Psychology > Undergraduate > Honors and Awards > 2026
2026 Awards for Graduating Psychology Majors
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: Julie Forkosh
Julie graduates with Honors in Psychology and an Honors Minor in Business and Liberal Arts. Julie was involved with a variety of social psychological methodologies during her time as a research assistant, where she worked on a couples’ interaction study and a study on attachment anxiety and competition. She presented the lab’s work at the Queens College’s Undergraduate Research Day in April and won best poster for her presentation. Julie will begin the master’s program in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Baruch College this coming Fall 2026.
The Edith and Max Weiner Award for work with Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Winner: Simran Kang
Simran is a sixth-year doctoral candidate in the Clinical Neuropsychology program at Queens College. Her research examines the cognitive and behavioral functioning of older adults from India, with a focus on close family and friend reports. As the aging population grows and dementia rates rise, she hopes her work will advance clinical understanding of how older adults and their families from this under-served group experience normal aging and dementia. Simran is preparing to begin a pre-doctoral internship in Clinical Neuropsychology this summer.
The Sara Mayes and Phyllis Glanz Endowed Fellowship for Alzheimer‘s Disease Research for a doctoral student pursuing research on Alzheimer’s Disease.
Winner: Christopher Rincon
Chris is in the Clinical Psychology PhD program at Queens College. His research focuses on the impacts of stigma, discrimination, and other adverse life experiences on cognitive functioning and brain health. His dissertation investigates whether subtle inconsistencies in performance across cognitive tasks can serve as an early marker of dementia risk, and whether disparities in cognitive aging are driven by unequal exposure to discrimination and psychosocial stress. Drawing on longitudinal data from a national study of older adults, his work aims to inform more equitable cognitive screening practices and integrated approaches to dementia risk in marginalized populations.
The David Friedman Neuroscience Award for a graduating Psychology or Neuroscience major who will be attending a graduate program in Psychology or Neuroscience devoted to human research.
Winner: Hanan Latiff
Hanan graduates with a triple major in Psychology and Neuroscience, Computer Science, and Mathematics. She was part of the highly competitive CUNY Transfer to STEM Student Success program, which provides professional development and research experiences for students who completed associate degrees at CUNY community colleges. At Queens College, her interest in neuroscience grew as she did research on numerous projects in Dr. Giuseppe Cataldo’s lab, resulting in eight conference posters, with five as first author. Hanan was recently accepted into the Biomedical Engineering PhD program at Yale.
The Dr. Effie Mitsis Memorial Award for a graduating Psychology major who will be attending a graduate program in Neuroscience.
Winner: Ziv Nachshon
Ziv is a Macaulay Honors student, triple majoring in Biology and Neuroscience, Psychology, and Hebrew. He graduates with honors in Psychology. Ziv served as a student council representative on the Macaulay Scholars Council, and worked with the Dean’s institutional awareness and strategic planning team aimed at creating policies to improve all students’ college experience. Ziv’s research at Queens College addressed designing effective neurobiological treatment strategies for drug addiction. Ziv has strong interests in medicine and will be attending a graduate program in health and life sciences.
The John V. Conti Award for a graduating Psychology major who will be attending a graduate program in Psychology or a related profession.
Winner: Hajra Ahsan
Hajra graduates with honors in Psychology and a minor in Data Analytics. During her time at Queens College, she was a literacy tutor at CUNY Reading Fellows, where she supported children’s learning. Hajra also worked as an academic tutor at the QC Learning Commons, where she assisted undergraduates in experimental psychology. Additionally, Hajra was involved in the SIBS practicum, which supports families of children with autism spectrum disorder. Hajra aspires to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in order to help families access effective care and enhance child development. This coming fall, she will begin the Master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis, with a focus on autism and developmental disabilities.
The Harold Schuckman Memorial Award for a student who will be attending a graduate program in Psychology.
Winner: Avelina Yuabova
Avelina graduates with honors in Psychology and History with a minor in Jewish Studies. Her academic excellence is complemented by her leadership skills, including her role as treasurer of the Bukharian Culture Club and her work as a respite care provider. Avelina was also a research assistant and volunteers with Crisis Text Line, where she provides emotional support to individuals in crisis. After graduation, she will begin a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Yeshiva University, with the plan of becoming a licensed therapist.
The Gregory Razran Award for the highest Psychology GPA and an overall GPA of at least 3.50.
