Sarita Monjane Henriksen

When linguist Sarita Monjane Henriksen arrived on campus as a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence, she was struck by the similarities between Rutgers-Newark and her homeland of Mozambique.  

“I’ve been describing Mozambique as the most linguistically and culturally diverse place. But nothing had prepared me for what I’ve seen here,’’ said Henriksen, a professor at Universidade Pedagógica de Maputo in Mozambique.  

Three photos of Rutgers Chinese debate team at tournament

The Rutgers Chinese Debate Team competed in the 2025 World Chinese Novice Debating Invitational (“Shixin Cup”) and landed the top spot as champions. In addition, team member Tianyu (Edward) Yao, a freshman at the Rutgers-New Brunswick School of Arts and Sciences, was awarded the Best Debater of the Tournament for his outstanding critical thinking ability and consistently strong performance throughout the event. The Invitational took place in late October, and the Rutgers Chinese Debate Team distinguished itself among twenty university teams from around the world, advancing through every round and ultimately securing the championship with an undefeated record. 
 

Group photo of MOU signing at IIT Madras with Rutgers

A delegation from Rutgers University traveled to Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Vellore, and Kolkata in November, meeting with partnersconnecting with alumni, and engaging with key organizations resulting in an inspiring and impactful visit to India. 

The delegation brought together senior academic and institutional leadership, including deans, key faculty, and administrators from the School of Engineering (SoE), Rutgers Business School (RBS), the School of Social Work (SSW), Rutgers Foundation, and Rutgers Global. 

Photo of COP30 sign in Brasil

Dr. Danielle Falzon, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, provides her reflections on attending the COP30 Conference, the United Nations negotiations on climate change, in Brazil in November. 

"Amidst discontent from countries and accusations of procedural misconduct, the Brazilian presidency of this year’s annual meeting of the United Nations negotiations on climate change (known as the Conference of the Parties or COP)  brought COP 30  to a close on Saturday, November 22nd. The outcomes were reflective of disappointing compromises between some countries that were working to advance climate action and reduce emissions, and others that were doing their best to protect their national interests and ensure the continued burning of fossil fuels."

Three photos of Manuela Gomez at UN in New York, NY

Manuela Gomez, a recent graduate of the M.A. program in Peace and Conflict Studies and an alumna of the Political Science program at Rutgers University–Newark, is forging a powerful path in international relations; one rooted in personal experience, global engagement, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable peace.

Originally from Colombia, Manuela grew up amid decades of armed conflict, witnessing the profound toll violence takes on communities and individuals. Those realities sparked her early interest in peacebuilding and motivated her to pursue academic work that could help illuminate global pathways to conflict resolution.

Group photo of students from Seoul National University and School of Dental Medicine

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) welcomed its first student from Seoul National University School of Dentistry (SNUSD), Jae Hyeok (Jerry) Lee, marking the beginning of a new international collaboration.

“This program allows for an academic and cultural exchange between our students and visiting students, simultaneously facilitating their professional and personal growth,” said Rosa Chaviano-Moran, associate dean for admissions. RSDM has several other exchange programs around the globe, stretching from Ireland to Spain to Albania to India. 

Group photo of students from South Korea visiting Rutgers

Rutgers Global, in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), hosted a 2-day academic program for 26 undergraduate students from South Korea majoring in biotechnology, health sciences, computer science, and engineering.  The program’s theme, “AI & Biotechnology in Healthcare,” highlighted how artificial intelligence is reshaping biomedical innovation and interdisciplinary research. Here are photos from the program.

Orientation Leaders at International Student Orientation, Fall 2025

Rutgers University proudly welcomed over 1,500 new international students this fall during its three-day International Student Orientation (ISO), held August 25–27, 2025, at Jersey Mike’s Arena and across campus. Nearly 150 parents and family members also attended, many of whom first connected with Rutgers through admitted student events and pre-departure programs hosted this summer in India and China.

Group photo of delegates from Rutgers and OP Jindal

Rutgers University was honored to welcome a distinguished delegation of senior leaders from O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), one of India's top private universities, to the Rutgers-New Brunswick campus on July 22. Led by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, President & Vice Chancellor, and founder of JGU, the group discussed potential collaborations including student and faculty exchanges and dual degree programs. A diverse group of faculty and staff from across Rutgers joined the meeting, including deans and senior faculty from the Rutgers Law School, Rutgers Business School, the School of Engineering, the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, the School of Social Work, and the Bloustein School, as well as key members of enrollment management, and Rutgers Global.