Middlesex College Students Selected for AI for Impact Community College Fellowship

Middlesex College students Laila Diaz and Hassan Ibrahim are two of five students selected statewide for the AI for Impact New Jersey Community College Fellowship, a semester-long experiential learning program in partnership with the New Jersey State Office of Innovation. The two computer science students were chosen out of over 250 applications.   

The Fellowship pairs community college students with professional advisors at the New Jersey State Office of Innovation, providing hands-on experience in applying artificial intelligence to address government challenges and drive innovation in the public sector. The students work 20 hours per week, receiving stipends for their participation, while continuing their academic studies and gaining meaningful work-based learning experience.  

“As technology rapidly adapts to our world’s growing needs, we are proud to have students who are prepared to meet those challenges head on,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. “Hassan and Laila being selected for this highly competitive statewide fellowship underscores their exemplary skillset in an emerging field as well as the College’s commitment to nurturing student curiosity to become innovators and leaders in our community.” 

Ibrahim applied for the Fellowship because of his interest in using artificial intelligence in an ethical way. His current project is working with a machine learning model to streamline IT ticketing.  

“I was interested in seeing how AI systems work in a regulated, government setting,” said Ibrahim. “There are negative effects to AI with image generation usage, and that lack of consent. I wanted to be able to work with the technology respectfully to see how it can make a positive impact.”  

The idea of working with technology in the government excited Diaz, who aspires to make it her career. She applied to this program to gain practical experience and technical skills to address real government challenges. Her current project in the program is creating an AI Slack bot for engineers to search through data easily and find source citations.  

“I would love to specialize in cybersecurity working for the government,” said Diaz. “I feel like working in government is like working for my community.”  

The AI for Impact Fellowship is administered through a partnership with the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, with generous funding support from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and hosted by the New Jersey State Office of Innovation. Diaz and Ibrahim will be honored at a ceremony hosted by the Council in May. 

For computer science students seeking to succeed at Middlesex College, Diaz says to look for hands-on opportunities early, as they can teach you things that your classes don’t always cover. On campus she is an active member of the Computer Science Club, Black Student Union, and Environmental Science Club. 

“Don’t be afraid to start small,” says Diaz. “Persistence is everything.”