Stanford Profile: Colin Ong

Biosketch

PRINCIPAL AREAS OF INTEREST

The Connection Between Youth Creativity, Innovation and Leadership.
Usability, user experience and interface design.
Modeling of environmental chemical systems.
Computer-aided data translation from video source.
Environmental Toxicants.
Environmental Informatics.

EXPERIENCE

Stanford University (Stanford, California)
2/2003 - present (semi-retired)
Consulting Associate Professor/Adjunct Professor
Founder & Director, CSDGC Youth Leadership Program
Executive Director, Stanford Environmental & Water Studies Summer Program
Assistant Director, Center for Sustainable Development & Global Competitiveness
Executive Director, Singapore Stanford Partnership
Communications and Online Presence Manager, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center

-Course Development. Enhancement of EES Seminar Program. Creation of EES Lightning Talks Series. Development of EES Pre-Requisite Learning and Assessment Program for Organic Chemistry and Fluid Mechanics. Collaborated on new course development on Sustainability Design Thinking.
- Program Development. Develop ideas to enhance Singapore Stanford Partnership program. Involved with program creation of the Center for Sustainable Development and Global Competitiveness (CSDGC), CSDGC Youth Leadership Program, and Stanford Environmental & Water Studies Summer Program (SEWSS). Prepared proposals for collaborations with Cisco, IDG, Singapore Polytechnic, Nanyang Technological University, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Shanghai Jiatong University, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, and Tongji University. Founded CSDGC Youth Leadership Program and direct Youth Creativity, Innovation and Sustainable Leadership (YCISL) workshops. Developed and launched SEWSS Scholars Program.
- Training. Provide workshops on project and proposal communications, including "Writing a Research Proposal", "Keeping a Research Notebook", "Effective Communication of your Critical Viewpoint", "Crafting a Project Proposal", and "Literature Review: A state of awareness and the skill to communicate it."
- Operations Management. Oversee SSP and SEWSS academic operations including marketing, public and student relations, records management and documentation.
- Lecture. Design and teach courses. In Spring 2005, taught "Modeling Aqueous Chemical Environments" (CEE 373). Emphasis on next-generation model design and engineering. In Spring 2008, 2009 and 2010, taught "Environmental Toxicants" (CEE 276E). Emphasis on understanding toxicological risk and exposure pathways, and interpretation of toxicity data. In Summer 2010, co-taught "Environmental Informatics" (CEE 277E). Emphasis on enhancing environmental datasets with modern information technologies and computer science.
- Academic Advising. Provide course, academic performance, academic ethics, and career advising to Stanford, SSP, NEMS and SEWSS students.
- Research. Collaborator with exposure assessment research group, concerned with computer-aided time-activity data extraction from video. Collaborator with CSDGC Visiting Scholars, Wang Ling and Juan Yikai, on computer-aided decision-making models.
- Administration. Manage business operations for CSDGC and SEWSS. Developed policies and processes for conduct of SEWSS program.
- Business Development. Build and execute business plan for Stanford Environmental & Water Studies Summer Program (SEWSS). Design and develop framework for CSDGC Youth Leadership Program's workshop on Youth Creativity, Innovation & Sustainable Leadership, including strategic vendor partnerships and new client relationships. Produced Donor Prospectus and Web Site for William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center (CR2C). Design and oversee production of publicity materials for Perry McCarty Distinguished Lecture Series.

Handspring (Mountain View, California)
12/2000 - 9/2002
Worldwide Technical Support Specialist/Readiness & Response Lead
- Escalation Response. Level 4/Corporate specialist on products for Macintosh platform. Triaged, researched and responded to corporate level technical escalations. Provided leadership to global network of 100+ technical response engineers.
- Sustaining Engineering. Provided in-depth research into complex problems, and coordinated cross-functional teams in corrective action activity.
- Readiness. Managed all technical readiness aspects of product release, including QA bug review, response engineer training, sales and marketing information review, and scope of support development. Ensured excellent end user experience through continuation engineering and compatibility testing. Developed user documentation to address product issues.
- Product Design and Implementation. Identified, evaluated and evangelized desirable new wireless communications and PDA features for new product development. Ensured user-friendly implementation of product features.
- Training. Prepared and presented training material for enterprise customers (eg, Stanford University, Harvard Business School) as well as business partners (eg, Cingular Wireless, SprintPCS, ClientLogic, T-Mobile).
- Customer Service Quality. Monitored and evaluated service quality. Developed policies, procedures and action items to optimize cost and effectiveness of customer support contact.

