UNK Senior Purnima Maharjan: From Nepal to Tech Leadership
Kearney, NE – Purnima Maharjan, a senior at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), is making waves in the field of information technology. Hailing from a small community in Nepal, her exposure to technology was limited during her childhood, which only fueled her curiosity. "Watching YouTube videos and playing games was unimaginable," she recalls. The family’s first laptop marked a turning point in her life, igniting her passion for learning about technology.
Maharjan embraced the challenges of pursuing a computer science emphasis in high school, determined to challenge societal norms that often suggest tech fields are for boys. Excelling academically, she also founded an after-school tutoring program, supporting younger students in their studies.
Drawn to the U.S. for its tech opportunities, she chose UNK for its quality education and welcoming campus environment. Currently studying information technology and networking, alongside minors in data analytics and visual communication and design, Maharjan’s studies combine both theoretical and practical approaches. Notably, she’s developed an online card game and is working on a capstone project that aims to enhance UNK Dining’s online presence with a prototype website offering useful features for students.
Maharjan is also actively involved in campus organizations, including the International Student Association and Epsilon Pi Tau, where she recently won the Undergraduate Student Essay Award for Region 4. As "honorable basileus," she led the induction ceremony for new members, underlining her leadership skills.
Upon graduating in May 2026, Maharjan aspires to pursue a master’s degree and further her tech career in the U.S. before eventually returning to Nepal, with the goal of improving healthcare access through technology. "Every day brings new learning and innovation in technology," she states, encapsulating a bright future ahead.
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