This year’s committee honored three students across two categories for exceptional academic work.
It’s that time of the year again! The Department of Psychology honors students who have demonstrated exceptional writing skills in the field with the Alfred C. Raphelson Prize.
Honorees receive a $100 award and a plaque commemorating their achievement, and their work is shared with future students as an exemplary model of outstanding academic writing.
The 2026 committee recognized three students — and noted that this year’s submissions were particularly strong.
Literature Reviews, Theoretical Papers, or Proposals
Katie Baumann earned recognition for her paper Screen Time and Adolescent Mental Health in the Digital Era, sponsored by faculty member Dr. Nia Billings.
“Studying psychology has given me the opportunity to explore the complexities of human behavior and to better understand that cause and effect are rarely simple or absolute,” Katie said. “Receiving the Raphelson Prize as a returning student is especially meaningful to me, as years of lived experience have revealed a deeper sense of purpose in education that I did not fully appreciate in my youth.”
Corey Walker was also honored in this category for Evaluating the Feasibility of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Adults with ADHD, sponsored by Professor Amanda Taylor.
“Returning to college as an adult was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, and receiving the Alfred C. Raphelson Award confirms I made the right choice,” said Corey. “I want to thank Professors Amanda Smith and Amanda Taylor, who helped push my academic writing to a level I did not know I was capable of, and to Professor Jenna Lunge for deepening my passion for research in ways that changed how I see my future. I had been on the fence about graduate school, but this recognition gives me the confidence to keep reaching for my goals. I am truly honored.”
Empirical Research Reports
Jo Gideon received the prize for The Impact of Caffeine and Blue Light Reduction on Sleep Quality, sponsored by Dr. Tom Wrobel.
“To me, the Alfred C. Raphelson Prize represents the ultimate validation of resilience,” said Gideon. “My journey to a four-year degree began nine years ago … navigating that intense daily pressure is proof that a path born out of personal hardship doesn’t limit your potential but rather forges a legacy of lifelong commitment to academic excellence.”
Congratulations to Katie, Corey, and Jo — and many thanks to the faculty sponsors whose guidance supported their work: Nia Billings, Jennifer LaCosse, Amanda Smith, Kraig Shattuck, Amanda Taylor, and Tom Wrobel.
Thanks as well to selection committee members Karen Bedell, Terry Horgan, and Tom Wrobel for their time and thoughtful evaluation of this year’s submissions.
