Middlesex College Students Recognized for Exceptional Research in Commercial Operations Barriers 

In an industrious hub like New Jersey, there is a complex web of moving parts that support a vital business infrastructure. In the pursuit of learning more about this process, Middlesex College students Anna Rivera and Carl Davis participated in a summer policy research internship that sought to identify operations obstacles in warehouses for the Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey and the New Jersey chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (CREDA NJ). The two were recognized with the Student Award at the CREDA NJ President’s Award and Hall of Fame Ceremony for their work on this project. 

“Carl and Anna are proof that great things happen when you give talented students a real opportunity,” said CREDA NJ Chief Executive Officer Dan Kennedy. “Their hard work, curiosity, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our chapter. We’re incredibly proud of them both and grateful to Middlesex College for helping develop students like these.”  

Rivera and Davis spent much of their internship sifting through local ordinances and interviewing stakeholders to identify barriers. 

“I wanted to make a positive impact, and this was the way I could do it on the largest scale possible,” said Davis. “The Port Newark supply chain fuels not just New Jersey but the entire tri-state area and beyond. I’m still in college, what else could I do that would make a bigger difference than helping to identify and address obstacles to that economic engine?” 

Davis worked in manual labor trades before shifting to higher education after an injury put his career plans on hold. He enrolled at Middlesex College in Fall 2025, and says that his love for research and configuring complicated networks made the internship an exciting challenge. 

“I just feel so grateful. I remember when I started school, how intimidating every aspect of higher education was. This experience helped prove to myself that even if I’m not a traditional student, I can still excel,” said Davis. 

Since enrolling, the Edison native has thrived on campus. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, a Bonner Leader, and was elected vice president of the Political Science Club. He plans to graduate in Spring 2027 with a degree in business administration, using his education to open doors for others the way he felt they were opened for him at Middlesex College.  

For Rivera, the internship piqued her interest in getting real-world policy experience. 

“Research like this can become a bill, and a bill can move through the legislature and change lives. Being part of that process, even at this early stage, is an honor,” said Rivera. 

Rivera, an East Brunswick resident, is also active on campus as vice president of the Student Government Association, a student transfer advocate, Honors Program scholar, and College Assembly representative, and president of the Political Science Club. She hopes to continue studying and working in public policy as a political science major, and was honored to have been recognized for her efforts on this project.  

“This award means helping open doors and bringing fresh perspectives into professional spaces that haven’t always had room for everyone. As a Latina, I’m proud to represent my background in rooms where it hasn’t always been represented,” said Rivera. “Progress starts with individuals, and I walk into those spaces with enthusiasm and new ideas.”