UROP Leader Information Submission

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311 submissions
# Created User IP address First Name Last Name Full name as you would like it to appear on the website Preferred Pronouns Hometown, State, and Country (ex: Tallahassee, FL, USA) FSU email Please check this box if you are willing to be contacted by students interested in UROP LinkedIn URL (optional) Major(s) Minor(s) Graduation Semester and Year (ex: Fall, 2022) What is your current research focus? Are there any other research related activities you participate(d) in? Answer one of the following two questions about being a UROP Leader or your UROP background. Please answer the question you selected above in the area provided. Please list any other hobbies or interests you would like to share Headshot 2026Year2026 Approved Update URL UROP Leaders Years as a UROP Leader Operations
344 Tue, 04/21/2026 - 10:44 AM Anonymous 144.174.212.126 Charlie Clark Charlie Clark He/Him Naples, FL, USA Cgc23e@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-clark0/ Biochemistry Spring, 2028 My current research focus is on the intersection of STEM and social science, particularly how scientific and technological advancements—especially in fields like biochemistry—interact with legal, economic, and policy systems. I am especially interested in how innovation is regulated and translated into real-world applications, including issues such as intellectual property, access to pharmaceuticals, and the broader ethical and societal implications of biotechnology. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to impact my students by making research feel accessible and engaging, rather than intimidating. I want to help them see that their ideas have value and that they are capable of contributing to meaningful academic conversations. I also aim to encourage them to think beyond the lab or classroom and consider how their work connects to real-world issues. I also spent much of my time as a part of the University's Mock Trial Program, which has strengthened my skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and constructing persuasive arguments. Outside of academics, I like playing pickleball as a fun way to stay active and unwind. Charlie_Clark.png 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=4fhqTvtE1cuYbBSi_F09gmdR6McHOAQuVvr8FIJ42yM 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
343 Mon, 04/20/2026 - 09:54 PM Anonymous 2a04:4e41:7002:f3f7::7739:e3f7 Yaredh Fernandez Yaredh Fernandez Miami, FL, USA yf22c@fsu.edu Yes Psychology Social Work, Statistics Spring 2027 I am currently working at the ABHC Lab (Anxiety and Behavioral Health Clinic) on a trial assessing the feasibility of a new transdiagnostic intervention approach targeting symptoms of general anxiety, stress, and depression, with the hopes of making a more accessible treatment.
 How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I want to provide students with the knowledge and resources that I gained during my time in UROP and my time after UROP. I want to act as a mentor for my students and guide them to become better versions of themselves, personally and academically. I love playing video games, watching movies, shows, doomscrolling, baking, and eating loads of food at any and every point in the day. IMG_4209.jpeg 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=Fgax5I1PPoXadx2q1WJiUApmbdlznxUozhU4EvBziBs 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
342 Mon, 04/20/2026 - 02:52 PM Anonymous 144.174.214.38 Allison Casanova Allison Casanova Miami, FL, USA amc23q@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-m-casanova/ Chemical Engineering Spring 2028 My current research focus in UROP is on analyzing the melting behavior of Bi-2212, which is a high-temperature superconductor. I will participate in the MagLab REU program this summer, where I will work on 3D printing research. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I want to help students feel excited about research and feel connected with the community. I want to teach them about research and be there to support them through any challenges they might face along the way. Allison_7187.jpg 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=mqCwH-f4Pa8g6C4jY6Hnznl1vFdHLxbl6Iov1O6LZo8 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
