Psychology > Undergraduate > Honors and Awards > 2024
2024 Awards for Graduating Psychology Majors
The Gregory Razran Award: For the highest Psychology GPA and an overall GPA of at least 3.50.
Winner: Orel Saiedian. Orel graduates with honors in Psychology and also earned a Business and Liberal Arts minor. Throughout Orel’s time in Queens College, she was the President of Persian Club and Vice President of Emet Student Association. She volunteered at All-in-One-Spot, was a research assistant at the Child Behavioral Health Clinic, and is a Behavior Technician at Proud Moments and Empower ABA. Orel will be attending QC’s Masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis program in the Fall.
The William N. Schoenfeld Award: For the second highest Psychology GPA and an overall GPA of at least 3.50.
Winner: Lauren Giller. Lauren graduates with honors in Psychology and summa cum laude with a double major in Communication Sciences Disorders and Psychology. She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa society. Lauren served as a Queens College ambassador, assisted elementary-school students with homework after school, shadowed a speech-language pathologist in a preschool, and continues to mentor high school teenagers as an advisor with the National Conference of Synagogue Youth. Lauren will attend Hofstra University in the fall to pursue her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology.
The David Friedman Neuroscience Award: For a student who will be attending a graduate program in Psychology or Neuroscience devoted to human research.
Winner: Tasmia Ali. Tasmia graduates with honors in Psychology and a double-major in Neuroscience. As a research assistant, Tasmia investigated the role of brain mechanisms in drug addiction including acquisition, maintenance and cue-induced relapse. This work was published in a peer-reviewed journal in April 2023. Tasmia will be attending Stony Brook University’s master’s program in Biomedical Neuroscience.
The David Friedman Neuroscience Award: For a student who will be attending a graduate program in Psychology or Neuroscience devoted to human research.
Winner: Israt Uddin. Israt was a Neuroscience major and Psychology minor, who was later accepted into QC’s masters’ program in Behavioral Neuroscience. She developed an interest in perineuronal nets, brain cells that play an indispensable role in health and disease, and their role in early brain development. She presented her research at various local and regional conferences. Recently Ms. Uddin was accepted into a PhD program in Neuroscience at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine where she will begin this fall.
The Harold Schuckman Memorial Award: For a student who will be attending a graduate program in Psychology.
Winner: Rokeya Sultana. Rokeya is a first-generation student graduating summa cum laude and earning honors in Psychology. She also majored in Sociology, and minored in Student Services and Counseling. She is passionate about pursuing a career in counseling psychology and family foster care with the goal of improving accessibility for underserved communities. Throughout her time at Queens College, she was involved in non-profit organizations that worked with children in foster care and underserved communities. She is currently attending the MSEd counseling program at Hunter College.
The Thomas E. Frumkes Award: For excellence in Psychological research.
Winner: Betty Yuabov. Betty graduates with honors in Psychology and also majored in Philosophy. Her current research involves developing a profile using a hybrid model for Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders. Betty is the secretary of Philosophy Club, the treasurer of Hillel Club, and has worked as a Peer Mentor. Betty hopes to conduct research and practice as a clinical psychologist. This fall she will be begin the General Psychology masters program at New York University.
The Wilma A. Winnick Award: For a student who has made substantive contributions to the Psychology department.
Winner: Flora Ho. Flora is a first-generation college graduate who graduates with honors in Psychology and double minored in Korean and Student Services and Counseling. Flora was a peer advisor in Psychology and also served as a peer counselor at Queens College where she provided general counseling to the undergraduate population. Additionally, she worked as an advisor to freshmen and transfer students at QC, and worked as a behavior technician with autistic children. Flora is currently awaiting admission news from graduate mental health programs and just came back from four months of solo traveling Asia.
The Dr. Andrea Li Memorial Award: For a student who has demonstrated excellence in psychological research and has served the college and/or community.
Winner: Mishal Khan. Mishal is graduating with honors in Psychology and will start a master’s in mental health counseling in the Fall. As a research assistant, she contributes to neuroscience studies that examine the effects of nicotine and opiates on behavior and brain function using mouse models. Additionally, she has collaborated with a Clinical doctoral student on a manuscript. Beyond her research pursuits, Mishal interns at the Queens College Psychological Center and actively participates in various community service projects.