Stanford University (Stanford, California)
7/1996 - 6/2000
Computing Information Systems Analyst, Senior
- Technical lead of computing and networking client support services for 300 users in a 400 device LAN.
- Operations manager of classroom computer clusters, including maintenance, access control, upgrades, and planning.
- Principal manager of networking infrastructure, including planning, design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization.
- Operations manager of NetWare, AppleShare, Windows NT, and Unix servers for file, print, email, web, group scheduling, contacts management, and database services.
- Designer and producer of department web site for academic operations, and recruitment.
- Principal planner responsible for identification, evaluation, and strategic analysis of new hardware and software technologies to meet user needs.

Stanford University (Stanford, California)
9/1992 - 6/1996
Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Performed experimental studies of the adsorptive behavior of uranyl ion on mineral surfaces. Studies were directed toward DOE/LANL Yucca Mountain (NV) Site Characterization Project.
- Conducted chemical modeling of metal-ligand-surface complexation.
- Developed improved methods for isotope dilution analysis via liquid scintillation counting.
- Collaborated on development of VideoTraq, software for pesticide exposure assessment.
- Developed code for HYDRAQL graphics module, and utility software to extract numerical data from graphical XY chart data using a graphics tablet.
- Advisor: James O. Leckie

University of California (Davis, California)
9/1985 - 10/1991
Research Assistant
- Performed field and laboratory studies of evaporation pond chemistry, water quality and hydrology.
- Developed synthesis, field study and analytical procedures for investigating inorganic trace element-contaminated evaporite minerals.
- Advisors: Kenneth K. Tanji, Randy A. Dahlgren

University of California (Davis, California)
Winter Quarters 1998 to 1990
Teaching Assistant
- Course development, supervision and instruction of Water Science 217 (Hydrochemical Models), a graduate level laboratory course to develop programming, model development and user skills with application to chemical processes and environmental problems.

SamaSama Consulting (Sunnyvale, California)
9/1994 - Present
Software Architect and Engineer, Principal
- Developed specifications, design and code for Virtual Timing Device, GUI-driven software for interactive event timing on a computer. VTD is licensed to researchers at Stanford, EPA, UMDNJ, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Arizona.
- Provider of software and hardware consulting services to clients on computing systems transitions, integration and troubleshooting.
- Content developer of Handspring training material for T-Mobile.
- Collaborator on diet assessment project. Applying video data translation methodology to create new computer-aided paradigm in the field of diet-related health issues.

EDUCATION

- Ph.D., Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of California, Davis. 3/1992. Dissertation title - Geochemical dynamics of selenium in evaporite-forming agricultural evaporation ponds.
- M. S., Water Science, University of California, Davis. 6/1990. Thesis title - Distribution of arsenic and selenium at the sediment-water column interface: an evaporation pond microcosm study.
- B. S., Chemistry, University of California, Davis. 6/1985. Intern research project - Aqueous dissolution kinetics of selenite gypsum and phosphogypsum.
- International Baccalaureate, United World College of South-East Asia (UWCSEA), Singapore. 6/1981. Extended Essay title - An elementary study of crystals.