341 Mon, 04/20/2026 - 02:23 PM Anonymous 2601:4c0:4180:5310:d930:2758:8e56:49c0 Isabella Sofia Rodriguez Casasbuenas Isabella Sofia Rodriguez Casasbuenas Panama City, Republic of Panama isr22c@fsu.edu No https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-sofia-rodriguez-casasbuenas-603635278/ Industrial Engineering Spring 2027 I am working on a Boeing Research & Technology-sponsored project focused on aerospace electronics reliability, where I investigate the microstructure of electronic components using micro-CT imaging to better understand component failures. My Honors Thesis builds on this work by studying printed electronic materials and how manufacturing conditions such as bending, forming, and heat affect their structure and reliability. Together, my work focuses on understanding failure mechanisms in emerging electronic materials to support more reliable aerospace electronic systems. I previously participated in research at the Center for Advanced Power Systems on a NASA-sponsored project related to the Integrated Zero Emission Aviation initiative. In that role, I learned about NASA’s goals for more sustainable aircraft systems and supported research on high-temperature superconducting tapes for low-loss aircraft power applications. I also contributed to the design and prototyping of a cryogenic busbar system by creating spacer components in SolidWorks. This experience helped me build a stronger foundation in aerospace power systems, superconducting materials, and engineering design. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? My experience in UROP became the foundation for many opportunities that followed. It helped me gain the research experience and confidence that led to my current position as a Research Assistant, my EUREKA Fellowship from the College of Engineering, and my Honors in the Major thesis. Overall, UROP helped me grow as a student, researcher, and engineer by showing me how valuable it is to stay curious and pursue opportunities beyond my comfort zone. In my free time, I enjoy graphic design, singing, reading, baking, painting, going to the gym, and going on nature walks. I like having hobbies that allow me to be creative, stay active, and recharge outside of school and research. Headshot, Isabella Rodriguez (3).jpg 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=Ep7Z2uBAvELtF2Hstc5UVJeARTBKNez4Yu9sU9-dEYM 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
340 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 11:48 PM Anonymous 46.110.138.3 Aurora Ramirez Aurora Ramirez she/her Tampa, FL, USA acr24@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/auroraram/ Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience 2028 My current research project is centered on kratom use in high school aged adolescents in Florida. This research was completed with the Florida Center for Prevention Research, and focuses on educating people about the prevalence and impacts of kratom use. I intend to continue education and outreach, and eventually, I would like to branch out into other topics in social work. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I want to create a fun space where students are able to learn, grow, and ask questions. I hope to help spark a deeper interest in research and help relieve some of the stress that comes with finding a lab. I would love to facilitate their first steps into the world of undergraduate research and offer unwavering support. I'm so excited to meet my students! I love art, and I spend my free time painting. My favorite things to paint right now are birds, which I like to watch and feed in my free time. I'm outgoing and love to partake in activities around campus and the Tallahassee area. The artsier the better! Screenshot 2026-04-20 at 1.18.15 AM.png 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=S6ivcpYplTIqQguVj6qdbgaeo-rdX4Ec5J-b4aAC228 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
339 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 11:46 PM Anonymous 153.33.162.81 Justin Bolt Justin Fallon, NV, USA jkb25c@fsu.edu No https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-bolt-8a388a23b/ Biochemistry Spring, 2027 Cellulose-based biomaterials Alternative polymers for use in reverse osmosis filters, NAD+ as a supplement to improve cell regeneration in mice, The effect of rotational velocity and orbital mass on Mars' magnetic field, Ecology and conservation within Florida's Evergreen Swamp, Odontomachus Brunneus (Florida native Trap-Jaw Ant species) social behaviors and diet. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to inspire my students to keep trying. Regardless of subject, knowledge, or difficulty. Just keep trying. I want my students to understand that they are allowed to make mistakes, so long as they meet three criteria after the fact.
1.) They think about the mistake in order to discover what caused it to occur and learn from it.
2.) They move on from the problem after learning from it. Dwelling on negativity hinders everything and helps nobody.
3.) They try again, using what they learned from their collective mistakes to reshape the way they tackle the problem.
