Studying IT was never something I planned to do, it just sort of happened, and then once I started I discovered I was really good at it. (I won the faculty medal for the highest undergraduate average in our whole faculty!) I have been on both sides of the fence too, having both studied as well as taught IT. I think what is really appealing about IT is the vast range of options it gives you in terms of what type of work you might want to do when you finish.
What is your PHD on?
My PhD is on the declining participation of women in information and communication technology.
Who have been your role models from the IT industry and why?
The women from WIT (Women I IT) who were involved in organizing the Go Girl event in WA (see story: http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php?id=1094909963) have become great role models, but that is only a recent thing.