HONORS & AWARDS

- Handspring Product Design Support Team Award. Treo 270, 2002.
- Handspring Product Design Support Team Award. Treo 300, 2002.
- Handspring Product Design Support Team Award. Blazer, 2001.
- Handspring Product Design Support Team Award. Treo 180, 2001.
- Prosser Fellow. Awarded Joseph G. Prosser Dissertation Fellowship by University of California Water Resources Center for research support, 1990.
- Received Outstanding Service Award for role as co-student representative to Executive Committee of the Agricultural & Environmental Chemistry graduate group program at the University of California, Davis, 1991.
- Coordinated proposals for and received Instructional Use of Computers grants at the University of California, Davis for innovation and integration of computing technology into academic learning, 1988-89 and 1990-91.
- Non-Resident Tuition Fee Fellowship. 1989. University of California.
- Marquis Who's Who in the World, 11th edition, 1993-1994.
- Marquis Who's Who in the West, 23rd edition, 1992-1993.
- Citation's Who's Who Environmental Registry, 1992 Edition

SERVICE & ACTIVITIES

- Category Awards Judge, California Science & Engineering Fair, Environmental Engineering Junior Division, 2023.
- Mock Interviewer, Career & Technical Education Program, Sequoia Union High School District, 2023.
- Grand Prize Judge, Category Judge, & Event Staff Volunteer, Synopsys Science and Technology Championship, San Jose, CA, 2023.
- Head Coach to 3rd/4th grade division boys basketball team in the Sunnyvale Youth Basketball League (SYBL), 2023 Season.
- Member, Scientific Review Committee, Synopsys Championship, Santa Clara Valley Science & Engineering Fair Association, 2021-2023.
- Mentor, Take the World Forward Fellowship program, 2021-2022.
- Panelist, Sustainability for Next-Gen - Emerging Models, TiE Sustainability Summit, 2021.
- Co-Instructor, Environmental Engineering Seminar (CEE 269A/B/C). Stanford University. 2016-2021.
- Judge, 1st Round Presentations, BUILD Bay Area 16th Annual Business Plan Competition, Stanford, CA, 2015.
- Juror, 28th Annual California State University Student Research Competition. CSU East Bay, Hayward, CA, 2014.
- Pre-Major Advisor (PMA), Stanford University, 2013-2015.
- Volunteer Speaker, Photo Essay Workshop for Philippines Mission Trip. The King's Academy, Sunnyvale, CA, 2014.
- Mentor, Stanford Solar Decathlon Competition Team, 2012-2013
- Volunteer Teacher of "Creative Thinking" elective course. Los Altos Christian School (Middle School), Los Altos, CA, 2012-2013.
- Chair, Stanford Environmental Engineering & Science Seminar Committee, 2010-2013.
- Head Coach to 12+ age division girls basketball team in the Mike Allen Ballin' Ambassadors Basketball League, 2012.
- Assistant Coach to 6th/7th/8th grade division boys basketball team in the Cupertino Hoops Basketball League, 2011-2012 season.
- Head Coach to 5th/6th grade division boys basketball team in the Sunnyvale Youth Basketball League (SYBL), 2010 & 2011.
- Grand Awards Judge, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), 2010.
- Grand Prize Judge, Synopsys Silicon Valley Science and Technology Championship, San Jose, CA, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011.
- Head Coach to 3rd/4th grade division boys basketball team in the Sunnyvale Youth Basketball League (SYBL), 2009.
- Member (Parent Representative) of Curriculum Committee. Los Altos Christian School, Los Altos, CA. 2007-2008, 2008-2009, & 2009-2010.
- Volunteer Teacher of "Web Page Design" elective course. Los Altos Christian School (Middle School), Los Altos, CA. 2007.
- Head Coach to 7th/8th grade division girls basketball team in the Sunnyvale Youth Basketball League (SYBL), 2007 & 2008.
- Science Fair Judge (Junior High Level), The King's Academy, Sunnyvale, CA, 2005, 2006 & 2007.
- Category Judge, Synopsys Silicon Valley Science and Technology Championship, San Jose, CA, 2004.
- Co-coach to girls basketball team in the Sunnyvale Youth Basketball League (SYBL), 2004 & 2006.
- Coordinated readiness and launch for 14 software products, including LCDAdjust 1.0, Handspring Updater (versions 1.4 and 1.5), Flash Module Updater (versions 1.1.1 and 1.4), Palm Desktop 4.0.1 for Windows, Palm Desktop 2.6.1 for Treo, Palm Desktop 2.6.3 for Treo, Configure Your Treo 1.1 for Windows, Configure Wireless Suite 1.0 for Windows, Palm Desktop for Mac 4.0, USB Registry Utility 1.1, and Blazer (versions 1.1 and 2.0), and 4 hardware products (Treo 90, Treo 180, Treo 270 and Treo 300), 2001-2002.
- Parent representative to executive committee. Young Life Christian Preschool, Palo Alto, CA. 1999.
- Stanford Environmental Engineering Program (SEEP) Computer Committee, Member. Stanford University. 1992 to 1996. Computing Facilities Advisor.
- Stanford Environmental Engineering Program (SEEP) Water Quality Laboratory Oversight Committee, Member. Stanford University. 1994-1996.
- Appointed Member (Student Representative) of Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Computing at the University of California, Davis, 1990-1991 and 1991-1992.
- Group co-leader and student co-representative to Executive Committee of the Agricultural & Environmental Chemistry graduate group program at the University of California, Davis, 1990.
- Co-editor of the Agricultural & Environmental Chemistry Graduate Group newsletter, University of California, Davis, 1988-1989.
- Computer Consultants Association of UC Davis, Member. University of California, Davis. 1988-1991. Special interest group in new products.
- Department of Land, Air & Water Resources Computational Resources and Facilities Committee, Member. University of California, Davis. 1987-1991.
- Reviewer for Journal of Environmental Quality, Soil Science Society of America Journal, and International Journal of Environmental Pollution.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING

