Peter V. Johnston, Ph.D.
Analytical Problem Solver · AI-Assisted Tool Builder · Scientist
Seattle, WA · pvjohnst@gmail.com · github.com/pvjohnston · orcid.org/0009-0006-0084-8863 · Google Scholar
Analytical problem solver with a Ph.D. in chemistry and a record of turning complex, loosely defined work into useful systems. I combine scientific reasoning, advanced Google Workspace and Apps Script automation, data analysis, and AI-assisted development to investigate problems, build custom tools, and improve how teams work. My experience spans molecular materials research, hazardous-materials classification, public-interest data, and operations—evidence of an ability to learn unfamiliar domains quickly and deliver practical results.
Core competencies
Analytical problem solving
Problem framing · research and literature synthesis · quantitative analysis · root-cause investigation · translating complex domains into actionable models.
AI-assisted tools & automation
Rapid prototyping · custom internal applications · workflow design · data integration · document automation · validation and iterative improvement.
Google Workspace & data
Advanced Sheets (formulas, pivots, validation, connected sources) · Apps Script · SQL and structured data · Docs and Drive automation · reporting dashboards · templated document generation.
Scientific & technical communication
Chemistry and molecular materials · computational workflows · spectroscopy · peer-reviewed publication · technical writing · visual explanation.
Experience
Grey Wolfe Construction — Project Coordinator
Jan 2026–Present · Seattle, WA
Apply a systems and automation mindset inside a fast-moving small construction firm, coordinating active projects while designing the connected tools that run the office.
- Led the design and rollout of six connected project-tracking applications, replacing scattered spreadsheets with a live source of truth used by field crews, warehouse staff, and the office.
- Automated finishing-material selection letters, bid packages, supplier requests, scopes of work, and client correspondence directly from job data, reducing routine production from hours to minutes.
- Built procurement reconciliation that matches orders to deliveries and flags discrepancies and outstanding materials by dollar value.
- Standardized subcontractor scoping and competitive bidding across trades with margin targets built into cost analysis.
- Coordinate dozens of concurrent projects across subcontractors, suppliers, schedules, procurement, document control, and client communication.
Freelance Administrative Consultant
2020–Present · Seattle, WA
- Built dynamic spreadsheets connected to external data sources and custom expense-tracking and reporting systems in Google Apps Script.
- Designed and produced a professional 28-page monthly newsletter reaching more than 1,000 readers.
- Developed web-based tools for nonprofit data collection and organization.
Grace Connection Services — Executive Assistant
Sep–Oct 2024 · Marysville, WA
- Supported executive leadership, managed schedules and stakeholder communication, created digital expense systems, managed payroll, and authored training SOPs.
Amazon — Classification Specialist
2017–2018 · Seattle, WA
- Managed product-classification databases, developed hazardous-material search logic and SQL reporting, monitored classification accuracy, and advised on DOT/GHS compliance.
HMS Productions — Technical Designer
1995–2004 · New York, NY
- Created print catalogs, marketing materials, and early web graphics for fashion-industry clients on tight deadlines.
Community service
2024–2025 · Seattle, WA
- Newsletter Editor, Seattle Intergroup · Web Developer, Hunger Intervention Program · Driver, Operation Nightwatch · Senior Meals Program volunteer.
Education
- B.S. Software Engineering — Arizona State University (in progress)
- Ph.D. Chemistry — University of Washington, 2016
- McIntyre Scholar — Western Washington University, 2008; full-tuition scholarship
Research & publications
Eleven peer-reviewed publications in organic electro-optic materials and silicon/plasmonic photonics. Current independent work revisits quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, and molecular properties through reproducible computational notebooks and AI-assisted scientific tooling. Ph.D. research in the Dalton group at the University of Washington. Google Scholar profile · ORCID.
- Plasmonic modulators for microwave photonics applications. Asia Communications and Photonics Conference, 2017.
- Structure–function relationship exploration for enhanced thermal stability and electro-optic activity in monolithic organic NLO chromophores. Journal of Materials Chemistry C 4(15), 3119–3124, 2016.
- Plasmonic phased array feeder enabling ultra-fast beam steering at millimeter waves. Optics Express 24(22), 25608–25618, 2016.
- Direct RF-to-optical detection by a plasmonic modulator integrated into a four-leaf-clover antenna. CLEO, 2016.
- Microwave plasmonics: a novel platform for RF photonics. IEEE MWP, 259–262, 2016.
- Optimizing plasmonic modulators for in-device nonlinearities of up to 275 pm/V. IPR, 2016.
- Plasmonic phased array feeder enabling symbol-by-symbol mm-wave beam steering at 60 GHz. IEEE MWP, 43–46, 2016.
- Structure–function paradigms of organic electro-optic materials. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Washington, 2016.
- 40 GBd 16QAM signaling at 160 Gb/s in a silicon-organic hybrid modulator. Journal of Lightwave Technology 33(6), 1210–1216, 2015.
- Benzocyclobutene barrier layer for suppressing conductance in nonlinear optical devices during electric field poling. Applied Physics Letters 104(24), 243304, 2014.
- 40 GBd 16QAM modulation at 160 Gbit/s in a silicon-organic hybrid modulator. ECOC, 2014.
Selected tools & research notes
noprofits.orgData and transparency tools built from public filings and grant records Nonprofit SearchForm 990 financial and operational data Grant FlowsInteractive grantor-to-grantee visualization Scientific notebookAI-assisted computational explorations in quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, and molecular properties