Rimshah Jawad, a student in the Master of Public Informatics (MPI) program at Rutgers’ Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, has shifted her career focus from teaching high school computer science in Pakistan to advancing her expertise in artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Jawad previously taught programming and coding for over ten years, often introducing these subjects to high school students for the first time. “I completed my bachelor’s in electrical engineering, but soon after, I got married and had children,” she said. “Instead of working in that field, I transitioned into teaching, and that’s what I’ve been doing for the past decade.”
She observed significant changes in computer science education during her teaching career. “AI and machine learning started becoming an integral part of what I was teaching. That exposure sparked something in me—I wanted to dive deeper.”
Jawad decided to enroll in the MPI program as a way to both return to her technical roots and strengthen her foundation in emerging technologies. “We live in a world driven by data, and being able to apply it to solve real-world problems is something that truly excites me. I want to be part of that space where technology meets impact,” she said. “The MPI degree isn’t just a career move for me, it’s a second chance to build the kind of impact I’ve always dreamed of.”
As Vice President of Bloustein’s Public Informatics Student Group, Jawad organized a panel on AI’s impact on data science careers and contributed to similar events with the Women’s Leadership group. She noted: “I’ve seen firsthand the barriers that exist in developing countries, and I know this is my chance to do more than what I was doing before. I want to keep learning, keep growing, and use data not just as numbers but as a way to solve real-world problems in meaningful ways.”
She learned about the Bloustein MPI program through recommendations from friends who highlighted its supportive academic environment. As an international student and parent, Jawad faced challenges adjusting but credits Bloustein’s Student Services department with helping her settle into both academic life and family responsibilities.
Mentorship from faculty members has played a key role in Jawad’s experience at Rutgers. “Program director Jim Samuel’s teaching has been pivotal in shaping my interest in AI. I took his studio course, where we worked on a research paper that was submitted to a conference,” she said. Jawad presented the group paper titled ‘MOMCare with AI: A Dual Embedding-based RAG-LLM Chatbot for Postpartum Depression,’ which received an honorable mention at the 2025 New Jersey Big Data Alliance Conference.
She also cited guidance from Professor Clint Andrews as instrumental: “As someone returning to school after a decade away, my advisor, Professor Clint Andrews, provided guidance on how to approach research. His support helped me rebuild my academic confidence and navigate this new phase with clarity.” Professors Radha Jagannathan, Mehmet Kaplan, and Will Payne were also acknowledged for their help with coursework involving real-world data analysis.
Jawad aims for a future where she can use informatics skills within education technology. “I want to apply data-driven insights to improve learning outcomes and educational access,” she said.
Earlier this year, Jawad shared her experiences as a guest on The FirstGen Lounge podcast focused on first-generation students’ journeys through higher education. She advises prospective MPI students: choose universities known for supporting international students.
“At Bloustein, you’ll find faculty and staff who are genuinely friendly, cooperative, and invested in your success,” she said. “The resources are there—you just have to be willing to seek them out and make the most of them. Whether it’s academic guidance, career support, or adjusting to life in a new country, you won’t feel alone here.”
Outside academics, Jawad balances parenting two children while continuing her studies alongside them at home.
This fall semester sees Jawad working with Bloustein Student Services staff welcoming new international students while preparing another conference presentation titled “Unlocking Business Value with Generative AI! Economic Value Assessment for Chatbots and Gen AI ROI Discovery.”
“Balancing graduate school, parenting, and a career change has been a unique journey, but it’s taught me persistence, empathy, and how to make every minute count. I’m passionate about learning things that make a difference, and I’m excited to see where this path leads next,” she concluded.
