Obai Ahmed

Jordan Barge

Obai Ahmed, a sophomore at Rutgers University-Newark, is majoring in Criminal Justice and a proud member of the Newark Honors College.

Since childhood, he’s been captivated by the criminal justice system, telling his elementary school teachers that he wanted to be a lawyer and watching legal proceedings on Law & Order with his grandmother.

This passion continues to guide Obai today as he pursues a career in law. Receiving the Daniel Anderl Protection Project Endowed Scholarship is instrumental in helping him reach my academic and career goals, particularly in preparing for law school, where he hopes to make meaningful contributions to the criminal justice system. Academically, he has maintained a 3.63 GPA and earned a place on the Dean’s List every semester.

Obai’s coursework has centered on criminal justice, including classes like Constitutional Issues in Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice Research Methods. These achievements reflect his dedication to the field and his desire to deepen his understanding of the legal system. Additionally, as part of the Honors College, Obai has developed advanced research skills and engaged in rigorous academic inquiry, which has strengthened his ability to approach criminal justice from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Outside of academics, he serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the Public Affairs and Civic Engagement committee at the Muslim American Society Youth Center of New Jersey. In this role, he works closely with public officials, many of whom are directly involved in the criminal justice system, to promote civic engagement and public awareness. This hands-on experience has allowed him to develop a deeper appreciation for the real-world impact of criminal justice policies and has further solidified his commitment to serving the community.

Daniel Anderl’s story resonates deeply with Obai. It underscores the risks faced by those who work within the criminal justice system and reinforces his belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion within this field. As an Arab and Muslim-American, Obai is passionate about bringing a unique and valuable perspective to the criminal justice system.

Jordan Barge is a dedicated Criminal Justice major at Rutgers University-Newark, where she is also an Honors College student, EOF scholar, and minoring in Psychology. After transferring from Raritan Valley Community College, Jordan has distinguished herself through her leadership, academic achievements, and commitment to justice. She is the recipient of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Protection Project Endowed Scholarship, which recognizes her dedication to enhancing judicial safety.

Jordan’s professional experience spans multiple internships with law enforcement agencies. She gained hands-on training with the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department and the Prosecutor’s Office in the Sex Crimes Unit, working on tasks ranging from law enforcement simulations to evidence management. At the New Jersey Courts Criminal Division, she supported probation officers by managing key documents for sentenced cases. Currently, she is interning with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Jordan has also served as a Special Law Enforcement Officer in Deal, NJ, and as a Peer Career Educator at John Jay College, where she mentored students in professional development and career readiness.

Jordan has received multiple awards, including the Annual Service Learning Leadership Award, the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and the Academic Award for Excellence in Criminal Justice. She was recently honored with the 100 Hispanic Women Scholarship, designed to support young Latinas excelling academically and committed to social change and leadership.

At Rutgers, Jordan is deeply involved in campus life. She serves as the PR and Recruitment Officer for the Transfer Student Organization, creating a welcoming environment for transfer students. She is also an active member of the Criminal Justice Club and works as a Scarlet Ambassador in the Admissions Office, guiding prospective students, parents, and alumni while representing the university’s values and opportunities. Her career goal is to work for a federal agency as a special agent or an attorney.