1) If you are not from Tokyo, where are you from originally and when and why did you relocate to Tokyo?
I’m originally from Vancouver, Canada, and moved to Kyoto this past April to do research in robotics and music processing. Japan’s robot hardware is light years ahead of what I’ve seen in North America, so it was a clear choice to move here to pursue research in robotics. If you’ve ever compared YouTube videos of Japan’s Asimo with videos of the U.S.’ Big Dog, you’ll know what I mean! (If not, please Google it – the difference is quite scary.)
2) How long have you been a member of DigitalEve Japan?
I just joined this month!
3) How did you find out about DigitalEve Japan and why did you decide to join?
I actually saw an ad for DigitalEve Japan when browsing The Japan Times Online. Originally I just wanted to learn a bit more about the upcoming elections in Japan, and well, you know what happens when you start surfing …
DigitalEve Japan piqued my interest because I used to be active in similar women-in-technology groups in Canada and the U.S. There’s something special about discussing, brainstorming, building, coding, designing and hanging out with other women, and I miss that now that I’m in a lab with mostly guys once again.
4) If you are a volunteer, please tell us of your activities and why you decided to help DEJ.
I’ll be working on the monthly newsletter as an English editor. I’d like to learn about the amazing lives the members lead and communicate them to fellow DEvas, to inspire both myself and others.
5) Are there any activities and resources you would like to see offered by DigitalEve Japan?
Not sure yet – I look forward to learning about what’s currently being offered!
6) What are your interests in digital technology?
I’m a programmer by trade; C++, Java, Python are my tools to make cool things like robot controllers (and backend software?)…
7) What kind of computer do you use?
A shiny new MacBook 13″. Really, it’s brand new, and to be honest, I haven’t quite figured out how to use everything yet…
8 ) Are you a member of any other technology-related groups and if so, which ones?
I’m on another mailing list called Systers, which is an international group for women in technology.
9) Please tell me a little bit about where you work and what your responsibilities are.
I’m a Research Student at Kyoto University’s Speech Media Processing group. Right now, my responsibility lies in learning Japanese. Starting in October, I’ll be doing research in musical robot accompaniment before heading into a somewhat delayed Masters.
10) Do you have any favorite software programs? If so, why?
Picasa. I love taking pictures, and Picasa’s “I’m Feeling Lucky” photo adjustment button works like a dream. In fact, I prefer adjusting and cropping my photos in Picasa (rather than Photoshop, for example) because of the great user interface.
11) What is your favorite computer-related activity? (for example, games, email, surfing the net, etc.) Do you have any other hobbies?
I like looking up recipes and reading cooking blogs. My other hobby is making said food; for example, right now I’m trying to grow my own yeast starter. I also like playing the flute (but first I need to build a robot accompanist…).
12) What is your favorite website and why?
JustHungry.com. The author, Maki, is not only an amazing cook, but an amazing technologist who has a keen eye for design and usability, and is a great writer to boot.
13) Name three things you will always find near your computer.
Travel mug filled with either tea or coffee, my watch (because I always take it off when I type), and my fiance (because he’s usually computing alongside me).