Name: Charisse Sary
Title: Senior Computer Scientist
Company: Computer Sciences Corporation
How I arrived at my present job (academic and other influences): I started in the field as a computer programming trainee with a college degree in a related field. I went back to school and got a master's degree in Computer Science and got a better job. CSC is my second company since obtaining that degree. I moved to CSC after a contract ended at my previous company.
How I organize my day: I start my day by reading my email. Then I begin working on the task I have been assigned to. If I am working part time on multiple tasks, I usually divide my time between the tasks by days: one day on one task, another day on another task.
Amount of time spent working daily (at home and office): 8-10 hours.
What I do to get myself thinking creatively: Look up examples what other people have done like this. Look at what I have done like this before. Read articles and books on a topic. Think. Dream. Talk to other people for ideas.
My problem-solving strategy: Collect information on a topic, learn as much as I can about how to solve a problem, break down the problem into manageable pieces and solve them individually. If I run into a difficulty, I talk to others, I post a question to a newsgroup, I read more about it.
What I do to relieve stress: Take frequent breaks. Take a walk at work. Relax and breath. Take time out and drink a cup of tea. Walk away from a situation and come back later when I am more calm. Take vacations. Work out. Have acupuncture. Go dancing.
How a negative event changed my life in a positive way: The death of my husband caused me to reevaluate my life.
What values are the most important to me and what I value in others: Honesty, genuineness, hard work, working smartly, ability to learn new things and willingness to learn a new way to do something.
What inspires, motivates, or gets me excited about my job on a daily basis: The ability to solve new problems and learn new things.
Biography:
M.S.E., Computer and Information Science
Two System Sciences Division Technical Excellence Awards (1995, 1997)
Two First Place and Two Honorable Mention Awards in CSC's Honorarium
program for professional papers (1995, 1996, 1998)
Technology/research interests: Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent
Systems
Goals: To continue to work in this field and enjoy my job.
Last Modified:
Location: www.acm.org/crossroads/dayinlife/bios/charisse_sary.html