Resume

APRIL LYNN DOWNEY, M.A.

april.lynn.downey@gmail.com 443-889-6412 Nottingham, Maryland

    A results-driven professional with a proven track record of effectively managing multiple roles in both design consultation and CAD, alongside historical research and writing. Offering over 13 years of expertise in history and religion investigation, with a strong focus on producing documentaries, educational media projects, historical website content, and academic publications. I solely research, write and produce (both audio and video) of all my educational videos.
    As an independent, self-motivated design consultant of 20 years, I excel in project management, collaborate seamlessly with architects and engineers, engage with clients, and deliver meticulous documentation efficiently. Proficient in CAD and Photoshop, I bring a wealth of technical skills to support my diverse career endeavors.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
· Academic Research
· Writing
· Data Analysis
· Outstanding Communication
· Detail-Oriented
· Project Management
· Entrepreneurial Mindset
· Design Visualization
· Leadership
· Site Inspections
· Cross-Industry Collaboration
· NHPA Section 106 Familiarity
· Design and drafting experience in foodservice, commercial roofing, architecture, custom millwork, and museum exhibit design

TECHNICAL SKILLS
· Computer Aided Design: 2D & 3D, Vectorworks
· Photo Editing & 2D Rendering: Adobe Photoshop
· BlueBeam
· Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
· Video Editing: CyberLink Power Director 365
· Adobe Acrobat
· Archaeological Excavation
· Photography

EDUCATION

• Master of Arts in Ancient Biblical Civilizations, Towson University, Towson, MD, May 2019 (GPA: 3.94/4.0, Professional Studies custom degree program
• Biblical Hebrew, Jewish history, ancient Near Eastern archaeology & literature, museum studies, creative non-fiction writing
• Bachelor of Arts in Religion, American Public University, Charles Town, WV, August 2014 (cum laude; GPA: 3.96/4.0)
• Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, sociology, literature, and philosophy.
• Certificate in Architectural CAD, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, MD, 2006 (GPA: 3.90/4.0)
• Hand drafting, AutoCAD, 3DS Max, and fine art drawing.

PUBLICATIONS

Book:

• Images of America: Manheim – a historical book published by Arcadia Publishing, 2021.

Articles:

• Judean Pillar Figurines –World History Encyclopedia, October 2020.
• Asherah –World History Encyclopedia, September 2020.
• Nehushtan – World History Encyclopedia, August 2020.
• Hebrew Roots for Saraph and Nachash – graph on World History Encyclopedia, August 2020.

Book Reviews:

• An Introduction to the Study of Mysticism by Richard H. Jones, for Reading Religion, December 2022.
• Two Gods in Heaven: Jewish Concepts of God in Antiquity by Peter Schäfer, for Reading Religion, June 2021.
• Religion, History, and Place in the Origin of Settled Life edited by Ian Hodder, for Reading Religion, September 2020.
• I AM: Monotheism and the Philosophy of the Bible by Mark Glouberman, for Reading Religion, October 2019.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2011 – Present

• Researches, writes, and produces a variety of educational multi-media content about history, mythology, and world cultures for website, TikTok, and YouTube.
• Founder of Phoenix Feather Books & Curios - an online bookstore that specializes in old books, small antiques, and history related gifts
• Produces and distributes a free quarterly newsletter called Journal of Tales (history, mythology, world cultures)
• Promotes cultural heritage through virtual field trips, lectures, and book signing events.
• Produces Photoshop renderings for designers and community organizations (The Natural History Society of Maryland, Rosedale Soccer, Manheim Veteran’s Memorial, The Manheim Historical Society)
• Produces computer aided design 2D plans, elevations, and details, and 3D models and renderings: design visualization portfolio
• Supports businesses in the foodservice and roofing industries. Clients and projects include Google, Apple, Salesforce, Jean-Georges, Daniel Patterson, Mark Stech-Novak (a leading foodservice design expert), and Christina’s Construction Services.
• Manages projects from ideation through planning, production, and completion. Collaborates with clients at all levels as well as with architects, engineers, and a variety of other stakeholders.
• Conducts utility and equipment research and writes specifications, analyzes building conditions, and incorporates architectural and engineering information into documents.
• Visits US and international production facilities and attends large industry events to consult with teams, share ideas, stay aware of trends, and ensure the highest-quality performance is delivered.

PROJECTS

• Natural History Society of Maryland’s Archaeology Club
• President 2022-2023
• Coordinator 2019-2022
• Giving presentations
• Organizing field trips
• Producing club newsletters
• Scheduling guest speakers
• Assisted with compiling and editing the cookbook Jewish Food: The Ultimate Cookbook that has sold >100K copies to date. (Name is in acknowledgments.)
• Photography: Instagram @april_lynn_downey
• Finding and editing public domain images for history related designs (prints, shirts, mugs, etc.)
• Archaeological Field Work:
• Glen Ellen Castle Survey, November 9, 2019
• Eutaw Manor House Excavation, November 3, 2018
• Kirby Farm Excavation, July 12 and 18, 2015