Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2023

About Debra S. Burns

Dr. Debra Burns is a professor and chair of the Department of Music and Arts Technology in the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI. She is an internationally recognized expert in music-based intervention research using mixed methodologies across the cancer treatment continuum from disease-directed treatment to survivorship and end of life. In addition to her contributions as a leading member of the school’s faculty, Dr. Burns established the Burns Foust Music Therapy Scholarship and the Fred Rees and David Peters Music Technology Scholarship. Dr. Burns’ philanthropy and reputation for scholarly excellence are enhanced by her dedication to creating an environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are held as guiding principles in student and faculty recruitment, development, and retention.