cooley holds a Master of Science in Digital Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, which he completed from 2016 to 2017. He also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Public Relations from IUPUI Department of Journalism and Public Relations in 2015. Additionally, he studied Communication and Media Studies at Purdue University, obtaining another Bachelor's Degree in 2013. His educational background supports his strong focus on human-computer interaction and narrative-driven designs, leveraging his journalism skills in his work.
Background in Data Visualization
Cooley has a diverse background in data visualization and creative technology. He worked as a Data Visualization Engineer at Tagup, Inc. from 2019 to 2020 and served as a Data Strategist at infogr8 from 2018 to 2019. His experience includes roles as a UX Consultant at Cloud to Street and as an Editorial Associate focused on Data Visualization at Towards Data Science. His work consistently integrates creative coding and emphasizes user experience, showcasing his expertise in the field.
Previous Teaching Experience
In 2022, Benjamin Cooley worked as a Lecturer at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, for a duration of nine months. This role allowed him to share his knowledge and expertise in software engineering and creative technology with students. His teaching experience complements his professional background, enhancing his ability to mentor junior developers in his current role.
Professional Development and Mentorship
Cooley actively engages in professional development and mentorship within his current role at the Broad Institute. He focuses on mentoring junior developers, helping them navigate their career paths in software engineering and creative technology. His commitment to fostering talent reflects his dedication to the growth of the next generation of professionals in the field.