Name: Carol H. LeDoux
Title: Engineering Specialist
Company: The Aerospace Corporation
How I arrived at my present job (academic and other influences): It was my "practice" interview.
How I organize my day: Start by reviewing e-mail, snail mail, phone calls. Attend scheduled meetings. Work at desk.
Amount of time spent working daily (at home and office): Average 6 hrs/day (went on part-time, 2yrs ago)
What I do to get myself thinking creatively: Read journals.
My problem-solving strategy: Consider cost & schedule first, then brainstorm over options.
What I do to relieve stress: Used to ride my bike or work out; now I like to just relax.
My hero, mentor, or person I most admire and why: My 2-yr old son.
What I do to mentor those who work for me: Used to be active in Women's Committee and local ACM; too busy now.
How a negative event changed my life in a positive way: I was turned down for a research job at IBM after completing my PhD; went on to have a positive influence in real-life work.
One event or decision in my life I wish I could go back and change: I had a summer job as a "secretary" for a small computer start-up company in Berkeley, CA. The company folded, but the employees went on to start Xerox PARC. Some of them are still big names in the computer field. This was in summer 1969. Instead of going back to the company when I finished my B.A. (in math) at Univ Conn, 6 mos later, I stayed in Connecticut and got married (2 bad decisions). 5 yrs later, I divorced and moved back to Calif, but the timing was wrong.
What values are the most important to me and what I value in others: Family, integrity.
What inspires, motivates, or gets me excited about my job on a daily basis: The people I work with are experienced and experts in their field.
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Location: www.acm.org/crossroads/dayinlife/bios/carol_ledoux.html