The John V. Conti Award: For a student who will be attending a graduate program in psychology or a related profession.
Winner: Kanaka Sharon Vemu. Sharon receives honors in Psychology and also majored in Neuroscience. While at QC, Sharon investigated the interplay between genetic and environmental factors on neurobehavioral development. She focused her investigation on the impact of prenatal stress on cognitive neuropsychological functioning in early childhood after being exposed to Superstorm Sandy in utero, which became the topic of her undergraduate thesis. She recently presented her work at this year’s Neuropsychology Research Day.
The Mitchell L. Kietzman Award: For excellence in Psychological research.
Winner: Elisheva Conway. Elisheva graduates with honors in Psychology. She is currently conducting clinical psychology research on autistic traits, camouflaging, and self-efficacy. She is passionate about supporting her peers and the Queens community. Elisheva works as a Peer Coordinator at QC’s First Year Experience program and is also an intern at Queens College Psychological Center. In addition, she serves as the Vice President of Queens College Wellness Society. After graduation, Elisheva will continue pursuing her passion for psychology and hopes to attend graduate school in the future.
The Max and Edith Weiner Award: For work with Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Winner: Sandra Kennedy. Sandra receives the Edith and Max Weiner Award for her research on Alzheimer’s Disease risk factors in South Asian immigrant elderly. Sandra has developed original research aimed to characterize cultural conceptualizations of dementia, to measure cardiovascular risk factors for dementia, and to dispense medical knowledge about dementia. Sandra’s work will advance dementia science and is directly applicable to the aging South Asian community.
The Arthur A. Witkin Award: For a student who has done well in the field of Psychology and plans to attend a graduate program in Psychology.
Winner: Dailah Martinez. Dailah graduates with honors in Psychology and has a Sociology minor. During her time at QC, Dailah assisted with social psychological research. She presented some of her work at local and regional conferences. Dailah graduated with honors from QC in fall of 2023 and is now attending Baruch’s master’s program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
The Dr. Effie Mitsis Memorial Award: For a graduating senior who will be attending a graduate program in Neuroscience.
Winner: Kirk Persaud. Kirk graduates with high honors with dual majors in Neuroscience with a Biology concentration and Psychology, along with a minor in Health Sciences. He has been extensively involved in research on drug addiction, learning, and motivation, resulting in journal publications and conference presentations. Kirk has received numerous merit-based awards for his academic achievements and contributions, including the Barry M. Goldwater national award for research excellence and the Paul Klapper Award. Kirk is this year’s commencement speaker and will be finishing his accelerated master’s in behavioral neuroscience at QC this year.
The Daniel V. Caputo Award: For a student who is committed to pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology.
Winner: Ayala Feder. Ayala graduates with honors in Psychology and an Honors in the Social Sciences minor. Ayala is also the recipient of the college-wide Marc and Zoe Belth Memorial Award. She was the treasurer of the QC Psychology Association and was involved in several research projects on topics such as autistic traits and camouflaging, emotions and executive functioning, and OCD. In addition to her academic achievements, Ayala volunteers at the Aleph Institute where she works with correctional facility inmates. After graduation, Ayala plans to further her pursuit of a career in Clinical Psychology by getting involved in research and clinical work.
The Sara Mayes and Phyllis Glanz Endowed Fellowship for Alzheimer‘s Disease Research: For a doctoral student pursuing research on Alzheimer’s Disease.
Winner: Melissa Pocsai. Melissa is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in Clinical Neuropsychology at Queens College and The Graduate Center of CUNY. She is mentored by Dr. Nancy Foldi. Melissa’s dissertation aims to refine the neurocognitive characterization of Alzheimer’s disease progression in accordance with clinical diagnosis. She plans to utilize this award to broaden her expertise in gerontology and to connect with other advocates for those affected by neurodegenerative disorders. Melissa looks forward to her final year of clinical training as a Neuropsychology intern of the University of Toronto Health Network residency program.
The Dr. Moira Fitzpatrick LeMay Memorial Scholarship: For a student of junior standing who demonstrates academic excellence.
Winner: Kenny Carrillo Vaquero. Kenny is a first-generation student majoring in both Psychology and Early Childhood Education. He is currently exploring everything Queens College has to offer to make the most out of his experience. In his free time, Kenny enjoys listening to new music or taking a walk around different parts of Queens. After he graduates, Kenny hopes to pursue a master’s degree and career in the ABA field.
