For 20 years, I’ve been helping people translate ideas into software and digital products, working on a tech team or as a mentor, coach, or educator.
Careers
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Computations for This World and out of This World
In many ways, my career has been chasing chances to do mathematics.
In the post-pandemic world, businesses are often handling a combination of on-site and remote workers. To be successful, this requires a new set of management tools.
In software companies a natural conflict exists between security teams and product delivery teams—one's nature is to slow down progress, the other wants to speed it up. The secret is to view security as an enabler, not a hindrance.
From Eye Tracking to AI-Powered Learning: A Journey through Computing and Manufacturing
My journey through the intertwining worlds of computing and manufacturing began, unexpectedly, in the halls of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Finding the Right Mix of Creativity and Technology
The original Star Wars and The Matrix were pivotal influences in igniting my unshakable fascination with technology-driven creativity.
From UX to Product: An Intentional Career Route
My mother, a stroke-sufferer since her early 20s, is challenged both physically and cognitively. Thus, I was compelled at a young age to study technology and learn how it could improve the lives of everyone — not just the able-bodied.
Long-Term Mentoring for Computer Science Researchers
Reaching out across computer science research communities.
A Career Built on Using Technology to Help Others
Everyone deserves the access and opportunity to have a good and fulfilling life. Technologies can only contribute toward this goal when they are designed from an understanding of what makes a life good for the people concerned.
A Philosopher’s Daughter Navigates a Career in AI
In high school, a friend of my brother who was studying telecommunication engineering spoke to me about the great potential technology holds to improve society. That conversation inspired me to study computer science.
A Computer Scientist with a Biologist’s Ambition: Advance Humanity
I became a computer science student without ever having seen a computer before.
The Many Shapes of a Computer Science Career
When you apply for a career in tech, it often means having to decide: Am I a product manager? A software engineer? A researcher? A designer? Most of us have a variety of skills that don't all neatly fall into one box.
The Making of an IT Strategy Consultant
Years ago, my mentor asked me how I envisioned my career. I replied, "It's important that my work is fun." She replied rather dryly, "You can't live off fun, Kristian."
How a Shopping Mall Trip Inspired Me to Work in Neuro-Symbolic AI
I'll never forget the time — at just six years of age — when my father showed me a toy robot holding a tray and told me that very soon there will be actual robot helpers in our home working for us.
Changing the World Through HCI and UX
You can build the best technology, but if it doesn't meet real needs, it becomes a misdirected effort. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) helps ensure technologies are useful and usable.
How Computing Empowered Me to Tackle Big Problems in Medicine
What have I learned that might be helpful in preparing aspiring computer scientists to lead impactful and meaningful professional lives?
Grace Hopper, Minicomputers, and Megabytes: It's a Fun Career
In 1963, the British government decided to make the world's most powerful computer. The manufacturer, Ferranti, asked would-be buyers to send their best programmers to help. Kodak sent me.
How Music and Programming Led Me to Build Digital Microworlds
The ability to discover and experience world building is a relatively unique privilege afforded to computer programmers.
Obtain a Ph.D. and a Career in Data
Innovative new approaches to learning are enabling people to gain skills that are vital in today's workplace.
Promote Sustainability and Help Underserved Communities
Sustainability is the greatest challenge threatening mankind. The U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals promote solutions for this threat. Computing, through a series of serendipitous events, has enabled me to join this fight.
Enabling Renewable Energy Through Smarter Grids
We have enormous power to change the world through the systems we create. A world with clean air and water in which every person is respected seems like something we can all aspire to.
In a world of nuance and interpretation, the objectivity of math spoke to me (and still does). To be able to use applied math to do science through the use of very large-scale computers was magic.
I can divide my career into three phases: practicing science, enabling science, and advocating for science.
Challenge Yourself by Reaching for the Highest Bar
"Challenge yourself and reach for the highest bar. If you succeed, keep pushing the boundaries," my friend advised when I started my career at IBM Research. These words have been a guiding force in my career ever since.
Shape the Future of Computing
ACM encourages its members to take a direct hand in shaping the future of the association. There are more ways than ever to get involved.
Get InvolvedCommunications of the ACM (CACM) is now a fully Open Access publication.
By opening CACM to the world, we hope to increase engagement among the broader computer science community and encourage non-members to discover the rich resources ACM has to offer.
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