This week, she was announced as the Otago University Students Association's lecturer of the year, adding to her previous highlights for 2008 - her marriage and receiving her PhD.
Dr Braund's enthusiasm for teaching was recognised at the OUSA's seventh annual teaching awards.
After three weeks of student voting, Dr Braund and nine other University of Otago lecturers were congratulated at the ceremony.
"I never expected this. I recognised some of the names on the [top 10] list, the people I looked up to as a student."
The awards highlight the importance of good teachers and the impact they have on students.
Dr Braund (31) grew up in Dunedin and began her studies at the university in 1996.
In 2005, she was appointed a lecturer in the pharmacy school and her PhD was conferred in May this year.
"I am lucky. I love my job. And students are a big part of that."
Dr Braund is also president of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand's Otago branch.
One of her students, Fiona Bradley, said Dr Braund, with her friendly nature, made students feel comfortable.
The top 10 lecturers were: Dr Braund, pharmacy; Selene Mize, Jessica Palmer and Prof Mark Henaghan, law; Dr Blair Blakie, physics; David Bishop, marketing; Tony Zaharic, biochemistry; Associate Prof Lyall Hanton and Associate Prof Allan Blackman, chemistry; and Dr Robert Alexander, economics.
- Mary Holmes