International Women’s Day

Ana Klimovic is a Professor in the ETH Systems Group

Dear Ana, what do you find most fascinating about your area of research?

My research area is computer system design for cloud computing. I am fascinated by the fast pace at which technology evolves (from hardware platforms to applications) and how this continually requires us to rethink computer system design in light of new application requirements and new hardware capabilities. I aim to design systems across hardware and software boundaries to improve the energy efficiency and performance of cloud computing, while also making the cloud easier to use.

What is the most important thing you have learned since becoming a professor?

Being a professor involves being a teacher, a mentor and a coach: these are all different and important roles. A teacher shares knowledge with you, a mentor offers you advice and a coach unlocks your potential.

How do you spend your leisure time?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling and playing sports, particularly tennis, skiing, biking, volleyball and swimming.

Do you have any productivity hacks or other recommendations for young researchers?

Begin with a clear understanding of your goal and your destination. Focus your effort in the direction of your destination. Along the way, keep your eyes open for new opportunities that arise and continually re-evaluate your destination and direction.

Yu Shancong is the Office Manager in Professor Adrian Perrig’s Network Security Group

Dear Song, what is your connection to computer science?

A while ago, a cyberattack experience really stressed me out. This topic then gained a personal touch and sparked my curiosity about the cyber world. I enjoy seeing people around me being amazingly creative and in a flow, or on their “clouds”.

Which skill are you learning these days?

I’m learning to use stress as a motivator, instead of a blocker, for getting work or life duties done.

Do you have any tips for the D-INFK community?
Always give people the benefit of the doubt. Whatever they say or don’t say, do or don’t do: it is mostly a reflection of them, not of you.

What is your favourite activity for relaxing after a long day of work?

Yoga, in all forms and temperatures.

Manuela Fischer is a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer. She teaches courses such as “Data Structures and Algorithms” and “Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving”

Dear Manuela, what do you find most fascinating about your area of research?
I love how combining only a handful of simple techniques can lead to extremely elegant and powerful algorithms.

What is your next career goal?
I would like to become a senior scientist with a focus on education at the department.

How do you spend your leisure time?
I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, biking or running.

How do you get out of a motivational low?
I like to do something completely different, for example spending time in nature or cooking an elaborate meal.

What is the best advice you ever got?
“Be mindful of your thoughts.”

Julia Bogdan is a Bachelor’s student, a member of VIS and the President of Hopo (university politics)

Dear Julia, what is your favourite thing about computer science?
My favourite thing about computer science is how it combines my passion for technology, problem solving and creativity. I also love that it gives me a deeper understanding of the technologies I use daily.

Can you explain in a few words what you do at VIS?
I’m part of the VIS Board and oversee the University Politics committee. As such, I represent the students to the department and professors. I meet with professors, help improve the curriculum, help improve the different courses.

What is your favourite lunch place at or around ETH?
I really enjoy getting sushi from tiny fish. More often than not, I find myself just getting a sandwich from Tannenbar or a Döner from Züri Bistro.

What is your favourite lecture and why?
My favourite lecture so far was Computer Networks. The internet is something I use daily and I found it extremely fascinating to learn about how it actually works. Other lectures I really enjoyed were Algorithms and Probability and Information Security.

What are your survival tips for first-year students?
Try to go to as many events and meet as many people as you can! Not only can you turn to them if you have questions, but it’s also much easier to stay motivated and not fall behind if you know other people who are taking the same courses as you. Studying is much more fun if you are not doing it alone.

Supraja Sridhara is a doctoral student in the Secure & Trustworthy Systems Group of Professor Shweta Shinde

Dear Supraja, why did you decide to study computer science?

I was first introduced to the world of computer science through the elegant concepts of object-oriented programming in high school. I saw how abstraction worked in the real world and how inheritance, a fundamental idea, was beautifully imbued into the design of complex systems. This nascent love for programming, initially using Java and then C++, coupled with an understanding of its impact on the world, motivated me to pursue my undergraduate degree in computer science. 

What is your hack for tight deadlines?

Organisation, meditation and 14-hour workdays with a lot of coffee. Organising and planning my work gives me a sense of control and meditation helps me focus. Caffeine makes the 14-hour workdays possible.

What is your favourite place at ETH?

The Polyterrasse at sunset on a clear day. 

How do you spend your leisure time?

I like to read and paint.