Duane Smith

Duane Smith was always fascinated with technology. "It was something I thought about while growing up. The ability to build a bridge across a bay, to carry people to the moon, and to heal a person with a laser, were some of the things that amazed me," he explains. What all of these things have in common were that they all need computer technology. So it's no wonder, Duane decided to go into computer information systems.

Duane, is a member of the Navajo Nation in Arizona. He currently works for (IBM) in Boulder, Colorado. He is part of a team that supports corporate clients by creating accurate tracking systems for their information and resources. Through his work he gets to engage in negotiations, settle group conflicts, maintain documentation and fix application/coding failures.

When Duane was younger his only concern was finishing high school, he never thought that he would be working for a big multinational company. When he finished high school he got a job working with other engineers whom told him "to go back to school and get that degree [he] deserve[d]." He says finishing his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems with honors, is the most important thing he's ever done.

When working today, Duane inspires himself by remembering how his grandmother would enjoy weaving rugs. "I always wondered how she visualized the result. The beautiful colors she chose, the dazzling patterns, and her dedication, generated something so magnificent. Now I picture the outcome of a project or application. The importance of dedication, planning and generating new ideas, are the architects of the project." That process was sometimes hard to see while he was going to school, "The toughest thing about school was dedication. There were courses I hated but needed to take and pass. Sacrifices had to be made, but once I achieved my goal, I knew I had made the right choice."

In his free time Duane loves reading, running and hiking. He'd like to remind us all that science and math are always around us. When we buy things, cook, plan our time, play sports there's always some sort of math or science involved. "It relates to calculating, hypothesizing, and problem solving. These things take time to become better at. Continue to practice and face it as a challenge," Duane notes. "Conquer it and give it all they got. Just remember [Sir Edmund] Hillary did not conquer Mount Everest alone."