From Dreams to Reality: Welcoming Two of DFL’s Latest Scholars

Futures in the Making: Hajer and Maram Arrive in Canada and Belgium

With the 2025/26 academic year underway, DFL is proud to spotlight two of our outstanding scholarship winners now studying in Belgium and Canada: Hajer Radwan and Maram Al-Tamimi. This fall, we reconnected to learn more about their interests, the impact of their scholarships, and their future goals. As they embark on their respective paths, we invite you to get to know them.

Meet Hajer Radwan

Hajer Radwan is a driven scholar from Egypt who has just begun her International Master’s in Textile Engineering at Ghent University in Belgium. She is also a 2024 graduate from Badr University in Cairo, where she achieved a remarkable GPA of 3.93.  Hajer is particularly interested in the intersection of material sciences and healthcare. During her Bachelor’s, she chose to pursue textile engineering after discovering a critical need for biomaterial implants in the Middle East. Despite the field’s lack of popularity among her peers, Hajer confidently decided to follow this path in both her undergraduate and graduate studies.

“I began learning about biomaterial implants and discovered that they are not readily available across the Middle East. But this is a deeply needed field in the region. Understanding this, I took the risk and, despite initially enrolling in a different department, I pursued textiles.”

DFL was first introduced to her by Professor Mahmoud Fahmy Al Sabahy, the VP for Research and Graduate Studies at Badr University in Cairo. While working in his lab, he suggested applying for the scholarship and reassured her that she would find support in DFL. Hajer described DFL’s unique approach as “[a] warm [scholarship], with a human touch compared to other scholarships”. She resolved herself to pursue the opportunity, overcame barriers and ultimately succeeded.

To support Hajer’s seamless transition, DFL coordinated her travel and arrival, including connecting her with her Ghent University peer and fellow DFL Scholar Ola Radwan who welcomed her at the airport. Ola, along with other DFL Scholars, have been integral mentors to Hajer during this adjustment period, providing guidance that has shaped her journey.

In recounting her first impressions of Belgium, she was moved by the kindness of the community. Hajer mentioned Ghent University’s high

academic standards and dedicated faculty as key highlights. Instructors empower her to speak up in the classroom, and encourage her to think critically, engage directly and ask questions openly. Reflecting on her personal journey, Hajer shared that she is discovering a stronger and more persistent version of herself while abroad in a new country and academic environment. She is thankful for DFL’s constant support and describes the scholarship as a privilege. 

“Since I came here until now, I didn’t feel alone for a second,” Hajer says. “If I send an email to DFL, the foundation will come up with a solution whenever I reach out.”

Looking ahead, Hajer hopes to pioneer accessible implants for patients across the Middle East, bridging a critical healthcare gap in the region. Upon her return home, she aims to educate others, expand the textile and material science curriculum, and, most of all, Hajer hopes to encourage other girls to apply to DFL’s scholarship program.

Meet Maram Al-Tamimi

Maram Al-Tamimi is an 18-year old scholar from Jordan who is starting her first term at York University in Toronto studying Engineering. Growing up, Maram has always had a strong interest in space, reading books on physics and the universe. In her junior year, Maram gained insight into the fields of engineering: 

“While learning about civil engineering, I was drawn to mechanical engineering components, which happened to become my favourite part while I was learning”.

A highly driven and engaged student, Maram regularly volunteered for leadership positions in high school, becoming a go-to for events, projects and other activities on campus. Her friends warmly describe her as someone who is not afraid to chase new goals independently. 

Maram first heard about the DFL Scholarship Program through her guidance counsellor. After learning more about DFL’s strong partnerships with Canadian research universities, she felt it was a perfect fit for her goals, and confidently pursued the opportunity, making DFL’s the only scholarship she applied to.

“Knowing more about the story behind DFL made me more inspired to join. And, York in particular was a draw with its diversity and very strong research background,” said Maram. 

After her ultimate success, Maram felt deeply grateful for the opportunity to receive a full scholarship through the foundation. With travel arrangements managed by DFL, Maram safely arrived in Toronto in late August, where she was received by DFL’s team and guided to her new home at the university’s scenic Keele Campus. While navigating her first year in higher education, she expressed gratitude that the program offers both a support system and ample independence. She is able to learn and explore a new experience on her own while benefiting from the support and guidance of the DFL team.

Studying at the distinguished Lassonde School of Engineering, Maram balances her studies with her passion to participate in the many events, competitions, and conferences hosted by the university. As of October, Maram has already served as a judge and contestant in the York Engineering Competition (YEC), one of the largest events held by the School of Engineering annually. She hopes to continue on her path of discovery by building a strong academic network organizing her own events and staying in the know. She shared that she often reminds herself that she is “not only at York, but I’m also living in Toronto, a city full of possibilities.”

While adjusting to the Canadian education system is tricky for any international student, Maram has adapted well. “I’m giving myself grace and adapting. I’m so happy to meet a lot of people,” explains Maram. “I’m discovering how to apply my leadership skills in a new environment.”

After her studies, Maram is motivated to become a contributor to Jordan’s research institutes. Inspired by her own mentor, she is determined to give back by mentoring others, especially young girls interested in STEM and engineering, sharing opportunities to help them succeed.

Looking Ahead

Both Hajer and Maram are examples of the exceptional talent that DFL is proud to support. As they continue to navigate their academic journeys and grow professionally, we look forward to supporting them throughout their studies and are excited to see the lasting impact they will have on their communities and beyond. 

As more members of the 2025 cohort are expected to arrive over the coming months, stay tuned for future installments.