Undergraduate Mentor of the Year

Mentorship. Discovery. Impact.

At the University of North Florida, faculty are at the heart of the undergraduate research experience. Guiding students beyond the classroom and into meaningful, hands-on discovery. Through close mentorship and real-world collaboration, UNF faculty empower students to explore ideas, solve problems and create knowledge that makes a difference. 

Research at UNF is more than an academic exercise, it’s a defining part of the student experience. With faculty as mentors, collaborators and innovators, students don’t just learn about their field, they help shape its future. Students are encouraged to connect with faculty, explore research opportunities early and take the next step in their academic journey.

Congratulations to Dr. Indika Kahanda, associate professor of computing at the University of North Florida, on being named the 2026 Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year! Kahanda was nominated by Ella Luedeke, who wrote in her nomination letter that he played a tremendous role in her success. When asked to describe his mentoring philosophy, Kahanda said that he “balances structure with freedom, guidance with independence, and rigor with encouragement. By creating inclusive, scaffolded, and authentic research experiences, I aim to help undergraduates not only acquire technical skills but also develop confidence, curiosity, and a lasting identity as researchers.”

The Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year award, which consists of a plaque and monetary prize, was presented as part of the Spring 2026 UNF Student Research Symposium on Friday, April 24, in the John A. Delaney Student Union.

Congratulations, Dr. Kahanda, on this well-deserved honor and achievement!