Dr. Candice Burkett Named 2025 Honors Mentor of the Year

The Ron and Laura Strain Honors College recognized Dr. Candice Burkett, assistant professor of psychology, as the 2025 Honors Mentor of the Year.

The Strain Honors Mentor of the Year is awarded annually to an Honors faculty advisor who has played a significant role in developing their students’ skills and knowledge, and in guiding them toward professional success through their Honors proposals and projects.

Dr. Burkett oversees the Study of Cognition Contradictions and Misconceptions at UIndy, which aims to help us understand how people process contradictory information. Her research has inspired and modeled many UIndy Honors students. Her dedication to student success has not gone unnoticed by her colleagues.

“Dr. Burkett is a phenomenal mentor,” remarked one of her peers. “She puts in countless hours for students to provide individualized support. Not only this, but she has cultivated a community among her students so that they help and support each other. In short, through her work with Honors students, Dr. Burkett has enriched the community of our entire department and provided a model for what undergraduate students can achieve through scholarship.”

Dr. Burkett’s students are quick to praise her impact on their academic journey.

“Dr. Burkett continuously supported me throughout all steps of my Honors project and life in general,” said the student. “She never failed to answer a quick question (or rather long ones), squeeze in time to meet with me, or teach me how to do something, not only in her class but outside of it as well. She has been a huge influence in my psychology education here at UIndy.”

For Dr. Burkett, mentoring is more than just guidance; it’s a chance to collaborate with students in meaningful ways.

“One of my favorite parts of teaching is working with students on research projects rooted in their own interests and passions—and the students at UIndy are truly exceptional,” said Dr. Burkett. “Every student I’ve worked with brings a deep-rooted curiosity, and part of my role as a research mentor is to help channel that curiosity into meaningful, focused projects. I strive to tailor each experience to the individual, creating an engaging and personally relevant research process. I hope this approach helps students see research as a creative and enjoyable way to explore the questions that matter most to them.”