GirlGeek of the Week
June 2000

Meighan Makarchuk

As a little girl, Meighan could often be found taking apart electronic appliances for fun. Soon enough a 486 clone beckoned to her and she fell in love, spending hours in role playing games and chat rooms. Hoping to spend even more time at the terminal, she delved into the Web. As a self-taught HTML and Photoshop head, she was never far from a computer, creating Websites and digital graphics.

Like so many geeks Meighan has put her love of tech to work. She develops professional sites, including a large government project to revamp and relaunch an online market site. She says, "It was a challenge, and I loved it." She couldn't be happier doing a geeks work.

How do you earn a living?

I'm a Web developer / graphic artist for a company here in Vancouver. This is my regular 9-5 job, but I'm always taking on side projects.

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

I've always been obsessed with computers. I think I first realized how obsessed I was when I was in high school, and would stay home nights just so I could spend more time on my computer! I was the only girl at my school who was really into computers, and the only female member of the "tech team" that worked on and fixed the computers in the school. My love for computers is my job now, I do coding mainly, but my true love is in designing and creation of graphics.

Do you consider yourself a Geek?

Yeah, I can't really deny it. And anyway it seems that the word "geek" is now more of a compliment than a put down. I'm proud to be a geek.

What is your favorite Website?

Slashdot.org is definitely my favorite site, I spend so much time reading there! The multitude of information plus the discussion area is great. But the guys over at userfriendly.org make me laugh :) Also fray.com has great content and wonderful design.

What do you do when you are not working?

Usually when I'm not working I'll still be at my computer, chatting on IRC and ICQ or working on graphics and coding for my web projects. When I can tear myself away from the screen, I'll read, draw or spend time with my better half and our friends. I like to travel when I can, but being so busy I haven't been able to go anywhere interesting lately.