Long before she ever worked behind the scenes solving technology problems, Sirjana Yadav was simply another student looking for a quiet place to study. 

 
When she first visited UTA, one of the things that stood out most was the library. It wasn't just the resources or technology, but the atmosphere. 

 
"I remember thinking how calm it felt," Yadav said. "I could picture myself studying here." 

 
Today, that same space has become much more than her favorite study spot. 

 
As a student technology assistant with UTA Libraries' Library Systems & Technology department, Yadav helps create that same dependable experience for thousands of students, faculty and staff. Whether troubleshooting computers, responding to technical issues or keeping systems running smoothly, much of her work happens behind the scenes. Most visitors will never know her name, but many benefit from her work every day. 

 
It is a role that fits someone who has spent much of her life adapting to new places. 

Born in Nepal, Yadav moved with her family to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, when she was three after her father accepted a job there. During high school, her family relocated to Texas in search of new educational opportunities. 

 
"Moving here opened so many opportunities for my siblings and me," she said. "I've really grown to love this country." 

 
When choosing a university, UTA stood out for its STEM programs, welcoming campus and focus on student success. With an older sister already enrolled, she was already familiar with campus, but it was the sense of belonging that confirmed her decision. 

 
That feeling led her to apply for a student position at the Libraries. 

 
"I wanted a place where I could grow, meet people and develop professionally," she said. "This job felt like the perfect fit." 

 
Yadav is pursuing a degree in data science with a concentration in psychology, combining statistical analysis with the study of human behavior. Whether working with health data or research datasets, she enjoys finding patterns that answer complex questions. 

 
Those same skills serve her daily in Library Systems & Technology. 

 
Each day brings something different. She might help resolve a computer issue, assist with hardware upgrades, troubleshoot technical problems or work with the Office of Information Technology to keep systems running smoothly. 

 
While technical in nature, she says the work is really about people. Every request is a chance to help someone continue teaching, learning or researching without interruption. 

 
One of the biggest changes during her time at UTA Libraries has been her own growth. 

When she first joined, Yadav described herself as quiet and reserved. 

 
"I was very reserved," she said. "I just wanted to do my work." 

Over time, working with the Library Systems & Technology team helped her become more confident communicating, collaborating and stepping outside her comfort zone. 

 
"They encouraged me to meet people and communicate more," she said. "That has helped me grow so much." 

 
That growth is also visible to her supervisors. 

 
Technology Support Specialist Ralph Castro said Yadav quickly became a dependable member of the team. 

 
"Although she is the most recent hire, she's taken to the job very well," Castro said. "She works early too, which is great for Kristol and me. We have someone in the morning to take care of things before the rush. Customers enjoy her enthusiasm, and she often works both independently and with us. She has a great attitude, knows where she needs to improve, and makes strides to do so. I've had staff members tell me I made a great hire." 

 
Yadav also credits Library Systems & Technology Director Walter Betts for fostering an environment where student employees can learn and grow. 

 
Castro added that trust in student employees is essential to the department's daily operations. He noted that Yadav been a real asset to the department.  

“She able to work independently alongside other technicians, which works well given that each of us has distinct responsibilities that don’t always overlap,” Castro said. “As a supervisor, it’s a relief knowing I don’t have to constantly check in on their progress, she consistently stays on task, which makes my job much easier”. 

 
Those experiences have strengthened more than her technical abilities. They've built confidence, communication skills and teamwork she knows will serve her long after graduation. 

 
Outside the classroom and library, Yadav enjoys painting, photography, reading, cooking and baking. Her creativity reflects the cultures that have shaped her life from Nepal to the United  
 

Arab Emirates and now the United States. 

 
She especially enjoys photography, often taking graduation portraits for friends, and hopes to grow that passion alongside a career in data science. She also enjoys painting landscapes and baking, especially chicken momo, a traditional Nepali dumpling, along with cakes for family and friends. 

 
Yadav plans to graduate in 2027 and hopes to become a data scientist or data analyst, blending analytical thinking with creativity to solve meaningful problems. 

 
For now, she is focused on helping the UTA community, one technology solution at a time. 

The work of Library Systems & Technology often happens out of sight. Computers work; software functions and classrooms stay connected because dedicated employees make it possible.  
 
Student employees like Sirjana Yadav are an essential part of that effort. 

 
Her journey has taken her from Nepal to the United Arab Emirates and now to UTA, where she helps create the same welcoming environment that first drew her in as a student. With every issue she resolves and every system she helps maintain, she makes daily life easier for the people around her. 

 
UTA Libraries is grateful for the professionalism, curiosity and kindness Sirjana brings to the team. We are proud to support her journey and look forward to seeing the impact she will continue to make long after she leaves UTA.