Celebrating Class of '25: Standout Students at NJIT Reflect on Accolades, Ambitions
Standout seniors from NJIT’s Jordan Hu College of Science and Liberal Arts (HCSLA) are capping off their undergraduate journey with one last accolade for achievements across academics and research, athletics and campus leadership.
Fresh from receiving the Outstanding Student Award at the HCSLA Awards Ceremony, these four students share their proudest NJIT moments, future goals and the lessons they’ll carry into the next chapter.
Gala Krsmanovic, B.S. Cyberpsychology
Where did you grow up and what led you to NJIT?
I was born in Novi Sad, Serbia, where my journey took an unexpected turn through fencing. After joining the Serbian national team and competing in junior European and World Championships, I found myself ranked in the top 100 globally. NJIT’s fencing coach offered me a scholarship to join their NCAA Division 1 team, opening the door to both athletic and academic opportunities in the United States.
What was your research focus leading to your HCSLA Outstanding Student Award?
I worked extensively with several professors, including humanities professors Julia Hyland Bruno and Yelda Semizer at NJIT’s Visual Perception Lab, where I conducted research that I eventually presented at an international conference in New York.
However, my most significant work has been with Distinguished Professor of Informatics Fadi P. Deek, investigating technology’s impact on cognitive functions. I’ve published four academic journal papers as lead author, including recent work on AI applications in education, and presented our findings at prestigious conferences including the International Congress of Psychology in Prague. These experiences shaped my passion for scientific research.
What’s next?
I’ll be returning to Serbia to pursue a master’s, and hopefully a Ph.D. in neuroscience, at the University of Belgrade. While continuing my academic research and applying what I’ve learned at NJIT, I’ll also maintain my fencing career, working toward my childhood dream of competing in the Olympics.
What will you take most from your time at NJIT?
NJIT taught me the true meaning of discipline — balancing 6:30 a.m. fencing practices with academics, research and work. When I think about that first plane ride to the U.S., I’m amazed by how much I’ve grown. NJIT showed me that when you’re passionate about what you do, every early-morning alarm and late-night study session becomes worthwhile.
Julia Collin, B.S. Mathematical Sciences
Where did you grow up and what led you to NJIT?
I grew up in Matawan, NJ. The university’s designated actuarial concentration within the mathematics department drew me here. I appreciated NJIT’s career-oriented approach to education, offering courses approved for Validation by Educational Experience credit by the Society of Actuaries.
What was your research focus leading to your HCSLA Outstanding Student Award?
My primary academic focus has been preparing for the Society of Actuaries exams, working toward earning my associate designation after graduation. I’ve successfully passed four exams so far and am currently awaiting the results of my fifth. In December 2024, I was honored to receive the Cohen Award from the Department of Mathematical Sciences, which recognizes strong academic performance and research.
What’s next?
I’ll be joining Prudential Financial’s Actuarial Leadership Development Program (ALDP). Through this program, I’ll rotate across different actuarial functions, experiencing both traditional and non-traditional roles.
This opportunity will help me build a strong technical foundation while developing broader leadership skills. I’m excited to continue learning and growing at an organization that invests deeply in its people’s success.
What will you take most from your time at NJIT?
My time at NJIT taught me that success is built through steady, consistent effort. Rather than any single moment, it was the daily routines — studying, preparing for exams, balancing coursework with other responsibilities — that taught me discipline and progress toward goals. I’ve learned to break down larger ambitions into manageable steps and build habits that keep me moving forward even when challenges arise.
Aleesha Deshmukh, B.S. Biology
Where did you grow up and what led you to NJIT?
I grew up in Medford, NJ. NJIT offered me the perfect blend of opportunities — a chance to pursue Division 1 soccer while working toward a biology undergraduate degree.
What was your research focus leading to your HCSLA Outstanding Student Award?
I conducted research in the NJIT Swarm Lab under biology professor Simon Garnier, focusing on Physarum polycephalum — a fascinating single-celled, multinucleated organism.
My research explored how this organism adjusts its behavior and makes decisions through intracellular, self-organized processes — rather than using a nervous system like multicellular organisms do. I’m looking forward to presenting my research findings at the Animal Behavior Society National Conference in July.
What’s next?
I’ll be working as a medical assistant at an orthopedic practice while continuing my research at NJIT. I’ve applied to medical schools and plan to begin my medical education in fall 2026.
What will you take most from your time at NJIT?
One of the most valuable experiences I gained at NJIT was learning how to effectively balance my athletic commitments with my academic pursuits. While achieving my dream of playing Division 1 soccer was incredibly fulfilling, I discovered the importance of expanding beyond athletics to fully engage with my academic interests. I’ve made meaningful connections with peers across various disciplines, creating memorable experiences that have shaped me personally and professionally.
Sabrina Gerace, B.S. Environmental Science
Where did you grow up and what led you to NJIT?
I grew up in Bayonne, NJ, before moving to New Providence in middle school. The STEM-focused curriculum within NJIT’s Chemistry and Environmental Science Department, along with the Albert Dorman Honors College, led me here.
What was your research focus leading to your HCSLA Outstanding Student Award?
My research spans two laboratories at NJIT. In the Urban Ecology Lab, I’ve been investigating urbanization’s impact on bee morphology since Spring 2023. My work on this project examines differences in bee species between greenfields and brownfields, and earned first place among undergraduate posters at the 2025 Entomological Society of America’s Eastern Branch Meeting in Harrisburg, PA.
Since Fall 2023, I’ve also worked in the Environmental Processes Lab, developing a forward osmosis water purification system using electro and magno-responsive hydrogels. This project was supported by the NJIT Undergraduate Research Initiative Seed Grant and has led to a research paper currently under review with ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, titled “Enhanced Water Flux and Dewatering Using Electric-Magnetic-Responsive Hydrogels as Draw Agents for Forward Osmosis.”
What’s next?
I’ll be attending Stanford University to pursue my master’s in environmental engineering. My ultimate goal is to work for the EPA, focusing on groundwater remediation.
What will you take most from your time at NJIT?
The support system at NJIT helped me strive for greatness even when faced with obstacles. My research experiences transformed me from a shy freshman into someone confident in their abilities. Most importantly, my mentors opened paths I hadn’t thought possible, helping me achieve my dreams.