If I can instill these three ideas into my students, they will be unstoppable wherever they go in life. 		I play tuba, I drive RC Cars, I ride BMX, I'm a mechanic, I collect scrap, I love nature (especially insects), I create and tend to vivariums for the purpose of study, and I love to cook. Headshot.jpg 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=E0-YM3YpnMVdoTOmT9R2yQzJt8DfgxFhrR1iUskWWJA 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
337 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 11:23 PM Anonymous 2601:4c0:8000:ce20:e8ab:4168:b628:b5d9 Malena Edu Malena Edu She/Her Jacksonville, FL, USA mre24@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/malena-edu/ Human Development and Family Sciences Biology and Chemistry Spring, 2028 My current research focus is the role of various interventions on mild cognitive impairment (MCI). During my time in UROP, I researched the role of information communication technology (ICT) on mitigating age-related cognitive decline in older adults. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I hope to create a space where UROP students can learn, grow, and challenge themselves as both researchers and individuals. I want to not only help students learn about and engage in research, but also mentor and support them in and out of the classroom! Outside of UROP, I currently serve as the Dancer Relations Director of Dance Marathon at FSU. I am also actively involved in the FSU Pre-PA Society (previous VP) and the Undergraduate Chapter of the American Medical Women's Association (previous Social Chair). Outside of academics, I love getting coffee, reading, and going to the beach! headshot.JPG 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=OA6_e-0FLhnOf-n59BCtyqa9WOxNYDsHEONlDm7xee8 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
336 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 11:22 PM Anonymous 2a09:bac2:7c97:e6e::170:e6 Lucia Salvato Valiente Lucia Salvato Valiente She/Her San Salvador, El Salvador ls23bb@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-salvato-profile?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios Interior Architecture and Design Spring, 2028 My research explores the underlying meanings of decorative arts. By examining the relationship between each piece and its context, I can better understand how thoughtful design influences everyday life. Through this understanding, I seek to create aesthetic spaces that support and enhance the human experience. My design projects require extensive research, so I continuously engage in studious inquiry. Across them, I focus on translating abstract ideas into concrete design solutions. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP leader, I aim to make the students’ research journey more enjoyable, so they are driven by curiosity rather than obligation. I want them to discover and explore what aligns with their interests, as I believe that when students connect personally to their work, passion and determination follow, leading to more meaningful results. I am interested in making the world more beautiful. I do so by drawing, writing, and making, as well as by caring for the environment, fostering meaningful connections with others, and spreading positivity. IMG_2961.jpeg 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?token=34uqrNzOoZisXZHj_8nraIhCv8JKQMCNlT10tD-LdRI 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
335 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 11:22 PM Anonymous 68.234.254.85 Dara Dereje Dara Dereje Winter Garden dd23f@fsu.edu No Humanities on Pre-Physician Assistant Track Spring, 2027 For my UROP project I researched Spanish Banditry in the 16th century. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? UROP was a very large part of my sophomore year and doing research helped me develop both academically and professionally. I hope to pass down the knowledge I gained from the experience, and provide my students with guidance and mentorship throughout the entire process. IMG_2712 3.jpg 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=gviLSN7Y8UhR_J9q5eUwtNrSNG8FhmtbYmamJ_g8DOs 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
338 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 11:21 PM Anonymous 153.33.131.142 Jillian Derodel Jillian Derodel She/Her/Hers Tampa, FL, USA jmd23i@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianderodel Statistics Mathematics, Computer Science Spring, 2027 My current research focuses on FSU degree program attributes and transfer student major change. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? My UROP experience has greatly shaped the direction I want to go as an undergraduate student. UROP has shown me that I am passionate about conducting research in my field, and it has given me the opportunities to continue do so throughout my academic career. I've made important connections through my research site and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement through UROP, and I'm excited to relate my experience to students as a UROP Leader. I love movies and tv and books and music!!! Derodel_Jillian.jpg 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=OR7tc_eksX7MP1CQ2KT_H5QfBsT6Z2T2H-HAK_wHG4Q 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
