Lori Rae Russell Dağ is an instructor in the Department of Computer Engineering. She received her MS in Computer Engineering in 2006 at Atılım University. Her areas of interest are object oriented programming, database management systems and computer applications. She is currently teaching Intro to Data Analysis (CS125).
Why did you choose an academic career?
It happened by accident. I had moved to Turkey, and when I moved to Bilkent, there was an opening in one of the departments. I originally started teaching in the two-year vocational school, and I loved it.
Why/how did you choose Bilkent? What do you like the most about being at Bilkent?
I chose Bilkent mainly because my husband had a job here. Also, Bilkent has always had such a good reputation. The environment, campus and the students are also reasons why I chose it.
What projects are you working on currently?
Generally, as an instructor, I do not do research.
What’s your best work?
The students. During my years at Bilkent, I have taught students from many different departments. I started with the two-year vocational school. I moved to the Department of Education, Computer and Technology, teaching education. And then, after moving to the CS department, I taught the students there. Seeing how much they can achieve makes them my best work.
What excites you about your work? What’s the coolest thing about your work?
I find interacting with the students exciting. Every semester there are new topics, new people. I learn a lot. Even though I teach generally the same courses, every semester the students change, and they teach me something that I did not know. I learn from their new approaches to topics.
Could you share a turning point or defining moment in your career?
A couple of years ago, I was nominated for the distinguished teaching award at Bilkent. I was very happy to be nominated, but what made me proud was when I received the nomination package and heard feedback from my former students.
What’s one piece of information from your field that you think everyone should know?
You can never stop learning. Learning how to learn is the most important thing. Everything changes with the new technologies. One should know how to learn new things, and this will lead to success.
When and where do you do your best thinking?
Coffee Break on Main Campus.
What distracts you?
Silence.
What are you most curious about?
As an instructor, finding different ways to reach different students. I’m also curious about new technologies.
What’s the most common misconception about your work?
From the students’ perspective, it is important to know that as your instructors, we are on your team. We want you to be successful, we want you to use us as much as you can. Of course, I do not know everything, and I learn a lot from my students too. It is a two-way street.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like enjoying the campus, going for walks. I spend time with my family and read.
Which books have influenced you the most, and why?
“You Are Not a Gadget” by Jaron Lanier. It really made me think about the dangers of technology and about understanding and teaching technology.
If you weren’t an academician, what career would you choose?
When I graduated from high school, I went to university and my first field was teaching. I switched to Informatics and Computer Engineering and then went back to teaching. So, I guess I wouldn’t choose something else. Maybe I’d become a chef.
What’s the secret to leading a happy life?
I do not know. Just finding something you enjoy and doing it.
If you could go back to your graduate/undergraduate student years, what advice would you give your younger self.
The best way to learn is to teach. When you are trying to learn, learn as much as you can. There is no end and there are no regrets in learning. Have as many experiences as possible. Expose yourself to as many fields as possible. Do not limit yourself to what is taught in class. Dig deeply because you will appreciate what you will find. Try to get as much as possible from your university experience.
