Contact Info 

 email:  labecvar@gmail.com       phone:  (858)344-6879

Education

  • University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA.

        Ph.D. in Cognitive Science, June, 2008, (GPA - 3.96)
        Dissertation:  An Ethnographic Investigation of the Evolving Dynamics of a Learning Ecology
        Co-advisors:  Dr. James Hollan and Dr. Edwin Hutchins

  • University of California, San Diego.  La Jolla, CA.

        M.S. in Biochemistry, 2002, (GPA - 3.90)

  • Amherst College. Amherst, MA.

        B.A. in Chemistry, magna cum laude, 1997, (GPA - 3.70)

Work Experience

  • Usability Researcher, The UE Group, San Jose, CA.  Oct. 2008-present
      • Performed ethnographic and usability research investigations for a variety of clients.
  • Graduate Research Assistant, Distributed Cognition and HCI Laboratory, University of California, San Diego. June 2002-present
  •  Investigated and designed digital pen technology used for field data collection by beluga whale ethologists.
  •  Collaborated on FTIR multitouch table design used for ethnographic video data analysis.  Performed usability analysis of table design prototypes.
  •  Performed ethnographic investigations of professional training environments, such as a dental hygiene program and biochemistry laboratory.
  •  Designed a digital video system for clinical dental hygiene training in a local community college and evaluated its effects on learning and collaboration.
  •  Studied how biochemistry researchers use representational gestures to help thinking and collaboration.
  •  Participated in weekly laboratory meetings and presented research updates on a regular basis.
  • Wrote academic articles, presented talks and posters at professional conferences
  • Website Content Writer and Editor, Robo101.com, San Diego, CA.  January 2008 - present
      • Wrote weekly articles and edited all content of robotics fan site.
  • Lecturer, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.  July 2007-June 2008
  • Taught lower-division cognitive science course, The Cognitive Consequences of Technology. 
  • Created course curriculum and assignments, lectured using Socratic method. 
  • Graded assignments and provided students with individualized tutoring help on complex course material. 
  • Managed two teaching assistants and over 60 students.
  • Clothing Engineer/Technician, Enlighted Designs, Encinitas, CA. November 2005-present
  • Crafted and engineered illuminated clothing for Dr. Janet Hansen’s wearable computing company on a contract basis. 
  • Received training and experience in prototyping and designing costumes with embedded microcontrollers.
  • Educational Technology Designer,  Southwestern Community College, National City, CA.  2004-2006
      • Designed, created and maintained an in-clinic Web 2.0 video blogging system for nationally-ranked dental hygiene program
      • Filmed onsite demonstration material, edited and produced digital videos
      • Evaluated website efficacy using online surveys, interviews, and server log statistics
  • Contract Website Designer, San Diego Dental Seminars, National City, CA  2006
      • Designed and created website using HTML and JavaScript for local seminar company
  • Vice-president, Inventor, and Shareholder, Becvar and Becvar, LLC, El Paso, Texas.  June 2004-present.
  • Entrepreneured biotechnology company to oversee the intellectual property and patent licenses from my international award-winning science fair project.
  • User Experience Consultant, Semantic Research, Inc., San Diego, California. 2002-2003
  • Consulted on design and marketing strategies for semantic networking software.
  • Specialized in science-related applications for education.
  • Website Designer and Research Assistant, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.  1998-1999
  • Assisted with the development and testing of semantic networking software for biology education. 
  • Created content and designed biology education website.
  • Educational Outreach Instructor, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, San Diego, CA.  1997-1998
      • Designed traveling science exhibits and presented educational programs to elementary schools in San Diego County.

Selected Skills and Techniques

  • Social Science:  In-depth experience with both quantitative and qualitative social science research methods, such as ethnography, microethology, digital video analysis, gesture analysis, conversation analysis, discourse analysis, interviewing, server log statistical analysis, autoconfrontation, survey production and analysis.
  • Design:  Highly proficient with design methodologies such as contextual interviewing, contextual design, participatory design, iterative and rapid prototyping, personas, affinity diagrams, storyboarding, mock-ups.
  • Computer:  Word processing, copyediting, spreadsheets, databases, graphic design and layout using Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, digital video editing, HTML, Javascript
  • Crafting:  Machine and hand sewing, patterning, circuitry, illuminated clothing and wearable electronics, prototyping with Arduino microcontroller, silk painting, carpentry.
  • Leadership:  Exceptional communication, management, mentoring, writing, public speaking and organizational skills.

