In celebration of our exceptional parenting graduate students here at Rutgers, The Office of Graduate Student Life is featuring the academic accomplishment and parenting journey of Rimshah J. and Veronica A., two incredible members of our graduate student parent community!
Rimshah J.
Rimshah is completing a Master of Public Informatics at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Public Policy. Rimshah's work focuses on the intersection of AI, data, and public good. She recently presented her paper “MOMCare with AI: A Dual Embedding-based RAG-LLM Chatbot for Postpartum Depression” at a conference, and she has another paper, “Unlocking Business Value with Generative AI! Economic Value Assessment for Chatbots and Gen AI ROI Discovery,” scheduled to be presented this fall. Across all her projects, Rimshah's goal is to use technology and data-driven solutions in ways that are practical, equitable, and meaningful for communities and families.
Rimshah is a mom to an 11-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. Her children serve as a constant reminder for why she is in graduate school. Rimshah explains "their curiosity, honesty, and resilience keep me grounded. The best part is seeing the world through their eyes; it makes me want to build a future where opportunities are more accessible for all kids, not just my own."
While teaching computer science to high school students, Rimshah often found herself talking about AI and machine learning with her students as these topics became part of their curriculum. She realized that if she wanted to guide them well, she also needed to upskill. That realization, combined with her own desire for a second chance to grow, pushed her toward graduate school. At Rutgers, Rimshah has found a place where she can expand those skills and connect them to real-world impact in the public sector.
Balancing school and parenting is not easy. Rimshah explains that in the beginning, even simple things, like doing grocery runs at Walmart, felt like challenges because everything was so different from what she was used to. The early months of graduate school were tough, but over time she has settled in, found a supportive community, and built friendships that have made such a difference. While there are still nights when she is writing a paper after bedtime routines and mornings when she is squeezing in assignments before school drop-off, Rimshah has discovered that she is stronger and more capable than she ever thought, stating that "each milestone, whether academic or personal, feels more meaningful because of the juggling act behind it." She explains "Motherhood has reshaped me — not just as a student or researcher, but as a human being. It’s taught me patience on the hardest days, empathy when I try to understand experiences different from mine, and practicality in how I approach challenges. Whenever I dive into a project, I find myself asking: how would this affect families like mine, with kids like mine? That perspective keeps me grounded, and it gives my work not only purpose but also heart."
Rimshah notes that the student services staff at Bloustein— Dean Weston, Courtney, Greg, and Andrea— have been an incredible source of support. "From the very beginning, they welcomed me and guided me whenever I felt unsure. My advisor,Professor Clint, who invited me to his family picnic when he first met me with my kids, which meant so much. And my program director, Professor Jim Samuel, has always encouraged and appreciated me in ways that keep me motivated." Rimshah has also found support through the Supporting Parents and Caregivers at Rutgers (SPCR) Graduate Student Organization. She also notes that Assistant Dean Ghada in the Office of Graduate Student Life has been a great source of help, no matter the situation. On top of that, I’ve been lucky to build a wonderful community of friends here, who’ve become some of my strongest support.
Rimshah explains that the challenges she has faced have taught her resilience and the importance of asking for help. She would tell any student parent considering graduate school that while the path is tough, it’s also deeply rewarding. Explaining that "Your children will see your perseverance, and that example is worth every late night and hard moment."
Rimshah hopes that by watching her pursue graduate education, her children will see that it’s never too late to begin again. She wants them to remember that their mom kept going despite the obstacles, and that they, too, can carve out their own opportunities with persistence and courage.
Veronica A.
Veronica is a PhD student in Library and Information Science in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the School of Communication and Information. She has her MA in Education and after being an instructional designer for many years Veronica found that her interest in learning experience design really fit with human information behavior in information science. Veronia is interested in how students' behaviors around seeking, using, and sharing information, as they develop into young professionals, shape and are shaped by their experiences.
Veronica is a proud mother of 9-and-a-half-year-old twins. She has really enjoyed getting to watch each of her twins develop their own unique personality as they grow. In addition to being a parent and doing her PhD, Veronica also works full time at Rutgers. Having multiple responsibilities has required her to readjust her thinking about what balance means. Veronica explains "I can't organize my day so that I spend equal time on my research, work, and kids. Balance means that I make sure time is spent on all three each day, even if most of my time is spent on area and only little in the other two." She notes that having set regular activities helps, like having a weekly writing group and she works hard to never miss a bedtime.
According to Veronica, her biggest supporter is her husband. When the COVID-19 Lockdown derailed Veronica's PhD application, her husband's encouragement helped her to persist. Veronica also notes that she is able to find a semblance of balance because her husband takes on the lion's share of the housework.
Veronica has found support accross campus. She explains that the faculty at SCI have been wonderful, Matt Weber, Kaitlin Costello, Charles Senteio, Jessica Cheng, and Denise Agosto in particular have kept her grounded and moving along. Veronica's writing group partner, Rachel A., has played a key role in keeping her accountable in her writing habits. Her co-workers in the Alexander Library Undergraduate Education unit have also been a strong source of support, cheering her on everyday. Veronica is especially grateful for her friend Meghan I., explaining "she has been a great work friend and is always there when I need to get out and walk, or need a brain break, or is quick to lend me her academic hood so my daughter can use it for a skit at camp!"
Veronica also notes the Office of Graduate Student Life has helped her to feel seen, explaining "Doing things like this to recognize student parents is really meaningful to me. I do not get to participate in a lot of on-campus activities during the day because I'm working and in the evening my kids need me. But I feel seen because of this office."
For more information about resources for graduate students with children, please visit the pregnant and parenting graduate student resource webpage or contact gradstudentlife@echo.rutgers.edu.
