Profile
Rachel Dugdale
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About Me:
I’m a computer scientist and have my own business. My days involve a lot of coding! For fun I like to get away from the screen and go outdoors (hiking or gardening), or do crafts and puzzles/games. I live in Bristol with my husband. I’m autistic.
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My pronouns are:
she/they
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My Work:
I’m a computer scientist. I work on artificial intelligence and privacy. At the moment I’m also building a research platform for neurodiversity.
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My Typical Day:
My day always starts with coffee. If I’m working from home (my preference), I try to do some yoga before I sit down to work. Some days I start with meetings – with my team, potential clients, or colleagues. Other days I launch straight in to coding. If I’m not careful, I can lose track of time and forget to break for lunch! In the afternoon I might manage some more coding, or do boring admin things like my accounts or replying to emails.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I’d use the prize money to fund train tickets to allow me to visit more local schools. I can’t drive, so I’m entirely dependent on public transport.
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Employer:
None – I work for myself and own my own company
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
autistic computer scientist
What did you want to be after you left school?
A theoretical physicist
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Once - my maths teacher thought I’d got a question wrong, and I was adamant that I was right, so I got in trouble for answering back. I was right, though (the textbook was on my side!)
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Baking, or maybe running a bookshop
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