GirlGeek of the Week
October 1999

Stephanie Fox

I grew up in St. Louis, MO, and graduated from Princeton University in 1993 with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. I was also on the Varsity Softball team as well as the Varsity Table Tennis team.

Majoring in Computer Science at Princeton was extremely intimidating and difficult, especially since I knew nothing about computers when I started. And the fact that there was only one other woman in my entire class did not help. But I was fascinated by computers and the logic involved in programming, and so I stuck it out and made it through.

After graduating, I worked as a computer programmer/consultant for American Management Systems in Northern Virginia for two years. I was also a volunteer assistant softball coach at George Mason University from 1993-95, and the head softball coach at Eastern Illinois University from 1995-97. I then headed out west to California and began working as the systems administrator and web designer for MentorNet.

When did you first discover your love and/or obsession with computers and technology?

When I first started college, I knew nothing about computers, but I decided to take some classes and give it a shot. I think I was hooked from that point on. I have always loved figuring out logic puzzles or math problems, and for me working with computers is like solving different logic puzzles all day long.

How do you earn a living?

I am the systems administrator and web designer at MentorNet, a national electronic mentoring program for women students in engineering, science, and math. As the systems administrator and web designer for MentorNet, I have designed, implemented, and supported a successful web site and database systems, including creating an automated matching program which implements complex algorithms for matching and sorting mentors with students.

Most days I am going in about 20 different directions, but it has been a great opportunity for me to broaden my technical expertise and help women students at the same time.

Do you consider yourself a Geek?

I'm not sure how to answer that question. I love computers, but I do not spend much of my time away from work on the computer. I think I could if I let myself, but there are so many other things I enjoy doing. However I just tried the GirlGeeks Geek-O-Meter, and it said I was definitely a Geek.

What is your favorite Web site?

www.mentornet.net (Just a little plug for MentorNet :)

What do you do when you are not working?

I play soccer, softball, tennis, and any other sport I can think of. I like to hike, travel, play cards, play with my 6 cats, and explore the Bay Area.