The tool-builders for the Internet age
Jim Dowling, age 37, is an Assistant professor at KTH School of Information and Communication Technology since November 2011. His discipline is Systems software.
Why did you choose to work and teach within Systems software?
– I work in the field of systems research. Systems researchers are the tool-builders for the Internet age. We build the platforms that enable services such as YouTube, Facebook, iTunes, online banking, and even storing the massive amounts of data generated by the CERN particle collider. I work in the field, as I am interested in building things, understanding how they work, and making an impact on how computers will improve our quality of life.
Systems software involves the scientific study, analysis, modelling and engineering of effective software platforms. The main research challenges in our field are the development of dependable, high-performance, and secure systems. The goal of systems research is to provide the building blocks for IT services and applications. Companies such as Google, Facebook and Yahoo are based on key advances in the area of systems software.
Where did you work before coming to KTH?
– I have previously worked as a lecturer at Trinity College Dublin (2001-2005), at MySQL AB in Stockholm (2005-2007), and at the Swedish Institute of Computer Science as a senior researcher (2007-2011).
What is the most challenging thing about teaching at a university today?
– One challenge when teaching young students is managing the transition from a less challenging school environment to the demands of a quality third-level education. After that, teachers have the responsibility of helping students engage in independent and group learning to equip them with the skills necessary for a knowledge-based society.