334 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 11:21 PM Anonymous 2605:ad80:10:1c23:15d6:6198:dbf7:467e Ariana Chu Ariana Chu She/Her Lake Worth, Fl, USA aec23m@fsu.edu Yes Psychology Chemistry Spring, 2028 Currently I am studying psychiatric healthcare workers and how burnout negatively impacts not only their overall wellbeing, but their patients as well. I was awarded funding for my research through the IDEA Grants, and I am completing HITM, simultaneously. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP was the catalyst for many of my meaningful experiences at FSU. It pushed me beyond what I thought I could ever see myself doing, like becoming a colloquium instructor and conducting my own independent research. I am eager to begin aiding future UROP students in their research journey. Ariana Chu Headshot.JPG 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=QVoxGD7aDfjnpSxExJHDjvbkPdym59BSUSKvOgJyvhc 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
333 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 11:17 PM Anonymous 144.174.212.49 Mia Ferris Mia Ferris Jacksonville mjf23f@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-ferris/ Marketing and International Affairs French Spring, 2028 As a freshman at FSU, I pursued a UROP Project under the Department of Economics in the College of Social Science and Public Policy. My work focused on the honesty and dishonesty associated with the transaction of money, where I contribute to data collection, analysis, and presentation skills to support ongoing academic studies. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP was by far one of the most transformative opportunities of my freshman year. Research was never something I thought I would have the opportunity to pursue, and I am so thankful for this program for pouring into me the resources and mentors needed to pursue research at the undergraduate level. I loved the program so much I had to come back as a UROP Leader to give back everything this program gave to me. I'm a big music person! I love to sing, write music, and play guitar. I'm also a bookworm and am always ready to give a recommendation! IMG_6720 2.jpg 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=pB85g6AGZTkHoZ4mv-ZkkcdDjswJVBIL-meR_PdzIiA 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
332 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 11:08 PM Anonymous 68.234.254.135 Natalie Zamora Natalie Zamora She, her Miami, FL, USA nmz24@fsu.edu Yes Biomedical Engineering Fall, 2027 I study how strengthening breathing muscles can improve breathing efficiency in adults with obesity. My research looks at whether a simple training method can make breathing require less energy and feel easier. The goal is to better understand ways to reduce breathlessness and improve overall respiratory function. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to impact my UROP students by helping them overcome the intimidation that often comes with starting research. I want to create an environment where they feel capable, supported, and confident in their ability to contribute. Research can seem overwhelming at first, but I aim to show that it’s a skill that can be learned step by step. By encouraging curiosity and growth, I want students to see research as something achievable and leave feeling prepared and confident in their abilities. I enjoy going to the gym and spending time at the pool, as it helps me stay active while also having fun. I also like playing video games in my free time to unwind and take a break. Overall, I appreciate a balance between physical activity and more relaxed hobbies depending on the day. IMG_5089 (1).jpg 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?token=cFOvnT4oGXHgCXTYPdJsHw1F5CmINcdLgvaWzksGlK8 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
330 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 10:37 PM Anonymous 68.234.254.61 Kiara Felix Kiara Catherine Felix West Palm Beach, FL, USA kcf24@fsu.edu Yes Media Communications Studies, Criminology Summer, 2028 My undergraduate research focuses on gendered depictions in advertisements, where I conducted a quantitative content analysis of U.S. household care commercials over a ten-year period. Through this project, I examined how gender and race/ethnicity are represented in caregiving roles, screen time, and product interaction. This research allowed me to develop skills in data analysis, coding, and critical media interpretation, while also deepening my understanding of how media representations shape societal norms and expectations. My findings challenged some common assumptions about gender roles in advertising while also highlighting ongoing disparities in racial representation, reinforcing the importance of critically engaging with everyday media. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP leader, I hope to create a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel confident taking their first steps into research. I know firsthand that one of the most challenging parts of undergraduate research is simply getting started and finding a mentor, so I want to help students navigate that process with clarity and reassurance. I aim to make research feel accessible rather than intimidating by breaking down expectations, sharing my own experiences, and providing practical guidance.