Winner: Orah Bakhshi-Nazar
Orah Bakhshi-nazar graduates summa cum laude with honors in Psychology. Throughout her studies, Orah worked in schools, gaining hands-on experience and fostering a deep commitment to education and inclusion. She is passionate about advocacy, inclusion, and empowering students to reach their full potential. Orah will pursue a master’s degree at Adelphi University, focusing on working with students with disabilities.
The William N. Schoenfeld Award for the second highest Psychology GPA and an overall GPA of at least 3.50.
Winner: Kayla Brand
Kayla Brand graduates with honors in Psychology and a minor in Health Sciences. She is also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Throughout her time at Queens College, Kayla was involved in research and dedicated herself to service-oriented clinical and community work. Kayla volunteered for both the Gift of Life Marrow Registry and Crisis Text Line, worked as a counselor at Camp HASC, and participated in community genetic screening initiatives through JScreen. Kayla will be attending the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Genetic Counseling Program.
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: Ryan Capasso
Ryan is a Neuroscience and Psychology major. His research at Queens College focused on gut-brain connections in the aim of understanding more about food and metabolic disorders. Ryan also volunteers at North Shore University Hospital, where he supports patients and visitors in the Emergency Department, while also tutoring chemistry.
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: Fatoumata Drammeh
Fatoumata graduates with honors in Psychology. She currently interns at the Queens College Psychological Center, assisting with clinical operations and psychoeducational outreach for children, families, and older adults. She is also a member of Frantz Fanon Lab for Decolonial Psychology and presented research on visual storytelling for accessible research. She has engaged in campus and community-based initiatives centered on mental health, mentorship, and advocacy for underrepresented communities. Her interests and long-term goals center on culturally informed and accessible approaches to mental and physical health care, research, and policy.
The Wilma A. Winnick Award for a student who has made substantive contributions to the Psychology department.
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The Raphell Sims Lakowitz Memorial Prize for Graduate Study in Clinical Psychology for a student from an underrepresented background who is aspiring to pursue graduate studies to become a clinical psychologist.
Winner: Jazmin Solorio Pulido
Jazmin graduates with honors in Psychology, and minors in Spanish and Health and Culture. Jazmin served the Psychology Department as peer advisor for two years, where she assisted students in academic planning. She is currently serving as an intern at the Queens College Psychological Center, a community mental health clinic dedicated to serving economically disadvantaged and under-resourced populations. She is also a lab coordinator for the Fragile X Premutation Lab, supporting research on social communication and developmental outcomes in children with the premutation.
The Thomas E. Frumkes Award for excellence in Psychological research.
Winner: Kyndia Adewole
Kyndia graduates with honors in Psychology and a minor in Honors in the Social Sciences. Her research and honors thesis sought to understand the relationship between childhood trauma and attachment. She presented her research at Queens College’s Neuropsychology Research Day last semester and at Hunter College’s Psychology Convention earlier this month. Kyndia also works at Queens College in a peer support position where she guides students with their academic goals. Kyndia will begin the Master’s in Social Work program at York College this fall.
Undergraduate Clinical Psychology & Community Outreach Award for excellence in clinical psychological studies and a dedicated commitment to improving the well-being of the local community.
Winner: Amayah de la Cruz
Amayah graduates with honors in Psychology. During her time at Queens College, she worked as a Peer Mentor with First Year Experience to provide academic guidance to new students and participated in SIBS club. Amayah has also dedicated herself to interning at the Queens College Psychological Center, where she contributes to clinical training and community outreach projects. In the future, Amayah plans to pursue graduate work in Mental Health Counseling, with the plan of becoming a licensed therapist.
Undergraduate Clinical Neuroscience Scholar Award for exceptional achievement, potential, and commitment to clinical neuroscience research.
Winner: Aniyah Bradley
Aniyah Bradley graduates with honors in Psychology and Summa Cum Laude. At Queens College and the Queens College Psychological Center, she gained experience in neuroscience, research, and clinical training. Aniyah’s honors thesis examined peer influence, growth mindset, and academic self-efficacy. Aniyah was also in the Brooklyn College Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program, where her research examined the contributions of perineuronal nets to fear memory encoding and modification. After graduation, she will pursue neuroscience research before applying to graduate programs.
The Dr. Moira Fitzpatrick LeMay Memorial Scholarship for a student of junior standing who demonstrates academic excellence.
