Sarah Hauser: “I programmed a good solution in a dream once"

Sarah Hauser, why did you decide to study computer science at ETH Zurich?
After finishing secondary school, I initially wanted to study German or mathematics. Then I discovered computer science. It was related to both language and mathematics, offered exciting jobs and an innovative industry. This sparked my curiosity and I enrolled in computer science – a good decision.

Which moments from your studies do you remember most?
I have many memories of this wonderful time: the exploration of challenging topics, the team spirit and discussions with fellow students and lecturers, and of course, the intense period of exam preparation. It was fascinating to write my first programs in Oberon. Many will surely remember needing to use the F1 asterisk. One time, I had repeatedly programmed a good solution – in a dream. Fortunately, I then also managed to do it in reality.

What did you do after graduation?
I was already working as a programmer at a small company during my studies. After graduation, I entered IT consulting and worked on international projects in the field of risk management. Then the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) asked me to set up a new study programme in computer science, now known as iCompetence, which has attracted new target groups to computer science, including more women. For about ten years, I taught and researched at FHNW, becoming a professor and a study director for computer science. This year, I took up a position as Vice Dean at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), where I am now in charge of education at the computer science department. We are the first computer science department at a Swiss university of applied sciences and arts, and we offer a comprehensive range of educational opportunities.

What do you appreciate most about your profession?
Computer science is a driver of innovation in every field. Being at the cutting edge of development has thrilled me since the beginning of my studies. I am convinced that studying computer science offers interesting perspectives for many different people. I really appreciate being involved in the education of future computer scientists. A great and welcome challenge is to continue developing the curriculum in such a way that it remains up-to-date and practical and is always aligned with current requirements.

What did you learn during your ETH studies besides technical knowledge?
ETH allowed me to experience the diversity of computer science, especially with a stay at the University of the Arts in Berlin. That had a great impact on me. One of our lecturers once mentioned the book Gödel, Escher, Bach in passing. There is no better way to sum up the creative power of combining philosophy, mathematics, art and computer science.

What was your favourite lecture?
Cryptographic Protocols by Ueli Maurer. For me, it meets all the criteria of an excellent lecture: well thought-out, active, challenging and exciting. But I also enjoyed many other topics. For example, I remember Computer Architecture very well, or the discussion of user interfaces, which at that time was still called Ergonomics.

Are you still in contact with any of your fellow students?
Yes, I met wonderful people during my studies. I have worked intensively with some of them over the past few years. Others, I meet again here and there, for example when surfing and climbing in my free time.

What do you wish for D-INFK on its 40th birthday?
I hope that the department continues to attract numerous successful computer scientists. I am convinced that the department will continue to shape computer science and will remain one of the best places to study it in the future. I’m also delighted that D-INFK and I are celebrating our fortieth birthdays together – 1981 must have been a good year.