Yale honors student workers for contributions and campus impact

Ten Yale College students this week received the university’s annual Y-Work Awards for Outstanding Undergraduate Student Employees for their dedication to on-campus jobs. 

Created by the Yale College Dean’s Office and the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid, the Y-Work Awards celebrate the positive experiences of student workers and the key contributions they make to the offices and departments for which they work.

Students receiving this year’s awards included a chief of service for the Yale Emergency Medical Service, a valued mentor in the Yale College Writing Center, a research assistant in the Yale Peabody Museum’s Division of Invertebrate Paleontology, a communication and consent educator in Yale College, and two research assistants for a popular Yale School of Medicine podcast.

During a ceremony held at the Yale Schwarzman Center on Monday, Yale College Dean Pericles Lewis expressed gratitude to the students for their dedication and professionalism in the workplace and for their “initiative and innovation to go above and beyond the call of duty.”

“The impact they have had on their place of work has been such that they will be greatly missed when they graduate, and in many cases their impact will last far beyond their four years here at Yale,” Lewis said.

For the students, he added, these on-campus jobs offered important learning opportunities beyond the classroom and a chance to make “valuable and lasting” contributions to the broader Yale community. 

This year’s Y-Work Award recipients, and their award citations, follow:

Kenny Cheng (Class of 2027), editorial associate, Yale School of Medicine (YSM) Office of Communications

Supervisor: Rebecca Shannonhouse, director of content strategy, YSM Office of Communications

“Kenny Cheng has far exceeded expectations as an editorial associate in the Yale School of Medicine Office of Communications. A skilled researcher, writer, and problem-solver, he played a vital role in launching a widely viewed Long COVID blog, producing original posts and distilling complex research into clear, actionable insights. His initiative, reliability, and professionalism have made him indispensable. As supervisor Rebecca Shannonhouse writes, ‘In my 20-plus years of professional experience, Kenny is easily one of the most committed, reliable, and consistently professional people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.’”

Patryk Dabek (Class of 2025), chief of service, Yale Emergency Medical Service (YEMS)

Nominator: Gordon Streeter, chief of pediatrics and student health, Yale Health; executive director, Yale Emergency Medical Service Board of Advisors

“As chief of service for Yale Emergency Medical Services (YEMS), Patryk demonstrated visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to campus safety. He expanded CPR, AED [automated external defibrillator], and Narcan training initiatives, and was instrumental in Yale receiving the ‘HeartSafe Campus’ designation in 2024. Patryk set ambitious goals, including training over 10% of the student body in life-saving techniques. As nominator Gordon Streeter noted, ‘Patryk’s dedication to YEMS is exceptional… (he is) always looking to expand their services and make campus safer.’ His impact on the Yale community will be felt long after his tenure.”

Adrian Elizalde (Class of 2025), lead writing partner and shift coordinator, Yale College Writing Center

Supervisor: Alfred Guy, deputy director, Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, and Paula Rawlins, assistant director, The Writing Center (Poorvu Center)

“Adrian has been a cornerstone of the Yale College Writing Center — mentoring peers, leading workshops, coordinating busy shifts, and championing accessibility. As both a Lead Writing Partner and Shift Coordinator, he brings professionalism, warmth, and initiative to every aspect of his work. ‘Adrian has committed an enormous amount of time to The Writing Center, making it a more welcoming and uplifting environment for all,’ wrote Paula Rawlins. Alfred Guy shared, ‘He sets a friendly but professional tone… (on his shifts) students always get the help they need, and tutors always have time and inspiration to do their work well.’

Ines Gilles (Class of 2025) and Sophia Stumpf (Class of 2025), research assistants for Health and Veritas podcast 

Supervisor: Howard Forman, professor of diagnostic radiology, economics, and public health

“Ines and Sophia have been essential to the success of the Health and Veritas podcast for two years, managing guest dossiers, researching content, and coordinating outreach. Their professionalism and reliability, even when faced with last-minute changes, have made a lasting impact on the podcast’s growth. As their supervisor, Howard Forman, noted, ‘They have done this job without fanfare, reliably, and in the most professional way.’ Their contributions have not only enhanced the podcast but have also set the standard for future research assistants they are training to carry the work forward.”

