As Lynch School professors Henry Braun and Diana Pullin were recently reminded, the road to recognition sometimes takes unexpected turns.聽
When the prestigious 聽(NAEd)鈥攁 collection of just over 200 elite researchers who addresses education鈥檚 most pressing issues鈥攁nnounced that Braun and Pullin had been elected to its ranks, the two professors were pleasantly surprised to see their names on the list. 聽 聽聽
Their surprise was not because they lack qualifications鈥攓uite the contrary: Braun and Pullin possess impressive resumes with signficiant research and extensive work outside of academia.聽
They assumed that their bodies of work鈥攚ith unconventional entr茅es into academics鈥攄idn鈥檛 fit the bill for NAEd, which in the past had mostly inducted career academics who followed more traditional paths. As part of a push two years ago, however, NAEd now includes more scholars whose work directly influences policy.聽
Scholars, in other words, like Braun and Pullin.
Boisi Professor of Education and Public Policy Henry Braun, director of Boston College鈥檚 Center for the Study of Testing, Evaluation, and Educational Policy
An Extraordinary Model: Henry Braun鈥檚 Career Trajectory
Henry Braun, director of Boston College鈥檚 Center for the Study of Testing, Evaluation, and Educational Policy, made his name in statistical modeling and test analysis at Educational Testing Service (ETS), one of the world鈥檚 largest testing organizations. Among other projects at ETS, Braun sought to improve scores鈥� predictive abilities and developed a computerized system for credentialing architects. Beginning in 2000, he shifted his focus to quantifying education鈥檚 seemingly unquantifiable elements: evaluations of interventions, personnel, and policies.
Currently, Braun is examining the relationships between background, personal characteristics (like gender), and adult outcomes in international large-scale assessments; evaluating teacher preparation programs; and investigating the value of liberal arts approaches in higher education. He has also served in an advisory role for the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers for the states of Massachusetts, Missouri, and Louisiana.
Though he鈥檚 honored to have been elected to NAEd, Braun has never strived for accolades. 鈥淲e do our work with the hope that it contributes to not only the health of the research community, but more importantly to educational policy鈥攚ith all the impact it has on students at every level,鈥� Braun said. 鈥淭o the extent that our work is recognized by the profession, that鈥檚 a bonus.鈥�
Professor of Education Law and Public Policy Diana Pullin, holds a J.D. and a Ph.D. in education and a joint appointment at the Lynch School and Boston College Law School
Diana Pullin鈥檚 Decades of Influence聽
Professor of Education Law and Public Policy Diana Pullin began her career as a lawyer, arguing high-profile cases through the late-1980s before joining the Lynch School as professor and dean. Pullin is also a professor in the Boston College Law School.聽
Since she arrived at Boston College, Pullin has concentrated her research on the nexus of law, public policy, and education reform while maintaining a role in legal proceedings; she still consults with attorneys, helping them decide how to pursue impactful cases. These days, Pullin embodies the Lynch School鈥檚 social justice mission with a focus on improving students鈥� access to meaningful educational opportunities.
Regarding her election to NAEd, Pullin was pleased to have made contributions worthy of this appointment. 鈥淚t never occurred to me that it could happen,鈥� Pullin said, 鈥減recisely because of the unusual way I鈥檝e conducted my career.鈥�
With their election, Braun and Pullin join the Lynch School鈥檚 Cawthorne Professor聽Marilyn Cochran-Smith as members of NAEd. An induction ceremony for Braun, Pullin, and other new members will take place during the 2017 NAEd Annual Meeting in November.