The 2026 Peer Learning Assistant of the Year is Vanya Malik, a senior in the Biology and Biotechnology Department. Vanya has been an exceptional PLA in the Biology and Biotechnology Department. Faculty and student nominations consistently praised her as approachable, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to student success. Students highlighted how clearly she explained complex concepts and how comfortable they felt seeking her help, while faculty emphasized her initiative and lasting impact, including developing instructional materials still in use and serving as a role model for both undergraduate and graduate students.
The 2026 PLA Achievement Award Honoree is Sam Gervasi, a senior in the Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department. Sam is a highly valued Peer Learning Assistant recognized for his patience, hands‑on mentoring, deep technical knowledge of lab procedures, and consistent willingness to go above and beyond to support student learning.
The PLA awards have been presented by the Morgan Teaching and Learning Center annually since 2013, in recognition of the key role of peer assistants in supporting distinctive undergraduate education at WPI.