Leah Mock (Class 0f 2028),research assistant, Division of Invertebrate Paleontology, Yale Peabody Museum

Supervisor: Erynn Johnson, collection manager of invertebrate paleontology, Yale Peabody Museum

“Leah has been an exceptional student worker in the Division of Invertebrate Paleontology at the Yale Peabody Museum. Her meticulous work with irreplaceable fossil specimens, from databasing to photography, reflects her dedication and passion. ‘Leah is one of the most dedicated students I’ve ever worked with…and positively impacts the other students in our division,’ shared supervisor Erynn Johnson. Leah’s commitment and enthusiasm extends beyond her work as she volunteers to teach middle school students about fossils through the Yale SPLASH program.”

Isaac Monks (Class 0f 2027), communication & consent educator (CCE), Yale College 

Supervisor: Tom Adams, assistant dean of student affairs; director, Office of Gender & Campus Culture, Yale College

“Isaac is a communication & consent educator (CCE) at Yale, playing a pivotal role in fostering a positive campus culture. ‘Isaac has tackled large and complex projects with reliability, positivity, and professionalism. No task is too big for Isaac,’ noted his supervisor Tom Adams. Isaac’s dedication extends to leading workshops and overhauling the CCE training curriculum. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the program, strengthening its effectiveness and helping to create a more informed and supportive environment for all students.”

Rylan Polster (Class of 2025), student event technician, Yale Schwarzman Center 

Supervisor: Carolynn Richer, associate production manager, Yale Schwarzman Center

“Rylan has been an invaluable student event technician at the Yale Schwarzman Center, providing crucial support for events and performances. ‘Rylan has grown immensely, integrating seamlessly into professional crews and taking on complex tasks with confidence,’ wrote supervisor Carolynn Richer. From updating production inventories to troubleshooting technical systems, Rylan’s curiosity and initiative have significantly improved operations. His work on projects like the audio system integration and mid-show changeovers demonstrates his commitment to excellence and his deep understanding of the technology behind the Schwarzman Center’s events.”

Tyler Schroder, (Class of 2025), undergraduate learning assistant (ULA), “CPSC 310: Technology, Power & Security”

Supervisor: Joan Feigenbaum, the Grace Murray Hopper Professor of Computer Science, professor of economics

“As an undergraduate learning assistant for ‘CPSC 310’ (‘Technology, Power & Security’), Tyler exemplifies initiative, leadership, and excellence. Beyond leading sections and supporting students with clarity and care, he has taken on an unofficial ‘head ULA’ role — guiding peers, organizing materials, and enhancing instruction for the entire course. ‘Tyler consistently goes above and beyond what is asked of him in his role as ULA,’ wrote supervisor Joan Feigenbaum. His service extends beyond the classroom: as a member of the Departmental Student Advisory Committee (DSAC) and founding organizer of the Yale CS Career Fair, Tyler’s impact is lasting and far-reaching.”

Rohan Wassink (Class of 2026), Head of College office aide, Ezra Stiles College 

Supervisor: Kathryn Dunn, senior administrative assistant, Ezra Stiles College Head’s Office

“Rohan has distinguished himself as one of the most dependable and dedicated office aides in over a decade. From organizing College Teas and managing logistics for high-profile guests to leading an eight-person photography team, he has consistently gone above and beyond. His musical contributions, event leadership, and behind-the-scenes support reflect a rare blend of talent, humility, and initiative. As Kathryn Dunn, his supervisor, notes: ‘Rohan didn’t just get things done — he did so with care, thoughtfulness, and a sense of pride in his work that left a lasting impression.’ He embodies the spirit of excellence and community service.”