I also hope to empower students to see the value in their ideas and interests, especially within the humanities and communication studies. By fostering strong communication skills and critical thinking, I want to help students grow both academically and personally. Ultimately, I want to be a resource and mentor who supports students through challenges and celebrates their successes, helping them build confidence in their ability to conduct meaningful research.		 Felix, Kiara.png 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=0S-Yo4dhz8BaZ9Zs9FN2O140a1hiIPNlVS0xaGUFUjk 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
331 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 10:29 PM Anonymous 50.30.143.237 Charlie Lu Charlie Lu He/Him Jacksonville, FL, USA cll23c@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-lu-bb0525319/ Actuarial Science & Computer Science Business Spring, 2028 How patients' preconceived perceptions of insurance coverage influence their healthcare choices, including which treatments they consider and whether they seek or delay care. I completed the International Baccalaureate program and earned an IB Diploma! How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I believe being a UROP Leader is more than just standing at the front of the classroom, yapping to students as they fight the urge to take a nap. Instead, I want to form personal connections with my students, mentoring them every step of the way in the UROP process. I hope my students walk away realizing that research isn't just for people who live in lab coats and never touch grass, but is for anyone who is brave enough to take the opportunity and grow from it. I like drawing, working out, niche internet references, and having a good attitude! charliestudentphoto.png 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=zfjfAUnSP4XJBkryKzvkpM2XydFi68PX3Q0k2AhA2KY 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
329 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 10:13 PM Anonymous 144.174.212.7 Rowan Sturgill Rowan Sturgill she/her Lexington, KY, USA rcs24a@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowan-sturgill-a03659247/ Applied Mathematics Chemistry Spring, 2026 My current research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 infection in lymphocytes. Specifically, I am working on a project to detect the amino acid sequences associated with Cyclophilin A binding HIV-1 capsid protein to develop our understanding of viral hijacking of cellular machinery. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I want my students to feel confident in their ability to be more independent researchers. As an undergraduate, it can be very intimidating to enter research environments with educated experts, especially in a field they are not familiar with. I hope that through our UROP colloqium, we can encourage students to embrace the uncertainty and feel comfortable in a lab community while giving them the resources to do so. Outside of research, I work as a math tutor for FSU, serve on the executive board of FSU Generation Action, and am a member of the math fraternity, Pi Mu Epsilon. RownSturgill.png 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=oOMblwSvqEdA3lZvAmkMqlcLvie9EYd5oJXAX31op-8 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
328 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 10:02 PM Anonymous 144.174.210.27 Alana Watt Lani Watt Melbourne, FL amw23o@fsu.edu Yes IMS - Clinical Professions Spring, 2028 Spelling Development in Children How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP has been extremely impactful on my time at FSU! It was a great experience that helped me develop so many career skills, including communication and problem-solving. IMG_7760.PNG 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=OpARms5ljbEkGp6Khq4vfI15-nw_sGdlS35rRfh9GE8 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
327 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 09:37 PM Anonymous 144.174.212.32 Alana Banton Alana Banton She/ Her Miami, Florida ab24o@fsu.edu Yes Behavioral Neuroscience & Public Health Chemistry & Biomedical Physics Spring, 2028 My UROP project was on developing a cognitive skills model to predict early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease, and it will now continue as part of my Directed Individual Study (DIS) credit. My current research focuses on individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), with a particular emphasis on spatial navigation as a sensitive and potentially early marker of cognitive decline. Our findings demonstrate that individuals with MCI exhibit significantly poorer performance on navigation-based tasks compared to cognitively healthy adults, suggesting that these assessments may detect impairment earlier than traditional memory-based measures. Through this work, I have engaged in synthesizing prior research and analyzing study data, which has strengthened my ability to evaluate subtle cognitive changes associated with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This experience has also reinforced the importance of collaborative inquiry and advanced critical thinking in research, while enhancing my ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including faculty, peers, and healthcare professionals. In addition to my UROP project, I was selected as a Global Scholar through Florida State University’s Global Scholars Program, where my research examines how healthcare providers adapt both verbal and non-verbal communication when caring for patients from diverse cultural, linguistic, and health literacy backgrounds, and how