Winner: Kaylin Melosh
2026 Honors in Psychology
| Jessica Abdelnour | Miriam Abittan | Moshe Abramov | Kyndia Adewole |
| Hamida Afrin | Alla Agaiani | Hajra Ahsan | Yvette Alvarenga |
| Christopher Alvarracin | Gustabo Amaya | Arthur Aminov | Nicole Angrisani |
| Avi J Arabov | Asia Aulov | Daniela Azizzadeh | Oriah Azulay |
| Orah Bakhshi-nazar | Evelyn Barrios-Fino | Molly Bell | Annabel Betances |
| Aaron Boehm | Jennifer Bolotovsky | David Borukhov | Avigail Boutehsaz |
| Kayla Brand | Jeanette Bravo | Sasha Bruzzo | Marissa Capalbo |
| Kenny Carrillo Vaquero | Nicole Castillo | Jennifer Chacon Herrador | Vera Chalumporn |
| Simon Chan | Esha Channa | Simran Charania | Elena Chaupis |
| Honglin Chen | Shazneen Chowdhury | Madison Cintron | Johnny Cordero |
| Tiffany Cruz | Catherine Cundari | Melanie Cuzco | Tiffany Dang |
| Sabrina Danialian | Amayah De La Cruz | Daniel Del Toro | Leslie Diaz |
| Alex Dieudonne | Siddika Doria | Fatoumata Drammeh | Inaide Duroseau |
| Danielle Eichler | Pamela Elayni | Eleanor Elefantis | Leora Ellenberg |
| Cassandra Elysee | Christopher Enriquez | Shoshana Feder | Cristian Flores |
| Julie Forkosh | Dushi Freites | Eliana Fuzaylov | Lisette Galan |
| Mathew Galeano | Jenna Glick | Brittany Grant | Connor Green |
| Drew Greenfield | Rosanna Guo | Mariam HabibI | Jennifer Hafisov |
| Eliana Hamburger | Saeed Harinandan | Aaron Harouny | Edmund Hassell |
| Nina Henry | Vanessa Hidalgo | Henry Holguin | Kimberly Hookum |
| Bonnie Huang | Kelly Huerta | Celina Huynh | Kelly Ibarra |
| Robert Ilyasov | Rina Itzhakov | Jeruel Jagessar | Angelika James |
| Tasnia Jennifer | Avigayil Kagan | David Katanov | Eliana Katsman |
| Sarit Katz | Cassidy King | Jessica Kinsky | Ivy Kong |
| Avraham Zion Kuighadush | Ewa Kusch | Sofia Lamourt | Octaviar Latty |
| Sophia Lee | Seychelle Legendre | Daniel Levian | Leah Levin |
| Raphael Levy | Hui Lin | Rachel Livian | Edita Lleshi |
| Benjamin Madowicz | Cindy Magdaleno | Daniel Malayev | Mia Maldari |
| Alexander Marchese | Brian Markus | Mia Marshall | Daniel Martinez |
| Graciela Martinez | Andres Medina | Anderson Mendivelso | Katie Mihalios |
| Mindy Miller | Joshua Mishail | Stephen Moloney | Ilana Moskowitz |
| Aasha Mukhtar | Jenny Mullady | Ziv Nachshon | Reshana Naraine |
| Valentina Naranjo | Sophia Nazamy | Hannah Nierenberg | Danielle O’Brien |
| Anita Orpa | Arfa Orpita | Penelope Ortiz | Shalives Osorio |
| Reyaan Oza | Sarah Pagan | Melissa Paredes | Monica Perez |
| Pablo Perez | Lauren Phillip | Alexandria Almeera Pineda | Nathaniel Polk |
| Nicholas Powell | Vilma Prieto | Sara Provvisiero | May Saebi Pyu |
| Saniyyah Qeliqi | Israt Rahman | Devin Ren | Arony Rodriguez |
| Flor Romero Garcia | Haley Rosenberg | Regina Ruiz Badillo | Andrea Sanango |
| Myriam Sanon | Mariana Santos De Morais | Dalia Schuh | Gabriela Sedano |
| Rasha Shahbain | Shirelle Shaulian | Jonathan Simantov | Jazmin Solorio Pulido |
| Amir Suhrawardy | Most Sultana | Esther Sylla | Bakhtawar Tahir |
| Sydney Tam | Derrick Tan | Edwin Thomas | Christopher Tse |
| Fiza Uddin | Gabriella Uvaydov | Kristie Vera | Justine Vitale |
| Kristi Vongli | Ciara Waters | Steven Weiss | Izabela Wilamowski |
| Meng Meng Wu | Milana Yagudayev | Daeshawn Yearwood-Thomas | Avelina Yuabova |
| Daniel Yusupov | Fatema Zahran | Miao Ling Zheng Wu | Hsi Ting Zheng Xue |
| Vladimir Zhivulko | Avishai Aghelian | Natalie Mohabir | |