The Lakowitz Clinical Psychology Prize:for a student from an underrepresented background who is aspiring to pursue graduate studies to become a clinical psychologist.
Winner: Crystal Diaz. Crystal is currently a Psychology major with a minor in English. She dedicates her time to interning at Queens College Psychological Center and contributing to research at the stress-in-pregnancy lab. Alongside her academic endeavors, she actively engages in the T3-Stem program, where she leads a comparative study exploring developmental functioning in vulnerable Hispanic families. Her commitment to community service is exemplified through her involvement in educational outreach on self-esteem and organizing a successful clothing drive. Beyond academics, she is the art club president and showcases her photography in the undergraduate literary journal.
The Lakowitz Clinical Psychology Prize: for a student from an underrepresented background who is aspiring to pursue graduate studies to become a clinical psychologist.
Winner: Brittany Pompey. Brittany, a Psychology major, invests her time interning at the Queens College Psychological Center and serving as a research assistant in the stress-in-pregnancy lab. Her aspirations include pursuing a master’s degree at Queens College while furthering her expertise in both clinical work and research. Beyond her academic pursuits, Brittany volunteers in local shelters, extending aid to those affected by the migrant crisis, showcasing her commitment to community service and social responsibility.
The Queens College Psychological Center Award: For a student who has made a substantive contribution to the QCPC’s social justice mission, engaged in neuropsychology research, and wishes to pursue Clinical Psychology.
Winner: Natalia Mejia. Natalia graduates with honors in psychology and a minor in Business and Liberal Arts. While at QC, she interned and volunteered at the Queens College Psychological Center, gaining valuable insights into mental health and neuropsychology. Natalia participated in mental wellness outreach such as at the Pomonok Community Senior Center. She also is a Research Assistant at the Fragile X premutation and child development study lab. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in cognitive neuroscience.
2024 Honors in Psychology
| Sarah | Abraham | Sunghyuk | Kwak |
| Sarah | Akhtar | Nicole | Landeta |
| Jubayra | Alam | Hyun Yong | Lee |
| Rachel | Algavi | Ellen | Lee |
| Tasmia | Ali | Selena | Lee |
| Hadassah | Allman | Shana | Lefkowitz |
| Faith | Alvarado | Lia | Legath |
| Kathleen | Arcangeles | Alexandra | Lenefsky |
| Sarah | Ariel | Libby | Levian |
| Rachel | Aron | Pnina | Levin |
| Rachel | Ashourzadeh | Sara | Lifshitz |
| Joy | Assad | Jennifer | Lifshitz |
| Itamar | Aviel | Mengmeng | Liu |
| Fatimah | Bah | Kristi | Luu |
| Angelique | Baker | Alisha | Mahadeo |
| Dov | Baratz | Aaishah | Mahadeo |
| Marta | Batista Beltre | Avital | Mahgerefteh |
| Anais | Bazin | Marilena | Maiello |
| Brigette | Bertoni | Taschya | Maisonet |
| Olivia | Betances | Francesca | Marceca |
| Sima | Bochner | Dailah | Martinez |
| Anne | Bohensky | Sabrina | Martins |
| Jalene | Bonano | Yazmyn | Meertins |
| Sarah | Borukhov | Natalia | Mejia |
| Sadija | Bracic | Lady | Montesdeoca |
| Waleed | Butt | Jesslyn | Monzon |
| Betsy | Cabrera | Dayanara | Morales |
| Kayla | Castellanos | Faiza | Mughal |
