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60 seconds with ... Professor David Abramson

18 July 2007

Professor David Abramson.

Name: Professor David Abramson
School: Clayton Information Technology
Faculty: Faculty of Information Technology

How long have you been a member of the Monash team?

I have been here for 10 years.

Prior to your work at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?

I was an Associate Professor in the School of Computing and Information Technology, Griffith University, Brisbane.

Have you always had an interest in IT or did your career evolve?

I have always had an interest in technology. I built my first microprocessor-based computer while a university student but had built lots of electronic projects as a school kid.

I got interested in computer architecture at university and pursued a research career because it seemed like fun.

The 1980s were exciting times to be building computers because it was still possible to try new ideas without a large expensive lab. Monash was known internationally for its innovation in computer science and computer systems at the time.

What are some of the challenging aspects of your job?

I have held a number of jobs over the past 10 years -- six of those were as head of a large growing dynamic department. Dealing with a huge range of activities has always been challenging -- from managing and mentoring staff, teaching undergraduates, maintaining a high-profile research career and finding time for my family. An academic might need to switch between these different activities a few times in a typical day.

What advice would you give to students just beginning their IT careers?

Pursue the things you enjoy. Too many people go to work each day but hate their jobs. I have always done what I enjoyed professionally -- fortunately someone was always prepared to pay me to do it!

When you're not reading IT material what do you enjoy reading?

New Scientist for short articles before bed (or during take offs and landing in aircraft when the laptop is turned off). I am reading three books concurrently -- Paul Davies' The Goldilock Enigma on why the universe is just right for life; Ray Kurzweil's The Singularity is Near on the rate of change in technology; and Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion. I also enjoy a good novel when I have time over a break.

Of all the destinations you have visited, where is your favourite and why?

Professionally I always enjoy spending time in the USA -- the technology is so vibrant and the attitude is we can do anything. Israel has always had a strong spiritual and cultural pull. But I have also had the privilege to attend conferences in many interesting places, so it's hard to pick a single favourite.

What is something about you that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?

That I make stained glass windows in my "spare" time. You can see some of these on my web page.