Abderahim Salhi

ABDERAHIM SALHI
Computer Scientist at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC)
Associate of Science in Computer Science, Hudson County Community College (2019) 
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Stevens Institute of Technology (2023)

Abderahim “Rahim” Salhi earned an Associate of Science in Computer Science from Hudson County Community College in 2019 and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Stevens Institute of Technology in 2023. During his time at HCCC, Rahim became deeply involved in student leadership and campus initiatives. He served in several student leadership roles and worked closely with college leadership to help establish the first student food pantry supporting students facing food insecurity. His academic excellence earned him national recognition, including selection to the All-USA Academic Team and the Pearson, Guistwhite, and Hites scholarships. He was also the first recipient of the Michael Reimer Student of the Year Award in 2019 and a nominee for the New Jersey All-State Academic Team. Rahim pursued research and internship opportunities at leading institutions, including Columbia University, the Princeton University Astrophysics Department, and NASA. Outside of academics, he enjoyed volunteering at Liberty State Park through their community gardening program. Today, he works at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ERDC, where he focuses on research in artificial intelligence and advanced computational technologies. He Conducts research on advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and emerging computational approaches to support national security and engineering innovation.

“Hudson County Community College changed the trajectory of my life. It gave me the opportunity, mentorship, and confidence to pursue my dreams in computer science and research. HCCC was not just a place to study; it was a community that believed in my potential and helped me grow as a student, a leader, and a person.”

What influenced your decision to attend community college?

Affordability and proximity to home were two of the most important factors in my decision to attend Hudson County Community College. As a new immigrant starting life in the United States, community college provided a high-quality education that was financially accessible. Its location near the Jersey City PATH transportation hub also made commuting manageable. Most importantly, HCCC offered strong academic programs and a supportive environment that allowed students from diverse backgrounds to succeed and pursue their goals.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during your time at community college?

Being a new immigrant to the United States with two dependents, my wife and my baby son, was one of the biggest challenges I faced. I often struggled with the difficult decision between continuing to work a low-income job to support my family or pursuing my lifelong dream of studying computer science. With very little savings, I ultimately chose to quit my job and become a full-time student. To support my studies, I worked through the Federal Work-Study program. It was a difficult transition, but it allowed me to fully commit to my education and build a better future for my family.

Were you involved in any student organizations, clubs, or leadership roles? 
Yes. Getting involved in campus organizations was one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience. Through student leadership and campus initiatives, I had the opportunity to collaborate with other students, faculty, and administrators to support the student community. One initiative I am particularly proud of was contributing to efforts that led to the creation of the first student food pantry at HCCC, which continues to support students experiencing food insecurity. These experiences helped me grow personally and professionally while developing leadership and teamwork skills.

Were there any professors or classes that had a significant impact on you? 
Although I majored in computer science, some of the most memorable classes I took were outside my major. I especially enjoyed the Culture and Values course taught by the late Professor Javeed Khan. His class encouraged deep thinking and meaningful discussions about society and personal responsibility. I also appreciated the hands-on laboratory experiences in physics and chemistry with Dr. Clive Li. In mathematics and computer science, courses taught by Professor Rafiq Siddiqui and Aljamal, such as discrete mathematics, challenged me intellectually and helped strengthen my analytical thinking.

What was the social experience like - did you feel a sense of community? 
Yes, very much. The campus community at HCCC was welcoming and supportive. Through student clubs, academic activities, and leadership opportunities, I was able to connect with students from many different backgrounds, travel to new places, and attend national conferences. These experiences allowed me to build friendships, exchange ideas, and learn from other different perspectives. Being part of that community made my college experience far more meaningful and helped shape my personal and professional development.