A Conversation With...
Dr. Chandrika Rao

Q: Where did you grow up and how did you get here, (A&M-CC)?

A: I grew up in India. My job brought me to TAMUCC.

Q: What motivates you and has helped you become who you are today?

A: I try to do my level best and work hard to reach any goal I set for myself.

Q: What makes you passionate about your field and teaching students?

A: My interest in the sciences, particularly physics and computer science. Both require problem solving skills and I enjoy working on problems and try solving them.

Q: What course(s) are your favorite to teach?

A: All computer science courses; especially, database Management Systems.

Q: What co-curricular activities are you involved in, and how can students become involved with you in those activities?

A: I joined TAMU-CC in Fall-2003. I will be working on the “Faculty Connect Project” which involves working on an Information System for a local Non Profit Organization. I will be involving about ten sophomores in this project.

Q: Outside of TAMUCC, what extracurricular activities are you involved in; what do you do for fun?

A: I am a member of Coastal Bend India Association (CBIA). CBIA is a local community group for people of India origin. I enjoy gardening. If time permits I try to experiment with new vegetarian recipes.

Q: Who inspired you the most or had the greatest impact during your collegiate experience which directed you to your field of study?

A: My parents have always been a great inspiration to me. Also, I have been fortunate enough that I had many good teachers throughout my schooling years, starting from my elementary school all the way up to my doctorate education. These people who inspired me in their own ways, did it , by not only educating me about the importance of science and education in general, but also by showing me how to be a better a person. I am grateful to each one of them. I am happy that I continue to get opportunities to work with very knowledgeable people. There is really no end to learning.

Q: What is your greatest achievement and whom do you attribute this to?

A: I do not know if I have achieved anything great yet. It is very difficult to define the word GREATEST as it is not a measurable term. However, if you aspire for anything and worked hard towards your goals, and if you succeed, then you could say that you achieved something. I did get an opportunity to study what I wanted to and succeeded too. I have a profession that I wanted to be in and enjoy. However, in the vast ocean of knowledge, mine is like a pebble on the sea shore.

Q: What question does the study of Computer Science attempt to answer?

A: I’ve not been at this University that long, but the course that I teach is Computer Science. In our world, we talk about data all the time; and the amount of data that can be stored. We talk about how to manipulate the data to retrieve information which in turn helps a person or organization to make the right decision. We also use various database tools for web design and implementation. So, I would image the question we attempt to answer is, how we can best help individuals make decisions.

Q: Wouldn’t be caught dead wearing?

A: A bikini or a yellow and red striped dress; in my culture, (I’m from India); you just wouldn’t dare wear anything like that in public.