UA Little Rock Doctoral Student Recognized as a ‘New Face of Tech’

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock doctoral student is gaining national recognition for her work and potential in technology.

Mayor Inna Gurung, a Ph.D. candidate in computer and information science, has been named a recipient of the New Face of Tech Scholarship from the 1,000 Dreams Fund, an organization that supports women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

The New Face of Tech Scholarship, designed to address the underrepresentation of women in technology and leadership roles, provides funding and recognition to help students access professional opportunities and advance their careers. Winners are selected from across the country and represent a diverse group of women who demonstrate strong ambition and leadership potential in the future of tech.

Originally from Nepal, Gurung came to UA Little Rock to pursue her doctoral degree in 2021. Before coming to the United States, she worked as a software developer for two years — an experience that helped shape her career goals.

“During that time, I was the only woman on my development team, which made me realize how underrepresented women can be in technology,” she said. “That experience motivated me to continue growing in STEM and to encourage more women to pursue careers in tech.”

Gurung said she was honored to receive this award, noting that opportunities like this are especially meaningful for international students. 

“As an international student, scholarships like this make a significant difference and help us continue aiming higher in our goals,” she said. 

She plans to use the funding to attend an upcoming conference where she will present her research, learn from others in her field, and connect with professionals.

Gurung said she hopes to use the skills in data and technology she has developed through her training at UA Little Rock to help make technology more accessible in different sectors, especially in underserved areas.

Her experience at UA Little Rock played an integral role in her academic and professional development, she said, helping shape her into the researcher she is today. She said the research environment and mentorship she has received have been especially impactful.

“Like many Ph.D. students, I faced challenging periods during my program, but the support from faculty and staff helped me continue moving forward,” she said. “The research environment and mentorship here have helped me strengthen both my technical knowledge and my resilience as a researcher.”

Gurung highlighted several mentors who have influenced her journey, including her advisor, Dr. John R. Talburt, as well as Dr. M. Eduard Tudoreanu, Shames Al Mandalawi, and Brian Butler. She said these faculty and staff members have offered invaluable encouragement and moral support throughout her journey at UA Little Rock.

“Mayor Inna has been a real breath of fresh air since joining my research team,” Talburt said. “She not only has great technical skills, she has a wonderful personality and infectious enthusiasm for her work and for working with others. This scholarship recognition is certainly well deserved.”

She said the recognition motivates her to work even harder towards her goals and to support other women striving to build careers in this often male-dominated field.

“Personally, it reminds me that the work I am doing matters,” Gurung said. “Professionally, it strengthens my commitment to helping women and young people explore education and career opportunities, especially in STEM fields.” 

After graduation, Gurung hopes to build a career in data-driven decision-making, using her technical expertise to contribute to projects with positive social impact. Her long-term goals include working with organizations focused on education, youth development, and expanding technology access.

She also encourages other students, especially women interested in technology, to stay persistent while pursuing their goals.

“The journey can be challenging, but obstacles are temporary,” she said. “If you stay focused and keep learning, you will move forward. If I can do it, so can you.”