Doctoral Student Applies Research Skills in NJIT Internship

For Hanan Abu Salih, a doctoral student at Seton Hall, an internship at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) isn’t just another academic milestone — it’s a meaningful step toward a career at the intersection of research, education and global impact.

A proud alumna of Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Abu Salih is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media.

Working with NJIT’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Abu Salih is gaining hands-on experience in program evaluation and research methods, building on skills she developed throughout her academic journey. She describes the opportunity as an “eye-opening experience” that lets her apply qualitative and quantitative analysis in a real-world setting.

“My passion for research methods, particularly in the techniques used to collect and analyze data, has played a central role in my academic journey,” she said. “This internship is a perfect opportunity to build upon and further refine these skills in a professional, research-driven environment.”

In addition to strengthening her qualitative and quantitative research abilities, Abu Salih is also focusing on program evaluation and curriculum development, two areas where she already has experience. A former Fulbright scholar at the University of Kansas, she developed curricula and instructional materials for Arabic language classes and also created customized language course plans through a personal business venture.

Now, she said, she is eager to expand her expertise in a more structured setting. “I am looking forward to improving these skills in a more structured and research-focused setting, where I can integrate data-driven strategies and evidence-based practices into the curriculum development process.”

Abu Salih’s connection to NJIT was forged through a chance encounter during the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) conference presentation, where she impressed her current supervisor with the methodology she used in her research. That conversation eventually led to the internship offer.

In her role, Abu Salih serves as a project coordinator, acting as a liaison between the research team at NJIT, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), and various partner companies. She contributes her expertise in research methodology, along with the management and communication skills she developed during her time as a graduate assistant at Seton Hall, where she supervises student workers, manages website content, and facilitates communication between multiple stakeholders.

Abu Salih’s career path is firmly rooted in higher education and international development. She envisions beginning as a professor or administrator at a university like Seton Hall or NJIT, with a long-term goal of contributing to global initiatives through work at an intergovernmental organization such as the United Nations. She also remains open to entrepreneurial ventures that align with her expertise. “This internship is a significant stepping stone toward achieving my long-term career goals,” she said. 

“I chose to pursue a career in higher education because I believe in the transformative power of education,” she said. “As a Palestinian-Israeli, I have witnessed firsthand how education plays a critical role in peacebuilding efforts between Arabs and Jews and how it empowers women in my conservative community.”

Recently, she also took a brief detour from academic life by volunteering for a week at the Kadampa Meditation Center in Glen Spey, New York. “It was a chance to recharge in the beautiful nature while also giving back — a true win-win,” she said. “It’s really about making the most of the journey. Earning the degree is important, but so is learning and contributing along the way.” 

Categories: Education, Research