Meet Aabir Rashid 

“Rutgers goes the extra mile in accommodating its students, regardless of gender, religion, and race, especially within the School of Engineering. As a Muslim-American, I’ve benefited from organizations like Rutgers’ Center for Islamic Life that assists Muslim students with many important services.” – Aabir Rashid  

Civil Engineering (CE) major Aabir Rashid will be joining Turner Construction, where he worked as an on-site field engineering intern this past summer, as a full-time field engineer in September 2024. The previous summer, he gained hands-on experience as a traffic engineering intern at Dewberry Engineers. These internships have familiarized him with what will be expected from him as a full-time civil engineer. He hopes to obtain his Professional Engineering license in the future and to pursue a master’s degree in CE in the next few years.  

Why Rutgers?  

I chose Rutgers due to its great location, and its closeness to home having lived my entire life in Central New Jersey. It’s a short train ride from New York City and Philadelphia, not to mention that it has an incredible alumni network across the country that helps provide essential connections to many industries. 

Why civil engineering? 

It’s a best of both worlds major, where I could learn about scientific and technical concepts that challenge my problem-solving skills, while combining my interest in policy and community-oriented development. With ever-growing concerns of environmental risk and flaws in our nation’s infrastructure capabilities, civil engineering is ground-breaking in furthering society’s development.  

Have you been involved in any research projects? 

Since my sophomore year, I’ve been a research assistant for the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) laboratory on its Bridge Resource program. I helped with numerous concrete mixes and with the mix design of various components used to strengthen concrete. I also helped create iron rebar sensors for bridge analysis, which I was actually able to help install on sections of the New Jersey Turnpike. My experience with CAIT allowed me to contribute to a local project that worked hand-in-hand with the New Jersey Department of Transportation. 

What about extracurriculars? 

I’m the chapter development chair for Rutgers’ chapter of Engineers Without Borders and helped Project Tanzania build a well system for a remote village. I’m also the professional development chair for Rutgers’ American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) chapter and am a SoE student ambassador. As a Rutgers’ Institute for Domestic and International Affairs (IDIA) member, I help provide high schoolers with platforms for debate and policy learning.  

What will you miss most about Rutgers Engineering? 

I’ll definitely miss the professors and instructors who shaped my time here in a positive way. They truly prioritize the enrichment of their students. 

What is your favorite memory as an engineering student? 

In general, it would have to be watching Rutgers basketball beat #1 ranked Purdue at Jersey Mike’s Arena off  a half-court buzzer beater. The entire student section stormed the court, and it was an exhilarating experience. 

What would you tell future students? 

Don’t hesitate to be your own advocate when you need help. Classes with 200 to 300 students can be intimidating, but you’ll often find that the other students around you have the same questions. Try to form bonds with your classmates and peers outside of schoolwork and don’t be afraid to join organizations outside of your major. 

What three words best describe your SoE experience? 

Transformative. Encouraging. Collaborative.