Rich Goodier

Education

Northeastern University – Boston, MA (9/2023 – present)

Masters in Data Science – GPA: 4.0

Coursework in machine learning, data mining, artificial intelligence, deep learning, and visualization.

Duke Divinity School – Durham, NC (9/2007 – 5/2010)

Masters in Divinity – GPA: 3.8

Coursework in leadership, administration, and financial management.

Practical experience as an associate pastor at two churches and a pediatric chaplain at Duke University Hospital.

Harvard University – Cambridge, MA (9/1997 – 6/2001)

AB degree Cum Laude in Biology – GPA: 11.3/15

Advanced coursework in statistics, mathematics, and neurobiology.

Projects (On GitHub or available upon request)

Bioinformatics Simulations Website (Github)

• Implemented computational models for Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, Sanger sequencing, Read Alignment, and others., incorporating interactive parameter tuning and visualizations, including gel electrophoresis plots.

• Developed and deployed an interactive Flask-based bioinformatics web application on an AWS EC2 instance, showcasing these real-time simulations. (binf.richgoodier.info)

Custom Knowledge Large Language Model using RAG

• Converted a decade of audio sermons to accurate text transcripts using Whisper, then encoded their semantic meaning into embeddings for easy retrieval.

• Indexed sermon embeddings into a vector database, enabling fast, semantic-based querying and retrieval of relevant sermon content.

• Integrated the sermon knowledge base with the gpt-3 API, allowing users to naturally query sermon content and receive contextually relevant responses.

Custom DNA Alignment Tools (GitHub)

• Implemented local/global alignment algorithms to search for homologous regions between two genomes.

• Optimized performance through genome indexing.

• Incorporated a reward/penalty system to account for base difference between homologous regions.

Continual Learning Neural Net

• Used Elastic Weight Consolidation to enable a trained NN to receive further training without catastrophic forgetting.

Game Theory AI

• Designed ML AIs for games like tic-tac-toe, minesweeper, crossword puzzles, and Wordle.

• Utilized minimax, alpha-beta pruning, arc consistency, backtracking, propositional logic, and constraint satisfaction.

Competitive Wordle (GitHub)

• Full stack online Wordle using Flask and SQL, enabling friends to compare their stats with each other and Wordle AIs.

• Built with Flask and hosted on AWS (wordle.richgoodier.info)

e-Reader Backend (GitHub)

• Developed a comprehensive Python-based Book Management System leveraging libraries such as isbnlib and nltk to enable functionalities including ISBN validation, text analysis, data visualization, and advanced search capabilities.​

• Implemented features for reading progress tracking and favorites management, enhancing user engagement by allowing bookmarking and personalized book collections.

Visualization Dashboard

• Built a cancer death data dashboard for interactive feature selection and visualization.

Wiki Platform (GitHub)

• Created a full stack private wiki site for family and friends using Django.

NFL Score Updater (GitHub)

• Created a web scraper to display current NFL game scores and updates, avoiding expensive APIs.

Work Experience

Computer Science Teacher – New Covenant School – Arlington, MA (1/2023 – 1/2025)

• Taught a course on digital literacy and computer programming to all 3-5 graders of the school.

• Created a 33-week proprietary curriculum covering computer hardware, binary code, Internet architecture, digital responsibility, and programming logic.

• Students present their Scratch projects to the school and parents every May.

Board Member / Webmaster – Christians Caring for Creation – Durham, NC (10/2020 – present)

• Contributing to the strategic direction of the non-profit organization as a board member.

• Managed the social media presence and website ChristiansCaringForCreation.org (2020-2024).

Senior Pastor – Mount Hermon Baptist Church – Durham, NC (9/2010 – 6/2022)

• Led a congregation of 150 parishioners and 7 staff members.

• Developed pedagogical strategies and authored curriculum regularly.

• Rectified operational issues in the $250,000 budget, saving the church $30,000 annually.

• Cut administrative overhead by 50% and reorganized the leadership to be more collaborative.

• Established and executed a new church vision, drafting best practices and standard operating procedures.

• Organized and led weekly worship services and Bible studies.

Junior Specialist – University of California at Davis (9/2005 – 6/2007)

• Conducted research on the Potassium-Chloride Co-transporter 2 (KCC2) protein, including molecular characterization and physiology studies in the lab of John Payne, Ph.D.

• Developed a novel antibody for KCC2.

• Co-authored one research paper.

Hematology Technician – IDEXX Laboratories – West Sacramento, CA (1/2005 – 11/2005)

• Operated and maintained Bayer ADVIA 120 hematology machines for testing mammalian bloods.

• Produced and stained slides for manual differential; prepared manual hematology tests.

• Ensured accuracy in tests including CBC, reticulocyte count, and other hematology parameters.

City Supervisor – StudentLife – Kazakhstan (Summer 2000 & 2001, 9/2002 – 7/2004)

• Led an international team of seven to Astana, Kazakhstan.

• Conducted formal English and mathematics courses; fostered long-term university relationships.

• Organized wilderness excursions and cultural events; led Bible studies.

• Developed and managed a $150,000 budget; facilitated the organization's local leadership transition.

Associate Director of Youth – The Salvation Army – Cambridge, MA (11/2001 – 5/2002)

• Taught a life skills curriculum to high school students, including college application and job search processes.

• Expanded the program to include three classes and grew participation from one to 15 students.

• Provided weekly tutoring in mathematics and science; organized social and spiritual programs.

• MIT Navy Reserve Officer Training Corp Scholarship Program (8/1997 – 5/2002)

Squad Leader, Assistant Platoon Commander, Assistant Administrative Officer - MIT Navy Reserve Officer Training Corp Scholarship Program – Cambridge, MA (8/1997 – 5/2002)

• Served in active duty during the summers.

• Prepared junior midshipmen for naval service.

• Performed administrative duties for an 80-person unit. 

• Completed diverse courses in leadership, organization, military history, technology, and strategy.

Research Assistant – National Institutes of Health – Bethesda, MD (5/1997 – 7/1997)

• Studied Helicobacter pylori within the Institute of Diabetes and Digestive/Kidney Disease under Dr. William G. Coleman, Jr.

Research Assistant – University of Maryland Baltimore County (9/1996 – 5/1997)

• Conducted laboratory experiments on Saccharomyces, studying RNase MRP.

• Main tasks included setting up polymerase chain reactions and gel electrophoresis.

• Presented research findings to faculty and students; authored a journal article.