Sejal Barden, chair of the Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology at the University of Central Florida (UCF), has received the 2025 Exemplary Research Practices Award from the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC). The AARC, a division of the American Counseling Association, recognizes members who advance counseling through significant publications, rigorous research, and innovative methodologies.
Barden expressed appreciation for her colleagues and participants who contributed to her work. “It’s great to be recognized personally, but there are so many people behind the scenes who contribute to the success of my research,” Barden said. “This award isn’t just for me — it’s for the hundreds of people who have helped serve our community throughout the years.”
This marks Barden’s second time receiving this honor; she was previously recognized by AARC in 2016 for her scholarship on couples, families, and counseling. Her research aligns with AARC’s mission to foster community engagement and improve lives. “All my work stems from identifying the community’s needs and finding how I, as a relational researcher, can help meet those needs,” she said. “Providing that support to couples and families who don’t typically have access to interventions and psychoeducation to strengthen their relationships is what I’m passionate about.”
According to a 2023 review of more than 20 counseling journals, Barden is among the top 20 most-published scholars in her field. She has led federally supported research projects totaling over $20 million, including Project Harmony 2.0—a randomized control trial studying how relationship education interventions affect satisfaction and emotional regulation.
“As a researcher, I’m always asking myself how I can keep my work innovative and make an impact,” Barden said. “My work focuses on expanding what we know and tackling the unanswered questions that limit the translation of research into community impact.”
Barden conducts much of her research at UCF’s Marriage and Family Research Institute (MFRI), where she serves as executive director. The institute was established in 2003 with a focus on supporting healthy relationships within communities. “Community-engaged research always brings new challenges, so it’s important to stay flexible to meet the community’s needs while upholding federal standards,” Barden noted. “For me, balancing those factors means surrounding yourself with a passionate team of skilled professionals. At the MFRI, we all complement each other as we work together to make our projects the best they can be. I’m very grateful to the team.”
The award also acknowledges Barden’s dedication to mentoring students—she has guided them through more than 40 peer-reviewed publications, with mentees earning multiple national and regional awards. “Many students feel intimidated when they hear about research and statistics,” she said. “I love breaking down what research really is and helping [students] find their passion and purpose. I find that when we slow down and they get excited about a topic, their curiosity naturally flows. It’s fun to be in that space with them, and to see them grow in their confidence and efficacy as researchers.”
Reflecting on her recognition, Barden emphasized her commitment to improving relationships at a local level: “My work always has and always will be about the people,” she said. “I believe real change happens at the local level, and what’s important to me is doing the best we can at that level. That’s my life’s purpose.”
