Name: Anna Emmerson
What are you working on at the moment?
I'm working on performance-monitoring systems for the Google Photos Android app.
What would you like to be working on in the future?
I love my current job! I'd like to keep working on hard problems with great people :)
What was your view of science/technology/engineering/maths before you took it up?
I always liked maths and loved logic puzzles, so I really enjoyed being introduced to programming in late high school.
Who inspired you during your studies and why?
I have an aunt in New Zealand who is a computer programmer. I remember her describing her job to me when I was a child as problem-solving in the same vein as sudoku or maths puzzles - this sounded great to me!
Because she was the only programmer I knew, I was lucky enough to avoid many of the funny ideas people get into their heads about programming: I never thought that programming was boring or for boring people, and I never thought it was for just for men or for those who have been tinkering with computers since childhood. This was a blessing!
Who inspires you now and why?
I'm lucky enough to work with a great group of friendly, smart, curious and incredibly knowledgeable people who inspire me every day!
Name three of the big issue you think need to be solved (by science or technology)?
- Smart and sustainable urban development
- High-quality, equitable education systems
- Medical diagnostics and treatment.
What advice would you give to the younger you?
Don't be afraid to dive into areas you know nothing about! Nobody is born knowing how science, maths or technology work - we all learn one step at a time.
How do you think Australian society views people in STEM careers?
I think people don't know what is available, or understand how challenging, creative and social professions like software engineering can be. Coding can be hard, but it shouldn't ever be boring.
How do you think we could change that perception?
All school kids should have some exposure to coding, many of them might find (as I did) that they love it!
What are your passions outside of your profession?
I am passionate about literature and language, education, cycling and travel.
What's one assumption people make about you?
I think many people assume that software engineers and tech workers are obsessed with technology to the exclusion of all else. For example, people are often surprised to learn that I studied for a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature as a dual degree alongside my Bachelor of Engineering. It doesn't fit with many people's ideas of what programmers are like.
Meet the other STEM education role models:
Find more STEM resources at: google.com.au/startwithcode
