Connecting data with real people earns CSB senior Minnesota’s top psychology student award

May 6, 2026 - 18:30

For the second year in a row, a student from the College of Saint Benedict has claimed the state's highest undergraduate psychology honor. Josie Braun, a senior psychology major, has been awarded the Donald G. Patterson Award, which recognizes the top psychology student in Minnesota.

Braun was selected for her ability to bridge the gap between raw data and human experience. Her professors noted that she does not treat psychology as a collection of statistics or theories, but as a field rooted in understanding real people. In her research, she focused on how social factors shape mental health outcomes, often working directly with community groups to ensure her findings had practical applications.

The Donald G. Patterson Award is given annually by the Minnesota Psychological Association. It considers academic achievement, research contributions, and a demonstrated commitment to applying psychological principles to everyday life. Braun's faculty mentors described her as a rare talent who can analyze complex data sets while never losing sight of the individuals behind the numbers.

Braun is the second straight Bennie to win the award, following last year's recipient. She plans to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology, with an emphasis on serving underserved populations. The award comes with a monetary prize and recognition at the state association's annual conference.