Meenakshi Alreja, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry and of neuroscience, has been awarded the Charles W. Bohmfalk Prize for Teaching in Basic Sciences at Yale School of Medicine.

The award was presented May 19 at the YSM MD Class of 2025 Commencement by Nancy J. Brown, MD, Jean and David W. Wallace Dean of the Yale School of Medicine and C.N.H. Long Professor of Internal Medicine.

The award is given to a faculty member teaching in the basic sciences; an identical prize is awarded to a faculty member teaching in the clinical sciences. Faculty are nominated by department chairs, directors of medical studies, faculty members, and medical students.

Those who nominated Alreja wrote:

“Of all courses I have taken at Yale, BBB (a class Alreja teaches) has been the most fascinating and engaging.”

“Leadership. Dedication. Foresight. Empathy. Knowledge base. Flexibility. Faculty relationships is at every lecture. One of the lab leaders dropped out with minimal notice. Dr. Alreja stepped in and took over. Knows students by their first names and their stories. Recognizes student rhythms and needs. Learned of food insecurity and brought in food twice a week. Dr. Alreja is one of the kindest, most supportive people I have interacted with this whole year. She is amazing.”

“Dr. Alreja is an exceptional educator and dedicated course director whose commitment extends across various aspects of YSM’s educational mission. Education is her passion. Students consistently praise her teaching, leadership, and unwavering support.”