Dwight Hall Public School Interns

Kaylen Yun – PSI Co-Coordinator

Gus Renzin – PSI Co-Coordinator

Claudia Merson – Director of Public School Partnerships, Dwight Hall Education Advisor

Mark Fopeano – Director of Programming and Evaluation, Dwight Hall

K-8

Bernadette Nwokeji – East Rock Community Magnet School

Bernadette Nwokeji is a senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering while also pursuing an Education Studies, Intensive certificate. A member of the Yale cheerleading team, Bernadette enjoys cheering on the Bulldogs, from the Yale Bowl all the way to March Madness. Bernadette also likes to explore new places in Connecticut whenever she can.

Tenzin Youdon – Elm City Montessori School

Tenzin Youdon is a sophomore in Saybrook College majoring in Political Science while also pursuing a certificate in Education Studies. Growing up in the New Haven community and New Haven Public Schools she has always had a passion for serving under resourced schools. She is committed to building a bridge between Yale and New Haven funneling the resources she has at Yale to help New Haven Flourish. Outside of that, she serves as the president of Yale UNICEF and currently interns for the CT Secretary of the State. She began volunteering for Elm City Montessori last year and is so excited to be back.

Gus Renzin – Troup School

Gus Renzin is a junior in Trumbull College majoring in Global Affairs with certificates in Energy Studies and Education Studies. He is passionate about both the policy and practice of education and is deeply interested in organizational design. During the 2023-2024 school year, Gus was welcomed into the Troup community as a volunteer supporting literacy development and science enrichment, and he cannot wait to spend the next two years continuing to work alongside the school’s incredible students, educators, and families as its inaugural PSI!

Micah Draper – Worthington Hooker School

Micah Draper is a sophomore in Pauli Murray College pursuing the Urban Studies and History majors, as well as a certificate in Education Studies. Originally from Wallburg, North Carolina (a super small town outside of Charlotte!), he’s interested in reforming the American teacher pay system and hopes to extend more educational resources and academic opportunities to under-resourced schools throughout the world. While not spending time at Worthington Hooker, Micah plays French horn in the Yale Concert Band, competes on the Yale Model UN Team, and serves as President of the Yale Sophomore Class Council. He can’t wait to continue serving as a liaison between the New Haven and Yale communities!  

High Schools

Nicolas Upegui – High School in the Community

Nicolas (Nico) Upegui (he/him) is a junior from North Providence, Rhode Island studying Cognitive Science and Education Studies. His passion for education stems from his parents’ experiences as public school educators and the doors that open for communities and individuals through education. Nico is incredibly excited to be interning at High School in the Community and is looking to pursue a career in educational equity. He also loves making music, and always loves talking about music!

Ellen Windels – Common Ground High School

Ellen Windels is a junior studying Anthropology. She grew up among the trees and lakes of rural Northern Minnesota, and deeply appreciates the mutual relationship between the environment and people. She believes that public education is always in need of more support and attention, and seeks to understand how best to support our educational communities!

Christian Baca — Wilbur Cross High School

Christian Baca (he/him) is a senior from South Florida studying Political Science and Education. After graduation, he plans to return to Florida to become a high school social studies teacher and develop curriculum for CTE programs. His passion for teaching is inspired by the many educators who supported him throughout his academic journey. Christian is incredibly excited to support the Wilbur Cross community!

Gloria Kim — Hill Regional Career High School

Gloria Kim (she/her) is a senior studying Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Education Studies from Buford, GA. She has always loved combining her fascination with biology and science with her passion for teaching by engaging with New Haven public schools. At Yale, she serves as a peer mentor and tutor for several STEM initiatives and courses. Outside of classes, she likes to conduct immunology research at the Yale School of Medicine, sing in A capella, or try out new restaurants in New Haven.

Sophie Lamb — Celentano School

What We Do

In the past, PSIs have worked in a variety of areas:

• Classroom assisting
• Tutoring
• Libraries
• English language learners
• Special education
• Administrative offices
• Afterschool programs
• Coordinating Yale groups and resources
• Event planning

Volunteer Description
Hill Regional Career High School is seeking dedicated Yale undergraduates to serve as Classroom Assistants in STEM courses. Assistants will support teachers during class sessions, help guide students during hands-on activities, and contribute to a positive, engaging learning environment for high-school students.

Responsibilities
● Assist teachers during class sessions twice per week
● Support students during laboratory activities, group work, and skill-building exercises
● Help set up, organize, or demonstrate classroom and lab materials
● Maintain clear, professional communication with the teacher and students
● Ensure consistent attendance and reliability throughout the semester

Preferred Qualifications
● Strong interest or background in biology, biotechnology, or biomedical sciences
● Experience with biology laboratory skills (e.g., micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, DNA
isolation) preferred but not required
● Communicative, reliable, and comfortable helping in hands-on STEM environments
● Enthusiasm for teaching, mentorship, and youth engagement

Time Commitment
● 2–4 hours per week across two class periods
● Must be consistently available during scheduled class times

Placement
After the application process, each selected applicant will be paired with a specific teacher based on schedule, interest, and experience. Fill out this Google form if you are interested!