| Kayla | Castellanos | Leora | Musheyev |
| Zoe | Castro | Kimberly | Nandalall |
| Usva | Chaudhry | Haseena | Nasiri |
| Zhuolin | Chen | Eliyahu | Nathan |
| Kristina | Chen | Aliza | Neuman |
| Hendry | Chimbo | Cristina | Nieves |
| Sang Mi | Cho | Rachel | Nisimova |
| Sahony | Cifuentes | Etan | Ohevshalom |
| Sapir | Cohen | Jahziya | Oku |
| Ariella | Cohen | Andreana | Panayiotou |
| Elisheva | Conway | Eleftheria | Papadopoulos |
| Lauren | Court | Matthew | Parecki |
| Hannah | Crump | Jiyoon | Park |
| Johanna | Culcay | Nandinie | Persaud |
| Elizabeth | D’Amico | Kirk | Persaud |
| Tamar | Dan | Maura | Pesce |
| Caudy | Desmornes | Alyssa | Pfeffer |
| Yekaterina | Donegal | Alyssa | Pfeffer |
| Nathaniel | Dzhurayev | Esmeralda | Pineda |
| Naomi | Edalati | Sela | Pollack |
| Tara | Eichler | Elaine | Polsky |
| Eliana | Eichler | Erin | Port |
| Gabriel | Fattakhov | Daniella | Prero |
| Ayala | Feder | Fiza | Qasim |
| Connor | Fenton | Rabeya | Rahman |
| Giorgio | Fostinis | Rachel | Rahmanou |
| Sara | Friedman | Aaliyah | Ramirez |
| Alyssa | Gafur | Liliana | Ramos |
| Lauren | Giller | Polly | Rayner-Swaby |
| Michelle | Ginsburg | Elizabeth | Read |
| Leana Faye | Go | Bruria | Reyhanian |
| Michel | Golbahary | Aeisia | Robinson |
| Jennifer | Gomes | Orietta | Rodriguez |
| Kayla | Gonzalez | Diana | Rukaj |
| William | Gonzalez | Orel | Saiedian |
| Jacqueline | Grady | Michelle | Salinas |
| Sanai | Gray | Aleksandr | Samedinov |
| Anaya | Grayson | Nicholas | Sarni |
| Elissa | Hahn | Michael | Sceiczina |
| Claudia | Hakimi | Arielle | Schecter |
| Rachel | Hamburger | Abigail | Schwartz |
| Sanjidah | Haque | Joseph | Scopo |
| Jasmine | Harrigan | Amanda | Scott |
| Rukaiya | Hasan | Kayleah | Serano |
| Adam | Herman | Daniella | Shahravan |
| Nadia | Hernandez | Rebecca | Shamalov |
| Nadia | Hernandez | Ethan | Sherr |
| Flora | Ho | Yael | Shimonov |
| Stephanie | Hoch | Estrella | Sierra Ortiz |
| Aldijana | Hot | Shira | Silverstein |
| Emily | Hussey | Melissa | Simbana |
| Yael | Israilova | Rayshmee | Singh |
| Sharonna | Israilova | Selina | Singh |
| Fatma | Issak | Marni | Skolnick |
| Emily | Itzkowitz | Kira | Solomon |
| Shawn | Jacobs | Prem | Sookdeo |
| Rosmery | Jaikaran | Emma | Spirgel |
| Shrabuny | Jalal | Elizabeth | Stevens |
| Sarah | Jawad | Rokeya | Sultana |
| Eileen | Jiang | Tsering | Tamang |
| Katherine | Jimenez | Masiel | Tejada |
| Saba | Jobah | Marc | Telsey |
| Brianna | Joscher | Catherine | Tinizhanay |
| Chaya Sarah | Kagan | Mary | Tuske |
| Emanuel | Katanov | Azim | Uddin |
| Gurpreet | Kaur | Edward | Vaihenberg |
| Caroline | Kerr | Xitlali | Valencia |
| Rebecca | Kestenbaum | Daniela | Valencia |
| Hussain | Khalique | Scott | Valladares |
| Gabriela | Khanimov | Kimberly | Vasquez |
| Mishal | Khan | Jasemine | Vazquez Flores |
| Benita | Khieowan | Kanaka Sharon | Vemu |
| Sarah | Khokhar | Daniella | Viola |
| Faith | Ki | Joshua | Weiss |
| Joyce | Kim | Sarah | Weissberg |
| So Yeon | Kim | Alyssa | Wilkinson |
| Erin | Kim | Jessica | Wong |
| Racheli | Kirschner | Isabelle | Wong |
| Daniel | Konchakovskiy | Kaitlynn | Wong |
| Shelly | Koppel | David | Yee |
| Wiktoria | Koza | Jasmine | Yi |
| Leah | Kramer | Zahava | Younger |
| Victoriya | Kushmakova | Xingru | Yu |
| Sunghyuk | Kwak | Betty | Yuabov |
| Nicole | Landeta | Emily | Yusupova |
| Hyun Yong | Lee | Sarah | Ziegler |