College of Saint Benedict senior Josie Braun was named the winner of this year’s Donald G. Paterson Award, according to a May 6 announcement. The award is presented annually by the Minnesota Psychological Association to the state’s most outstanding college senior planning to pursue a career in psychology.
The recognition highlights Braun’s work in undergraduate psychology research, particularly on topics involving adoption, race and ethnicity, and human development within cultural and family contexts. Her interest in these areas is deeply personal, as she was adopted from South Korea when she was 11 months old. “So much of my research interests stem from that, and the most rewarding thing for me has been seeing all this work that’s been done within my own community and implemented into the broader Asian-American community as well,” Braun said. “That’s been a really cool bridge. You can have data and theories, but to see how that applies to people’s actual lives is what makes it feel most impactful.”
Braun becomes the second consecutive CSB student to earn the honor following last year’s recipient Annie Mraz, making her the fifth student from CSB or Saint John’s University overall to receive it. “It’s such an amazing honor,” Braun said. “I knew I’d been nominated, but a CSB student won it last year and I didn’t think there was a chance they’d select someone else from the same school.
“To be chosen feels really good. I’m very humbled.”
During her time at CSB+SJU, Braun participated as a research assistant for Drs. Majel Baker and Vimbayi Chinopfukutwa in their psychology department while also collaborating with faculty at other institutions including Elon University and University of Minnesota. She co-authored publications on college students’ mental health and will contribute further before joining the Rudd Adoption Research Program at University of Massachusetts–Amherst as a post-baccalaureate fellow after graduation.
Reflecting on her academic journey, Braun credited Dr. Baker for mentorship: “I’m grateful to have had Dr. Baker, who took me under her wing and provided me with many opportunities… She invested so much time in me from the very beginning and I will never forget that.”
Looking ahead, Braun aims for an academic career herself: “The research experience I’ve been able to get has been incredibly valuable… It’s the whole reason I was able to get the position I’ve gotten at Amherst.”