- Python for Beginners. 2022. Stanford University IT Technology Training. - Working Styles and Decision Making. 1999. Stanford University Training & Organizational Development Staff Development.
- Skills Assessment using the Career Architect. 1999. Stanford University Training & Organizational Development Staff Development.
- Strategic Planning. 1999. Stanford University Training & Organizational Development Staff Development.
- Cost Policy. 1998. Stanford University Staff Training & Organizational Development Staff Development.
- Network Troubleshooting Techniques. 1999. Stanford University ITSS Instructional Program.
- TCP/IP at Stanford. 1998. Stanford University ITSS Instructional Program.
- Off-Campus Connectivity. 1998. Stanford University ITSS Instructional Program.
- Hubs, Bridges and Switches. 1998. Stanford University ITSS Instructional Program.
- Exceptional Customer Service. 1997. Fred Pryor Seminar. Palo Alto, CA.
- The Essentials of Marketing. 1997. Stanford Alumni Association.
- Java for Non-Programmers. 1997. Stanford Alumni Association.
- Radiation Protection Course. 1992. Health Physics, Environmental Health and Safety, Stanford University.
- X-ray Safety Course. 1989. Environmental Health and Safety, University of California, Davis.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

- Technical. In-depth knowledge of video conferencing, computing, web, networking, and software development technologies. Particularly avid and proficient on Macintosh products and solutions. Experienced in PalmOS, Macintosh, Windows, NetWare, and Unix network clients and servers. Proficient in HTML, Basic, Fortran, Pascal and C. Intermediate knowledge of wireless technologies including GSM/GPRS, CDMA/1xRTT, CDPD, Bluetooth and 802.11b.
- Project Management. Coordinated and managed IT infrastructure projects as well as hardware/software technology projects.
- Personnel Management. Hired, trained and assigned computer support tasks to student assistants at Stanford. Train, monitor and assign cases to staff within Handspring technical support team.
- Technical Support and Customer Service. Experience providing helpdesk and call-center computing technical support. Adept at investigating and resolving highly complex issues.
- Communication. Versed in communicating information via presentations, and documentation. Experienced communicating at different levels of complexity to non-technical and technical audiences.
- Information Systems. Proficient with client use of CRM (Vantive), Software Source Control (Perforce), Product Change Control (Agile), and Bug Reporting/Tracking (FileMaker/Bugzilla) systems.

Last updated: March 22, 2023