Hi! I'm Joy Pinckard.
I'm a Weather Software Applications Engineer for CFD Research in Huntsville, Alabama.
I believe in using the right tool for the job to create robust software that is clean, extendable, and tested. I'm also a people person who will always communicate and ask the hard questions - while ensuring that all members of the team feel important and involved.
I do not hesitate to define a path for myself where one does not exist. I make things happen.
Master of Science, Computer Science, December 2021
University of Alabama in Huntsville
BS Design & Automation, May 2019
Jacksonville State University
I specialize in creating virtual spaces like video games, serious games, 3D environments, and behavioral models. I've conducted research in rehabilitative augmented reality games, cyber behavior modeling, and weather visualization software.
Joy Pinckardjoypinckard@gmail.com256-452-5834https://www.linkedin.com/in/joypinckard/
Personal Projects
These personal projects were developed entirely by myself outside of school or work unless otherwise listed. They are not affiliated with Amazon Games or CFD Research.
The Glass Forest 2023-10-09 07-10-04.mp4The Glass Forest is a lighthearted RPG with timed combat. You play as Hope, who has become lost in a magical glass forest and must find her way home while solving mysteries about the fairytale kingdom she crash landed in.
This game is a work in progress. I have recently changed all of the 3D models to hand-animated 2D sprites in a 3D world due to unanimous and positive player feedback, and will upload a video to reflect that soon.
Breed, train, and love your own flock of pets!
Available on the Google Play store for Android users.
A 3D case-study of gameplay from the Luigi's Mansion series and a test of my personally developed rapid development system. This game was built in 27 days during school, including weekends and time off.
Import, export, and organize sensitive information with this all-in-one, easy-to-use application.
A test of a humanoid robot's value as a physical rehabilitation therapist. Developed in the HumAnS lab for the Summer Undegraduate Research Program at Georgia Tech.
AnniCon App
I worked with AnniCon, a non-profit organization, to develop an app for their yearly anime convention. I presented my work at the 2019 JSU Student Symposium.
Experience
Software Engineer (CFD Research)
I am currently a software engineer for CFD Research in Huntsville, Alabama. Our diverse team creates innovative solutions to novel problems that can help keep people safe - whether it's predicting lightning at the next concert you attend or helping a school making the best decision about shutting down when severe weather strikes. In this role I guide software development and protect the science behind our unique products.
Gameplay Engineer (Amazon Games)
I was a gameplay engineer for New World, the AAA MMORPG. I worked with an incredible team of people to develop open world features like crafting, fishing, and the trading post. I collaborated with my team to build features and fix bugs to ensure that our players had a better gameplay experience every day.
Graduate Research Assistant
As a graduate research assistant at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, I solved challenging and innovative programming and design problems while learning new programming languages and tools. This position helped develop my skills in leadership, self-drive, and precision in my work.
Crew Trainer at Space Camp
I was responsible for training the Mars Generation as a Crew Trainer for Space Camp. I ran simulations, taught the history of space, and ensured that trainees were having a great time.
It was a unique opportunity to learn about the history (and future!) of space exploration while developing leadership and communication skills.
Research At Georgia Tech
At Georgia Tech, I participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, where I helped develop a system for patients with Cerebral Palsy perform daily exercises with the help of a robot named NAO.
The system, called the Haptic Simulator, integrated computer vision, sensors, an existing virtual game, and NAO to test the humanoid robot's ability as a physical therapist.
I was responsible for designing, integrating, and implementing the physical system and additional computer vision features over the summer.
