Professional Summary

Educator, developer, and scientist, currently working towards accessible technology education. As Head of Operations at First Draft, I combine my background in research science and education with full-stack development expertise to democratize programming knowledge. My unique trajectory—from analyzing satellite data and publishing scientific algorithms to building web applications and teaching coding to beginners—positions me perfectly for roles at the intersection of education, technology, and AI.

Core Experience

Head of Operations
First Draft - Education Technology Startup
November 2022 - Present
Developing the best beginner-friendly coding course out there. Have a look: firstdraft.com
  • Day-to-day company operations and task management
  • Teaching assistant for Application Development course at University of Chicago Booth School of Business (8 sections/year)
  • Engineering interactive learning platform and tools, including AI tutor integration
  • Creating and editing course material
Key Technologies: Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, PostgreSQL, HTML/CSS, Git, AWS, Docker
Research Scientist (Part-time)
University of Washington
June 2023 - Present
Continuing academic remote sensing research with focus on high-resolution surface model generation from satellite data.
  • Developing algorithms for optical DEM generation and quality assessment
  • Collaborating on interdisciplinary projects bridging technology and earth sciences
Key Technologies: Python, Bash, GDAL, Big Data Processing

Technical Skills

Engineering & Development

Ruby on Rails JavaScript Python SQL/PostgreSQL HTML/CSS Git/GitHub Bash Scripting Docker/AWS Unix/Linux

Research & Data Science

Machine Learning Geological Remote Sensing Geospatial Computing Computer Vision Statistical Analysis GDAL/QGIS

Teaching & Communication

University Teaching Curriculum Design Scientific Publication & Reviewing Task Management German (B2 Level)

Academic & Research Background

Post-Doctoral Researcher and Instructor
University of Potsdam, Germany
June 2020 - October 2022
Advanced research in remote sensing applications while teaching multiple courses in GIS, data analysis, and optical remote sensing.
  • Taught courses: Optical Remote Sensing, Data Analysis and Statistics, Introduction to GIS
  • Published multiple peer-reviewed articles on DEM quality assessment and grain-size analysis
  • Developed open-source algorithms including PebbleCounts for automated grain-sizing
PhD Candidate and Teaching Assistant
University of Potsdam, Germany
2017 - 2020
Conducted fieldwork in the Eastern Central Andes while developing novel remote sensing methodologies.
  • Led three field campaigns in Argentina for data collection and validation
  • Co-instructed courses in Lidar/Photogrammetry and Spatial Data Analysis
  • Published algorithms and peer-reviewed articles for DEM noise removal and surface change detection

Education

PhD in Remote Sensing (magna cum laude)
University of Potsdam, Germany
February 2020
Dissertation: "Remote Sensing Applications to Earth Surface Processes in the Eastern Central Andes"
Developed novel methodologies for satellite-based geomorphic analysis in arid mountain environments
MSc in Geology
University of Potsdam, Germany
November 2016
Thesis: "Validation of DEMs & Derived Geomorphic Metrics on the Southern Central Andean Plateau"
Comprehensive evaluation of global digital elevation models for geomorphic applications
BA in Earth & Environmental Sciences (high honors)
Wesleyan University, USA
May 2013
Thesis: "The Hydrologic & Geomorphic Impacts of the 2010 Fourmile Canyon Fire, Boulder Creek Watershed, CO"
Focused on post-wildfire hydrology and sediment transport dynamics

Selected Publications & Research

Image Texture as Quality Indicator for Optical DEM Generation: Geomorphic Applications in the Arid Central Andes
Purinton, B., Mueting, A., Bookhagen, B. Remote Sensing, 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15010085.
Tracking Downstream Variability in Large Grain-Size Distributions in the South-Central Andes
Purinton, B. and Bookhagen, B. Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JF006260.
Beyond vertical point accuracy: Assessing inter-pixel consistency in 30 m global DEMs for the arid Central Andes
Purinton, B. and Bookhagen, B. Frontiers in Earth Science, 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2021.758606.
Multiband (X, C, L) radar amplitude analysis for a mixed sand- and gravel-bed river in the eastern Central Andes
Purinton, B. and Bookhagen, B. Remote Sensing of Environment, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2020.111799.
Introducing PebbleCounts: a grain-sizing tool for photo surveys of dynamic gravel-bed rivers
Purinton, B. and Bookhagen, B. Earth Surface Dynamics, 2019. Open Source Algorithm
Additional Publications
7 peer-reviewed articles, 4 published algorithms, 10+ conference presentations. See full list on Google Scholar profile.

Awards & Recognition

SPOT6 Third Party Mission Grant
2021 - European Space Agency (ESA) satellite data grant
PhD magna cum laude
2020 - University of Potsdam PhD honor
TanDEM-X Science Grant
2017 - German Aerospace Center (DLR) research grant
Phi Beta Kappa
2013 - Academic honor society, Wesleyan University
Peirce Prize for Excellence in Geology
2013 - Top geology student award, Wesleyan University
Journal Referee
Reviewer for JGR, Earth Surface Dynamics, Remote Sensing, and others