Allissa Balint

Developer, Technical Writer, and Editor

Resume

I'm a technical writer and developer with 5+ years of experience working in the computer software industry in hybrid writing and development roles. I have 5 additional years of experience in non-software, editorial roles. I've written documentation for online interfaces, CAD software, Java programs, REST APIs, GraphQL APIs, and hardware. I've developed several mobile apps and websites using HTML, CSS, JS, EJS, Node.js, Java, and Swift. I enjoy projects with a focus on UX and content architecture.

I completed a dual degree during my undergrad at Arkansas Tech University and received a BFA in Creative Writing and a BA in Speech-Theater (3.7). I received an MFA in Creative Writing from Regis University in 2019 (4.0). I received a BA in Computer Science from CU Denver in 2024 (3.5). You can find code samples on my GitHub. Transcripts are available on request.

In my free time: I've been a volunteer Associate Editor for Inverted Syntax Literary Journal for 6 years. I love reading, playing DnD, and video games. I'm currently reading a record of how the mother's textile became sound by Nawal Nader-French. Some of my favorite video games are: The Sims, Stardew Valley, Baulder's Gate, Overwatch, Pokémon, Skyrim, and Emily is Away. I also enjoy boxing at Tao of boxing.

Projects

  • URDB Database Intern (April 2024 - Present)

    Documentation: I am currently working on editing the API documentation in a Docs to Code environment for the URDB in order to provide a better user experience.

    Database Entry: I am currently researching and updating utility rates to provide users with information about utility costs in their area.

  • Google (July 2022 - March 2023)

    Documentation: I wrote feature documentation, a video script, several documentation plans, and worked on content architecture and UX, which included extensive cross functional collaboration and planning.

    Here is a technical writing sample from my work on the team. I edited this document to be up-to-date with the current functionality, including adding in internal notes and prerequisites, testing the workflow, adding in steps to create a GCP project as a Cloud environment, and making edits for accuracy:

    Development:

    • I worked with an engineer on the team to create a conversational agent using Python, Datastore, and GCP to showcase functionality.
    • I restructured the menu navigation and implemented a plan to further change the menu of the developer site using internal site tools.

  • Amazon (May 2022 - July 2022) - Contract

    Documentation: Documented internal systems with the goal of streamlining internal processes for a variety of users, including developers, managers, customer service, and sales.

  • Wowza Media Systems (Feb 2021 - April 2022)

    Documentation: I wrote for all three of Wowza's products. This included communication across several teams and with outside contractors. I used Redocly and Github to contribute to the API documenation when changes needed to be made. I also worked on GraphQL documentation for ClearCaster.

    Here are 3 recent technical writing samples from my work at Wowza:

    Development:

    • I created several new JQuery scripts that allowed new functionality to be used in the documenation, including improved automatic TOC, tabs embedded in articles, and modal displays to zoom into images. Once this functionality was available, I worked to integrate it throughout the entire knowledge base.
    • To make it easier to share articles internally or with contractors, I created a Node.js website for staging articles without needing a login.
    • I translated the full help library from HTML to Markdown using RegEx for a Redocly integration and updated the layout for the new interface.

  • AutoSPRINK.com (Feb 2018 - Feb 2021)

    Documentation: The documentation for AutoSPRINK and AlarmCAD was over 10-years-old when I started working at MEPCAD and had never been updated. I updated every article that is in the support center and helped develop the training. I scripted most of the training videos. I trained another technical writer for two years to take over my position.

    Here's an example of a training course that I wrote, including videos I helped to script: AutoSPRINKFAB Training.

    Development: Initially, I designed mockups for a custom CMS backend system for MEPCAD’s online help and release notes. This included close communication with the lead web developer over a year and a half. Then, I took an 8-month Node.js course on Udemy with another software developer at the company to help support the autosprink.com website. This website is written in Node.js and Mithril. I helped clean up bugs along the way, especially those related to the help site and apps. Additionally, I developed a system for sending out HTML newsletters from our Node.js backend by integrating with SendGrid’s API using our existing Firebase database. I also specially designed the HTML templates to be identical to those we were previously using through MailChimp.

  • AutoSPRINK RVT News App (Feb 2019 - Feb 2020)

    Documentation: I wrote all content on the app and I developed all the standards and templates that are used for it.

    Development: Because of my success with developing a website, MEPCAD tasked me with developing a News App. I dove into research on this immediately, and in another 6 months, I developed and published an Android app written in Java. Then, in four more months, I published an identical iOS app written in Swift. These apps included a login pulled from a Firebase database using an API, so live updates could be made to content. I also published similar apps for MEPCAD's other product offerings: AutoSPRINK RVT and AlarmCAD.

  • AutoSPRINK FAB (Feb 2019 - August 2019)

    Documentation: I published all the documentation for AutoSPRINK FAB for the first time on this website. I wrote this using notes from the project manager.

    Development: When I first started working at MEPCAD, I was tasked with moving the .CHM help from in-program to a custom site. I initially worked to implement a 3rd party CMS, but because of the exact specifications and circumstance, I found it easier to design my own ASP.NET site with a simple SQL database. I learned how to do this with self-led online videos. I also tidied up over 3,000 existing HTML files to remove inline styling with RegEx.

  • AutoSPRINK News Pane - In-program (Feb 2019 - March 2019)

    Documentation: I wrote all content on this pane and I developed all the standards and templates that are used for it.

    Development: I developed a Windows 7 compatible website with HTML, CSS, and JS that appeared in an in-program pane to show news updates. I also found a way to configure registry settings so that we could use webviews with better web browser compatibility.