I am a software engineer at Google. The views and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I’m originally from the UK, and have a BSc (hons) from the University of Edinburgh in 2007. I spent some time pursuing a Masters degree in Computer Science at the University of Ottawa (started September 2008), but left for a number of reasons. I’ve worked in the US and Shanghai as a programming instructor, trained in martial arts in China and qualified as a ski instructor (CSIA Level 2). I also developed the programming curriculum that was taught across the US and in Shanghai for the 2009 season. My latest curriculum is entirely visual and was created for the University of Ottawa. It is available for anyone to use, and can be found here.

Fall 2009, I TA’d CSI 1706 (“Éléments de programmation pour la gestion”), and spring 2010 ITI 1521 (“Introduction à l’informatique II”). I was also a ski instructor at Edelweiss for the 2010 season. Summer 2010 I spent in Extreme Blue at IBM. I give talks semi-regularly, you can find a list on my Media page.

My research was about Social Networking and Web 2.0 – specifically I’m interested in influence and conversation on Social Networks, I write about that work here. I also write about my personal experience as a graduate student, and as a woman in computer science. For the reasoning behind the name “Accidentally in Code”, see this post. I spend a lot of time thinking about, writing about and using Twitter – I’m @catehstn.

I was the Instigator of Awesome for Awesome Ottawa, but have since stepped down. Currently, I am a Co-Conspirator and Trustee at Awesome Foundation KW. Every month, we give $1000 to help make the city more awesome – no strings attached. Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on what we’re doing!

I’m one of the Organizers of Girl Geek Dinners KW. We run regular events for women in the area to get together for dinner and listen to an interesting talk. Interested in coming to our next event? We’re on Twitter.

I’m also an Editor at CompSci Woman, a blog by and for women in Computer Science. Interested in writing for us? Get in touch!

Whilst at uOttawa I was President of the Women in Science and Engineering uOttawa Chapter. You can find out more about what they do on the blog, twitter, and through the Facebook group.

Like my blog header? I do! It was created for me by Chris Olsen.