Computer engineer teaching computing, maths, statistics, development, programming and more. I have more than 10 years of experience in those topics.

Find out more about Dimitris

• 1) Can you tell us about your first experience using a computer?

  I was 12 years old when my family purchased our first one. Back then, computers weren't as popular as they are today, so from a young age I had to become technically proficient quickly. Being young and on a limited budget, I couldn't afford professional repairs, so I taught myself to fix issues by opening the computer and troubleshooting hardware problems. Surprisingly, this hands-on approach often worked! Similarly, I learned to handle software issues independently formatting the system, installing programs, and solving various technical problems. These early experiences made computer science second nature to me and ultimately led me to pursue it professionally as a computer scientist.

• 2) What is the technological evolution that has marked you most and what will be, in your eyes, a turning point in this field?

  AI is transforming our field in a way I haven't seen before. As an educator, I've witnessed how AI tools are changing how students learn programming and problem-solving. They provide immediate feedback and personalized learning paths that were impossible just years ago. Looking ahead, I believe the integration of augmented reality in education will be the next turning point. This technology has the potential to make abstract computing concepts more tangible and interactive for students. My teaching approach focuses on balancing these new technologies with strong fundamentals, ensuring students develop the critical thinking skills needed to adapt to our rapidly evolving digital landscape.

• 3) Explain your expertise, your interest in it and, more broadly, its importance in the computer world.

  I studied computer science and physics, and my expertise lies in the intersection of these two disciplines. My interest stems from how computational methods can solve complex physical problems while physics principles often inspire new computing approaches. This interdisciplinary expertise is increasingly important in today's computer world, from simulation technologies to algorithm optimization. When teaching, I draw on both fields to help students develop stronger analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. This combination gives them a competitive advantage, whether they're pursuing careers in software development, data analysis, or scientific computing.

• 4) Do so-called 'visionaries', such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg inspire you or do you have other role models?

  Not really, I get more inspired by scientists like mathematicians, physicists, and computer pioneers. While business innovators have certainly shaped our digital landscape, my true role models are the theoretical minds who developed the foundational concepts behind computing. People like Alan Turing, Claude Shannon, and John von Neumann who established the mathematical frameworks that make modern computing possible. In my teaching, I emphasize these scientific contributions because they represent the kind of deep, analytical thinking I want to cultivate in my students. Understanding these theoretical foundations helps students become not just programmers, but true problem solvers who can adapt to whatever technological changes come next. It even feels bad not to mention Isaac Newton , Albert Einstein , James Clerk Maxwell , Gauss and so many more but this is not a lesson 😊

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  During my university days, I was struggling with a particularly complex programming assignment involving algorithm optimization. After hours of frustration, I approached the problem differently by applying physics principles specifically thinking about the conservation of resources in computational systems. This interdisciplinary approach led to an elegant solution that my professor later used as an example for the entire class.
  This experience taught me something I now share with all my students: the most difficult technical problems often require stepping outside conventional thinking patterns. With the development of AI, we no longer need to spend excessive time writing code but should focus more on critical thinking. This shift emphasizes what I've always believed: understanding the underlying principles and developing strong analytical skills are more valuable than memorizing syntax. When I teach, I encourage students to cultivate these higher-order thinking skills, as they'll remain relevant regardless of how much the technological landscape changes in the coming years.

• 6) What would you say to an uncomfortable person in front of a screen who says that "IT is too complicated"?

  I would try to show them simple examples so they can see that you can start by learning something helpful and meaningful and build from there. Like in every aspect of life, there are simple things and some more complicated ones. By building up slowly, you can contribute while still learning, and step by step become better and better. I've found that breaking down technology into practical, relevant tasks helps overcome that initial intimidation. When students see they can create something useful after just one or two lessons, their confidence grows naturally. The key is patience and understanding that everyone starts as a beginner—even the most accomplished programmers once struggled with the basics.

• 7) What are your other passions, related or non-related to computers?

  Science is my life and will forever remain my passion. Even when I retire, I will continue teaching, learning, and contributing, though perhaps more selectively. The joy of discovery and the satisfaction of helping students unlock their potential in technical fields drives me daily. That said, I'm very much aware of the importance of balance. I cherish time with friends and family, enjoy exploring nature through walks, and find great fulfillment in traveling to experience new cultures and perspectives. I believe this balance actually enhances my effectiveness as an educator, showing students, that deep scientific curiosity and technical expertise can complement a rich, well-rounded life rather than competing with it. This holistic approach to life and learning is something I hope to inspire my students as well.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in IT?

  I didn't choose teaching—teaching chose me. Since childhood, I've had this natural gift for explanation (for some it was annoying), and it felt almost strange when I realized people would pay me for something that came to me so instinctively. This genuine calling shapes every interaction I have with students.