Robert Purks
About Robert Purks
Robert Purks is a Technical Writer currently employed at CollegeNET in Portland, Oregon, where he has worked since 2019. He has a background in communications and media studies, with experience in user-centered design and research synthesis.
Work at CollegeNET
Robert Purks has been employed at CollegeNET as a Technical Writer since 2019. In this role, he focuses on developing and documenting strategic content and design operations, which enhances organizational workflows and resource allocation. His responsibilities include synthesizing evaluative research results into User Stories and Personas, as well as creating sitemaps, empathy maps, and user flows using Miro. Prior to his current position, he served as a Web Development Specialist at CollegeNET from 2014 to 2019.
Previous Experience
Before joining CollegeNET, Robert Purks held various positions that contributed to his expertise in technical writing and user experience. He worked as a Communications Assistant at the US Fish and Wildlife Service from 2012 to 2013. Additionally, he served as a Research Assistant at Portland State University from 2011 to 2012, where he synthesized research results for better user understanding. He also worked as a Web Design and Marketing Analyst at Museum Tour from 2013 to 2014.
Education and Expertise
Robert Purks studied at Portland State University, where he pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication and Media Studies from 2011 to 2013. He also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Film/Cinema/Video Studies and Creative Writing from UNC Wilmington, which he completed from 2006 to 2009. His educational background is complemented by his practical experience in user-centered design, where he has facilitated teamwork between engineers, developers, and design teams.
Technical Skills and Contributions
In his professional roles, Robert Purks has developed a range of technical skills. He has tested internal system beta versions to report bugs and prioritize sprint boards for different releases. He has presented research and processes to cross-functional teams, including stakeholders, designers, and engineers, to improve project outcomes. His user-focused approach includes running user tests to ensure that product development aligns with user needs.
Background
Robert Purks completed his high school education at Jamestown High School, where he achieved an Advanced Diploma from 2001 to 2005. He also studied at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, further broadening his academic experience. His diverse educational background and work history have equipped him with the skills necessary for effective communication and technical writing.