Doctoral Student Receives 2024 NJPA Foundation Zellig Bach Award

Devin Simpkins, a fifth-year doctoral student in the professional psychology and family therapy program with the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media, has been honored with the 2024 New Jersey Psychological Association Foundation’s Dr. Zellig Bach Award for the Study of the Family.

The New Jersey Psychological Association Foundation awarded Simpkins for his dissertation research examining the intersection of challenging experiences and family life. This award recognizes graduate students in psychology who contribute valuable insights to the field.

Simpkins’ research explores how the legitimization conferred by marriage and children within a heteronormative society impacts how cis men in same-gender relationships experience their changing relationships with their initially rejecting families over significant milestones.

Simpkins was encouraged to apply for the award by College of Human Development, Culture, and Media faculty Minsun Lee, Ph.D., associate professor of professional psychology and family therapy, who noted, “Devin’s dissertation research has the potential to shed light on an important social phenomenon that impacts same-gender relationships and their families.”

Regarding Simpkins as a student and his scholarship, Lee added, “Devin is a thoughtful scholar who is committed to research that can have real-world implications for communities. His dissertation is an example of this, which makes this award so well-deserved.”

Simpkins was recognized for his achievement during the New Jersey Psychological Association 2024 Fall Convention Awards Luncheon on Friday, October 25, in Asbury Park.

For more information on Devin’s Simpkins’ research, email him at [email protected].

Categories: Health and Medicine