Fulbright Semifinalists Pursue International Excellence

Hermina Garic and Sophia Westfall are 2025 Fulbright Semifinalists
Hermina Garic (left) and Sophia Westfall (right) are 2025 Fulbright Seminfinalists.
Rutgers University–Camden/Ron Downes Jr.

Two alumni and two students have advanced toward prestigious awards in research, teaching, and graduate study.

Rutgers University–Camden is proud to congratulate its semifinalists for 2025 Fulbright awards. In achieving semifinalist status, these students and alumni have stood out among a competitive applicant field, having their candidacies recommended for further consideration by their host countries:

2025 Fulbright Semifinalists

Hermina Garic, a graduate student in history, applied for a research fellowship in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sophia Westfall, a senior majoring in English and digital studies, applied to pursue a graduate degree in Wales.

Maryam Johnson CCAS’24 applied to pursue a graduate degree in Turkey.

Samira Lari CCAS’24 applied for an English teaching assistantship in Indonesia. 

“I am delighted to congratulate our semifinalists on reaching the next stage of this competitive process, and I wish them all the best in their journeys toward becoming Fulbright recipients,” said Rutgers–Camden Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis. “These outstanding scholars are helping Rutgers–Camden stand tall on an international stage, advancing their academic and professional goals while also demonstrating a commitment to helping others. Having received the life-changing benefits of a Fulbright fellowship myself, I am eager for all four of our semifinalists to enjoy the same experience.”

After taking part in interviews and further screening in their host countries, the semifinalists will receive notification of their award status between March and May.

The 2026 Fulbright application cycle begins in March 2025. Interested students and alumni are encouraged to connect with the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowship Advising (OSDFA) to learn more about the Fulbright US Student program.