HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) senior Hadiya Amini has always been interested in how technology can create new opportunities. After discovering computer science through the Girls Can Code program in high school, she went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Sciences at Harrisburg University.
Now, Hadiya is taking her interest in technology beyond the classroom as a participant in the Pennsylvania House Fellowship Program for fall 2026. Through the fellowship, she will gain firsthand experience with state government and the legislative process while working at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.
We spoke with Hadiya about her journey into computer science, her decision to attend HU, and what she is looking forward to during her fellowship.
Why did you choose to pursue your field?
My interest in technology started when I was in 11th grade. At that time, I was accepted into the Girls Can Code (GCC) program. Through the program, I was introduced to computer science and learned about web development and technologies. That experience opened a completely new world for me and played a major role in my decision to pursue computer science.
Why did you choose to study at Harrisburg University?
I chose Harrisburg University because of its strong focus on science and technology and the opportunities it provides for students to gain practical experience. As a computer science student, I wanted to attend a university where I could build my technical skills while also working on projects that connect what I learn in the classroom to real-world problems.
Tell us more about this fellowship program that you have been selected for. What does the program entail? What encouraged you to apply and what does being selected mean to you?
I have been selected for the PA House Fellowship Program for fall 2026. The fellowship gives college students an opportunity to gain firsthand experience with state government and learn more about the legislative process while working at the PA State Capitol. I applied because I have become very interested in the intersection of technology and public policy. I want to understand how decisions and policies surrounding technology are made and how those decisions affect communities.
Being selected for this fellowship means a lot to me because it directly connects with my future academic and career goals. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. focused on technology policy and women’s involvement in STEM, particularly in technology.
I see this experience as an important step toward my long-term goal of using my background in computer science to contribute to research and policies that encourage and support more women to enter and succeed in STEM fields.
What are you most looking forward to about working at the PA State Capitol?
I am looking forward to seeing how the legislative process works in real life. We often hear about laws and policies after they have already been created, but I am interested in understanding what happens behind the scenes: how ideas are discussed, researched, developed, and eventually turned into policy.
I am also excited to meet and learn from people working in state government. As someone interested in technology policy, I think understanding how government operates will be very valuable for my future. I am especially interested in seeing how decisions made at the state level can directly affect communities across Pennsylvania.
How has your experience at HU prepared you for this opportunity?
My experience at Harrisburg University has prepared me for this opportunity in many ways. Courses such as Steppingstone and Keystone have helped me develop professional skills, think about my career goals, improve my interview techniques, and, in general, prepare for opportunities beyond the classroom.
I also participated in the HU Research Symposium, where I had the opportunity to present my EEE (Education, Entertainment, Enjoy) project and communicate my ideas to others.
In addition, many of my classes and project-based courses have required presentations and research. These experiences have helped me become more confident in public speaking, which I believe will be especially valuable when I present my final project during the fellowship at the PA State Capitol.
How have your professors supported you throughout your journey at HU?
My professors at HU have been an important part of my journey, and their support has gone beyond simply teaching course material. I was originally accepted into the fellowship for spring 2026, but because I was a full-time student and my class schedule conflicted with the fellowship, I was unable to accept the opportunity. It was difficult for me to give up an opportunity that I was very excited about.
Before reapplying for fall 2026, I spoke with Professor Brian Grey about my situation. He helped me think through my schedule and even came with me to speak with Professor Phil Grim, whose class I am taking this fall. Professor Grim was very understanding and agreed to allow me to take the class asynchronously.
After that conversation, I realized that sometimes we just need to communicate with our professors, explain the opportunities we are pursuing, and ask if there is a way to make things work. I then spoke with Professor Shahnoor Shanta, who was also very supportive and agreed to allow me to complete her class asynchronously. Their flexibility and support made it possible for me to continue as a full-time student while accepting this fellowship.
Having professors who are willing to listen, understand students’ goals, and support their academic and professional growth has made a meaningful difference in my experience at HU.
Looking back on other experiences you have had at HU, are there any that have been the most impactful or memorable?
One of my most memorable experiences at HU was participating in the University’s Research Symposium. I had the opportunity to present a project called EEE, which stands for “Education, Entertainment, Enjoy.” It was an iOS application concept designed as a short-video learning platform, particularly with girls and women in mind.
That experience was important to me because it allowed me to connect computer science with something I care deeply about: education and access to opportunities. Presenting the project also helped me become more comfortable explaining technical ideas to others and showed me that technology can be used to address social challenges.
What are your career goals after graduation?
After graduation, I would like to continue my education and eventually pursue a Ph.D. My long-term goal is to work at the intersection of technology and public policy.
I am particularly interested in issues involving women in STEM, access to technology, and education. I want to use my computer science background to understand technology from a technical perspective while also studying how policies can make technology and STEM opportunities more accessible to different communities.
Ultimately, I hope my career allows me to contribute to research and policies that create more opportunities for women and girls in technology.
What advice would you give to other HU students who are interested in pursuing opportunities outside the classroom?
When I came to the United States at the end of 2021, I did not even know that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives existed. Five years later, I now have the opportunity to work there. It took me five years to reach this point.
For someone else, achieving their goal might take less time or even longer. The way I think about it is that five years are going to pass anyway. The question is, when those five years pass, will you be closer to what you wanted, or will five years have passed without you working toward it?
My advice to other HU students is to keep working toward their goals, even when things do not go the way they expected.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, analytics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, nursing, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Director of Communications for Harrisburg University, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100 ext. 1724.
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