these adaptations influence clinical decision-making. My work focuses on understanding the strategies providers use, such as simplifying medical language, incorporating interpreters or visual aids, and adjusting body language or tone, to ensure patient comprehension and trust. Through methods such as semi-structured interviews, observational analysis, and provider reflections, I analyze how these communication approaches shape care decisions, including treatment planning, patient adherence, and follow-up recommendations. In addition to Global Scholars, I am also apart of the math thinking and learning lab. I contribute to research focused on understanding the cognitive and developmental processes behind how children and adolescents learn mathematics. By examining these learning patterns across various developmental stages, our goal is to identify and inform potential interventions that can improve mathematical thinking and educational outcomes for all students. Through this work, I assist in investigating how specific cognitive factors and individual differences influence a student’s ability to process and succeed in math. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I hope to create a supportive and approachable environment where students feel comfortable engaging with research from the very beginning. Having gone through the UROP experience myself, I understand how complex and sometimes overwhelming research problems can initially seem, so I aim to help students break down those challenges and build a clearer understanding of the work they are contributing to. I also want to be someone who is easy to talk to and consistently available for questions, whether they are about research concepts, methodology, or simply how to navigate the research process. My goal is to make sure students never feel like they are expected to figure everything out on their own. I enjoy reading in my free time, especially mystery books, the kind where I spend half the book thinking I’ve solved it, only to be completely wrong right before the ending. I’m always open to recommendations, especially anything with good twists, unreliable characters, or a plot that makes me want to immediately talk about it with someone. I also binge-watch shows when I have downtime, which usually turns into a full commitment I didn’t plan for but absolutely don’t regret :) Screenshot 2026-03-12 at 5.02.46 PM.png 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=OT7Qe6NzM6GwA3Xqfhh85B1M-edv9oHnjMSEL6Jg1W4 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
326 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 09:12 PM Anonymous 8.14.156.209 Mollie Koetting Mollie Koetting She/Her Tallahassee mkk24@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-mollie-koetting-a57317334/ Psychology Chemistry Spring, 2028 My current research focus is on under-researched impacts of neurodevelopmental disorders, explored by investigating a potential relationship between spatial orientation and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? Through participating in UROP, I gained direct experience with various stages of the research process, collaborated closely with my mentor and a team of researchers, and learned how to communicate findings to both expert and general audiences. Beyond professional development, the program’s emphasis on empowering students and fostering a strong sense of community has significantly influenced my undergraduate experience. My involvement in UROP has strengthened my interest in psychiatric disorders and opened new opportunities for continued growth and contribution, which is why I am eager to support and guide future UROP students throughout this transformative process. IMG_2818.jpeg 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=LMjQW6bnOxlQtkq1B0tT9q3ZjSGVrAUzMRl4Fs0COGA 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
325 Sun, 04/19/2026 - 09:09 PM Anonymous 2605:ad80:10:7436:4912:a268:37f7:e8a6 Valeria Hernandez Valeria Hernandez Delray Beach, FL, USA vh23e@fsu.edu Yes Clinical Professions Spring 2028 My current research focuses on simulation-based learning in health professions education. Specifically, I am studying how an educational escape room scenario involving hypovolemia due to sepsis can promote engagement, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving among undergraduate nursing students. Using qualitative behavioral observation methods, I analyze how high-pressure, game-based clinical simulations support skill development and contribute to best practices in simulation-based pedagogy. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I hope to create a supportive and engaging environment that helps students build confidence in their ability to conduct research and communicate their ideas effectively. I aim to guide students in developing critical thinking, scientific curiosity, and professional skills such as collaboration, communication, and ethical decision-making. By sharing my own experiences navigating research challenges, I hope to help students feel more prepared and less intimidated by the research process. I want students to leave the program not only with stronger academic skills, but also with a greater sense of independence, resilience, and motivation to pursue future research or professional opportunities. Ultimately, I hope to positively impact students by helping them recognize their potential and feel empowered to contribute meaningful ideas to their fields. Screenshot 2026-04-19 at 9.09.32 PM.png 2026 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=smiXLEhtkw51mn5k-UNnhfkeWYxKbtxQ4VHc52cOtTo 2024-2025 and 2025-2026