

Burt Ashworth, PhD
Associate Professor, Psychology
Education
MS
2024, Aging Studies
University of Indianapolis
Ph D
2014, Clinical Psychology
Fielding Graduate University
MS
2012, Clinical Psychology
Fielding Graduate University
MA
2008, Experimental Research
McNeese State University
MA
2008, Teaching
McNeese State University
BS
2005, Psychology
McNeese State University
Biographical Sketch
I earned a B.S. in psychology with a minor in Spanish at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA. I also earned two Master of Arts degrees at the same university, one in experimental research and one in teaching with a concentration in secondary education. I have earned a Master's degree in psychology as well as a certificate in gerontology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I hold a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA. I recently finished my academic work at the University of Indianapolis, completing a Master of Science in Aging Studies. I am a former high school teacher and am now a tenured associate professor at the University of Louisiana, Monroe. I have been teaching in the online format for around 19 years, long before it was popular.
I am married for 51 years to my soulmate and dreamboat, Ilene. We have three children: one son and two daughters. We enjoy spending time with our eight grandchildren and look forward to the day we can be reunited with our ninth grandchild. I cannot leave out our fur baby Princess, a white and fluffy Great Pyrenees.
My learning philosophy:
Education made a remarkable difference in the direction of my life. I was a high school dropout. However, once I matured and had a spiritual transformation, I realized my mistake and learned how to receive my Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED). At that point in time, I recognized how much I loved learning. Taking that detour in life at an early age set me back significantly, making me a nontraditional first-generation student. Looking back, if I can change the direction of my life through my educational pursuits, it is my theory that anyone can accomplish the same thing. It is my opinion that it is never too late to gain an education. All anyone needs is a determined mindset and a significant amount of perseverance. Having a caring, considerate instructor helps, as well. I have high expectations and faith in your success during this class.
Licensure & Certification
Research Interests
My research interests span neuroscience, aging studies, and a range of psychological topics, with a strong emphasis on applied research that connects theory to real-world challenges. In my Neurodynamics Lab, we explore the complexities of brain function, cognition, and behavior, leveraging interdisciplinary methods to study neural mechanisms underlying cognitive and emotional processes. Additionally, my research in aging studies focuses on cognitive resilience, mental health, and interventions that enhance quality of life in later years.
My lab values collaborative and innovative research, offering students hands-on experience with cutting-edge methodologies while supporting their development as independent researchers. Whether exploring neural mechanisms of cognition, cognitive aging, or applied psychological interventions, my goal is to provide students with the expertise and resources to contribute meaningfully to their fields.
Creative Works
Recent Publications
Research Grants
Awards & Honors
June 2022 Endowed Professorship of Gerentology.
July 2020 Endowed Professorship of Gerontology, Pfizer - B. J. and Mary Jo Robinson. (July 2 2018)..
July 2019 Endowed Professorship of Gerontology, Pfizer - B. J. and Mary Jo Robinson. (July 2 2018)..
July 2018 Endowed Professorship of Gerontology.
April Nominated for ULM Spirit Award.
Courses Taught
PSYC 2001INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY, 1 course(s)
PSYC 2003CHILD PSYCHOLOGY, 2 course(s)
PSYC 2005ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, 6 course(s)
PSYC 2010HONORS PSYCHOLOGY, 2 course(s)
PSYC 2078DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY, 3 course(s)
PSYC 3001EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, 11 course(s)
PSYC 3015LEARNING AND MOTIVATION, 2 course(s)
PSYC 3039INTRO TO RESEARCH METHODS, 14 course(s)
PSYC 4000PSYCHOLOGY LABORATORY, 5 course(s)
PSYC 4001ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY, 11 course(s)
PSYC 4003EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN & YOUTH, 5 course(s)
PSYC 4004CLINICAL PSYCH & CLIN RESEARCH, 11 course(s)
PSYC 4006PERSONALITY, 6 course(s)
PSYC 4007HISTORY AND SYSTEMS, 4 course(s)
PSYC 4010HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY, 5 course(s)
PSYC 4050EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY, 1 course(s)
PSYC 4051PSYCH TESTING AND MEASUREMENT, 1 course(s)
PSYC 4099ADV GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY, 8 course(s)
PSYC 5009INTELLIGENCE TESTING, 6 course(s)
PSYC 5011INDIVIDUAL TESTING, 9 course(s)
PSYC 5015PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, 2 course(s)
PSYC 5018PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT, 1 course(s)
PSYC 5028SEMIN/CONTEMPORARY ISSUES/PSYC, 7 course(s)
PSYC 5071BASIC PSYCHOTHERAPY, 6 course(s)