When Veda Storey, Tull Professor of Computer information
Systems at Robinson, typed the word "bass" into Google, she
was directed to a host of fishing sites. unfortunately, she was
actually searching for a bass guitar for her son. This real-life
scenario is an example Storey uses to explain the focus of her
current research - looking at ways to make computer systems
more intuitive to users' needs. "The internet is a perfect
example," said Storey. "it has evolved into something that
people never envisioned, and now we are looking to develop
ways to make it think more like we do."
Storey's work is internationally renowned, and her research
has been published in top academic journals. but her influence
in the field reaches far beyond just her research. She has taken
on leadership roles at industry conferences throughout the world,
serves or has served on the editorial boards of major journals,
and mentors PhD students. In addition, she helps promote the
advancement of women in technology by mentoring female
faculty throughout the united states and Canada.
But behind the mind of this successful academic lurks the
heart of a musician. "Growing up I would get up three hours
before the school bus came just so I could practice playing
the flute," she said.
Today Storey, who also earned a degree in flute performence
from the Royal Conservatory of Music at the University of
Toronto, splits her time between her academic pursuits and
her passion for music. In addition to a few solo performances, she
sometimes shares the stage with her husband, Gordon Rodgers,
and their seven children, each of whom learned to play the
piano before they were old enough to write their name. "Music
has always been an important part of my and Gordon's life, and
we wanted to pass that down to them," said Storey. Now the
children in this modern-day Von Trapp family play several instruments,
sing, act, and have formed their own rock band - The Seven
Storeys. As she juggles the children's busy schedules of lessons,
school, and rehearsals, and her own responsibilities as an active
faculty member, a research professor, and a mentor, Storey
still finds time to keep her musical muscles limber. "I still get up
each morning before the sun comes up, just like I did when I was
a kid," she said. "It's the one thing I do just for me."
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