Princeton awards 2026 Pyne Prize to Braden Carroll and Katie Daniels

Princeton University presented the 2026 Moses Taylor Pyne Prize, the university’s highest undergraduate distinction, jointly to seniors Braden Carroll and Katie Daniels in a ceremonial program that described each recipient’s academic work, leadership and service.

Braden Carroll, introduced by university leadership, was recognized for interdisciplinary work as a civil and environmental engineering major, research projects including a water-powered hybrid bridge and a structural study of historic timber barns, and extracurricular leadership as a walk-on member of Princeton’s varsity lightweight crew. In his remarks Carroll thanked university leaders, mentors and teammates and described Princeton as a ‘‘set of doors’’ leading to future opportunities.

Katie Daniels was honored for scholarship and accessibility leadership. Presenters summarized her research into the effects of human gene variants on neurological outcomes following repeated head injury, noted a prior peer-reviewed publication and support from the Boyce Beatty senior thesis award and Princeton Neuroscience Institute, and described her volunteer work as an EMT and as a senior fellow advising on disability inclusion. In her remarks Daniels shared three guiding messages for classmates: ‘‘You can do hard things,’’ ‘‘Don’t be afraid to say I don’t know,’’ and ‘‘Measure worth by the impact you have on others.’’ She thanked mentors, family and peers and expressed commitment to a career in academic medicine.

The ceremony framed the Pyne Prize, established in 1921 in memory of Moses Taylor Pyne (class of 1877), as recognition for ‘‘excellence, scholarship, strength of character, and effective leadership in support of the best interests of Princeton University.’’ The program included introductions by university officials and brief acceptance remarks by both recipients.