Savannah Yao Yang joined the team in 2023 as the Assessment Specialist for Academic Support. Her primary focus has been on supporting the evaluation of the First-Year Scholar at Yale program, where she contributes to the implementation, analysis, and reporting of program evaluation. Her commitment to researching and advocating for the success of first-generation low-income students underscores her passion for fostering inclusivity and academic success. 

Savannah earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and a master’s degree in Educational Assessment from Purdue University. Throughout her academic journey, she demonstrated her dedication to educational enrichment. At her graduate school time, she led some university-based enrichment programs, emphasizing the academic, social, and emotional development of underrepresented K-16 students. Her research center on underrepresented students’ scholar identity development, mental health, and college retention.