Awards and Honors

  • Cal(IT)2 Graduate Research Fellowship sponsored by SPAWAR, Department of Naval Research, 2002-2006
  • Forris Jewett Moore Fellowship for Graduate Study, 2004
  • John Woodruff Simpson Fellowship for Graduate Study, 2003
  • John Woodruff Simpson Fellowship for Graduate Study, 2002
  • GAANN Fellowship, U.S. Department of Education, 1999-2002
  • Phi Beta Kappa, 1997
  • Amherst College Class of 1956 Teaching Fellowship, 1997
  • International Science and Engineering Fair Grand Prize Winner, 1992


Publications and Patents

  • Becvar, L.A.  “Transparency and Technology Appropriation:  Social Impacts of a Video Blogging System for Clinical Instruction in Dental Hygiene.”  Proceedings of the ACM-GROUP 2007 Conference, Sanibel, FL, Nov 4-7.
  • Becvar, L.A. and Becvar, J.  (2007)  “Method and System for Creating Ink Art.”  U.S. Patent Application # 20,080,092,308.
  • Becvar, L.A., Hollan, J., Hutchins, E. (2007) "Representational Gestures as Cognitive Artifacts for Developing Theory in a Scientific Laboratory." Artifacts in Workplace Practice. Kluwer Academic Publishers.
  • Becvar, J. and Becvar, L.A. (2006) “A System and Method for Creating Ink Art.” US Patent Pending.
  • Becvar, L.A., Hollan, J., Hutchins, E. (2005) "Hands as Molecules: Representational Gestures as Cognitive Artifacts for Developing Theory in a Scientific Laboratory." Semiotica. 156-1/4: 89-112.
  • Becvar, J. and Becvar, L.A. (2005) “Luminous Bacteria and Methods for the Isolation, Identification and Quantification of Toxicants, Continuation.” U.S. Pat. No. 6,673,563.
  • Becvar, L.A.  (2004)  “Conceptual Structure in Chemical Equations:  Embodied and Mathematical Metaphors.” Learning ad Technology Research Portal. http://m1.cust.educ.ubc.ca:8200/learningandtecharticles/
  • embodiedandmathmetaphors_Becvar2003.pdf
  • Becvar, L.A., Wood, M., Prieto, J.H., Melacini, G., Komives, E.A.  (2003)  “NMR Structures Reveal How Oxidation Inactivates Thrombomodulin.” Biochemistry. 42: 11932-11942. 
  • Becvar, L.A.  (2002)  “Developing Conceptual Metaphors for Understanding Molecular Models in a Freshman Chemistry Lab.”  Trends in Science Education Webzine.  14:42-48.
  • Becvar, J. and Becvar, L.A. (2002) “Kit for the Isolation, Identification and Quantitation of Toxicants.” U.S. Pat. No. 6,340,572.
  • Kovacic, P.A. and Becvar, L.A.  (2001) "Mode of Action of Anti-Infective Agents: Focus on Oxidative Stress and Electron Transfer." Current Opinion in Pharmaceutical Research. 3(2): 143-167.
  • Becvar, J. and Becvar, L.A. (2000) “Luminous Bacteria and Methods for the Isolation, Identification and Quantitation of Toxicants.” U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,722.

Publications in Preparation

  • Becvar, L.A., Hollan, J.  “Transforming Collaborative Learning in Clinical Education with Video Blogging Technology.” (for Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning)
  • Becvar, L.A. “Professional Perception and Expert Action:  Embodied Practices in Clinical Training and Instruction.”  (for Mind, Culture and Activity)
  • Becvar, L.A., Poulos, T., Davis, M. “Video Blogging in Dental Hygiene Clinical Training.”  (for Journal of Dental Education)