Women in Science - Online Interviews

Maria Roussou

1. Give a brief description of your job telling what you do, (a day in your life) but also what you do specifically in your position.

I am a computer scientist, working with high-end virtual reality equipment (i.e. the CAVE). My work is research oriented, as I study the effects of virtual reality in education, in particular children's education. I am also a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science. I work many hours a day (11-12) including weekends and spend most of my time in meetings, or writing my dissertation.

2. How did you decide upon your career? When did you know you wanted to do it and how did you prepare for it?

Unfortunately, due to the schooling system, I didn't really decide on my undergraduate degree. I did however decide which graduate direction I would like to take. The reason I chose computer graphics (and virtual reality) is due to the field's relation to art. It is a highly technical field but combines many other disciplines (art, education, medicine, etc.) which makes it a truly interesting and multidisciplinary science. I did not want to limit myself into a highly focused domain of knowledge, but rather seeked breadth in my education.

3. What is the best thing about your job?

The research aspect is the best part of my job.

4. What do you like the least?

The working environment. The laboratory and offices I work in have no windows. After long hours of work, it is rather unhealthy and quite a surprise to see that the weather has changed and that it has become dark outside.

5. As a kid, what kinds of things did you do to prepare for this job? What books did you read or what things did you do that let you know you would like this field?

I didn't really prepare for this job as a child. On the contrary, the books I was reading as a teenager were not scientific but literary and, in some cases, political. The only indication in my personality that made me think I would be good for this field is my organization skills.

6. Was there any person (parent, teacher, mentor, professor) you felt influenced you to pursue this field?

Actually, the professors and mentors I respected attempted to convince me NOT to pursue this field, as they had a very theoretical background. This did not stop me, but helped me think more critically about the scientific fields. I still find them fascinating.

7. What advice do you have for young women who might be interested in the field of science?

If you are really interested in pursuing a science, you should go ahead and pursue it without forgetting that it may require a lot of work, frustration, and long hours. In any case, you should be very critical about the implications and benefits of your work and the work of your colleagues. This will help you become a better researcher and scientist.

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1.	Give a brief description of your job telling what you do, (a day in your life) but also what you do specifically in your position.
	I am a computer scientist, working with high-end virtual reality equipment (i.e. the CAVE). My work is research oriented, as I study the effects of virtual reality in education, in particular children's education. I am also a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science. I work many hours a day (11-12) including weekends and spend most of my time in meetings, or writing my dissertation.
2.	How did you decide upon your career? When did you know you wanted to do it and how did you prepare for it?
	Unfortunately, due to the schooling system, I didn't really decide on my undergraduate degree. I did however decide which graduate direction I would like to take. The reason I chose computer graphics (and virtual reality) is due to the field's relation to art. It is a highly technical field but combines many other disciplines (art, education, medicine, etc.) which makes it a truly interesting and multidisciplinary science. I did not want to limit myself into a highly focused domain of knowledge, but rather seeked breadth in my education.
3.	What is the best thing about your job?
	The research aspect is the best part of my job.
4.	What do you like the least?
	The working environment. The laboratory and offices I work in have no windows. After long hours of work, it is rather unhealthy and quite a surprise to see that the weather has changed and that it has become dark outside.
5.	As a kid, what kinds of things did you do to prepare for this job? What books did you read or what things did you do that let you know you would like this field?
	I didn't really prepare for this job as a child. On the contrary, the books I was reading as a teenager were not scientific but literary and, in some cases, political. The only indication in my personality that made me think I would be good for this field is my organization skills.
6.	Was there any person (parent, teacher, mentor, professor) you felt influenced you to pursue this field?
	Actually, the professors and mentors I respected attempted to convince me NOT to pursue this field, as they had a very theoretical background. This did not stop me, but helped me think more critically about the scientific fields. I still find them fascinating.
7.	What advice do you have for young women who might be interested in the field of science?
	If you are really interested in pursuing a science, you should go ahead and pursue it without forgetting that it may require a lot of work, frustration, and long hours. In any case, you should be very critical about the implications and benefits of your work and the work of your colleagues. This will help you become a better researcher and scientist.