Coworking with Andrée Dean

Coworking is a weekly segment where we spotlight Emerging Tech Brew readers who work with emerging technologies. Click here if you’d like a chance to be featured.

How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in tech?

I’m a product manager working on hardware, specifically optical sensors. I support the team with feature prioritization to improve the customer experience. I also work on the device’s current and long-term strategy. That is the creation, optimization, and sunset of a device.

What’s your favorite emerging tech project you’ve worked on?

The product I am currently working on: VergeSense’s EN-1. I joined VergeSense because I wanted to be a part of the application of emerging technology. The device is an optical sensor in the ceiling that counts visitors entering and exiting a building or floor. Customers use it to manage capacity or better understand the overall space usage.

What’s the best piece of tech-related media you’ve read/watched/listened to?

I really enjoy reading The Atlantic’s Technology section. The narrative is always engaging and provides real life context.

One thing we can’t guess from your LinkedIn profile?

I am very involved in local politics. It’s important to me to stay engaged and to help provide a platform to elevate our community members’ voices.

What do you think about when you’re not thinking about tech?

I just got my first beehive. I’m spending my free time educating myself and making sure they’re healthy and alive. Lots of hobbyists are out there sharing their experience, and I hope to pay it forward as someone trying in a cold, mountainous area. Wish me luck!