Andrew Thornton is a software engineer, currently working at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).  After spending about eight years working in the investment banking field, where he specialized in developing risk management and electronic trading systems, Andrew returned to university to study International Affairs.  During his studies, he worked on several microfinance projects and wrote his thesis on the appropriateness of microcredit in alleviating poverty for the poorest of the poor.  Andrew holds master's degrees in Software Engineering and International Affairs.  As well as being the technology co-chair for the Microfinance Club of New York, he holds two other voluntary positions as the technology director for The Mantle and architect and developer of Professor Richard D. Wolff's website.