Oksana is our Director of Systems Engineering and valuable addition to the team.
Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
I grew up in Uzbekistan in its capital city, Tashkent, where I went to school. I was there until I was 19 years old.
What sparked your interest in Science?
From a very early age, I’ve been one who goes very deep trying to understand anything or any question that I have. I need to dig and dig until I reach the bottom to know everything or read books about it, so this naturally makes many people call me scientific.
Did you have any specific role models? If so, who were they?
Everyone I’ve met in my life, no matter what impact they had or whether they were bad people or difficult people. Especially difficult people. A lot of them taught me lessons. I don't have one role model.
What would you say to a young person considering a career in science or computers?
Be open-minded and learn fast. Don't be afraid to try.
What is important to you personally? I.e.what things do you value most in life?
Integrity. On a personal level and an organizational level as well. Be true to yourself, hold onto your values, and be who you are. Don't be afraid of that. That's what's important.
What are some of the challenges you have faced either in your career or personally that you feel have helped you become the successful person you are?
I actually mentioned that in regards to an earlier question. Difficult people all kind of shape me, as they say. When everything is smooth, no traction, then there is nothing to change. But when you have traction, when you have problems, failures, mistakes, or difficult people, that's where you get most of the shaping which helps me very much all the time. We need to befriend our problems always.
What do you enjoy about being part of the Studylog team?
We are a perfect match. I feel the freedom to be myself, which I like very much. Not every company gives this feel, great culture, of course. You have a wonderful impact, kind people here, open-minded, and also cross-functional work. Definitely.
Do you have a favorite Studylog feature?
Maybe I'm a software engineer to the bones, again just like I mentioned, I go into depth in many other areas as well, but in this conversation, I’m a software engineer to the bones. I really like the architecture, how object-oriented it is, but there are too many features, I can’t pick only one.
What do you do for fun?
I love taking fun day trips. When I go, I don't know where or what I’m going to do. I'm just going somewhere. I may be driving with my girl or myself finding random adventures one after another, completely forgetting about any plans or problems, and returning in the evening when the light is gone and fully refreshed. I also like photography and art. I also, sometimes create some art out of spirit or inspiration. I love listening to music or dancing, and mostly all of my fun activities are around learning, exploration, and creation.
