UROP Leader Information Submission

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243 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 2025Year2025 Approved Update URL UROP Leaders Years as a UROP Leader Operations
248 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 07:27 PM Anonymous 73.42.40.154 Matthew Cabrera Matthew Cabrera Ocala, FL, USA mc22dz@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/mc2027/ Mechanical Engineering Computer Science, Physics, Astrophysics Spring, 2027 I am a research assistant for Dr. Rebekah Downes at the High Performance Materials Institute (HPMI), working with Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and PEEK reinforced carbon fiber. PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic that is used in aerospace and defense industries, which can withstand high temperatures and substantial mechanical stress. I am testing PEEK and PEEK reinforced carbon fiber under different environmental conditions, analyzing how their material properties change. This project is my main focus right now, but I also assist in other material science research throughout HPMI. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? Being in UROP started a domino chain in my life that I never would have expected. Thanks to UROP, I met my closest friend in college, I spent a year working on a NASA-related research project, and then I was able to move to HPMI. At HPMI, I have met some amazing people and countless opportunities have presented themselves, which I am extremely fortunate for. Without UROP, I have no idea what I would be doing right now in my undergraduate career. If taken advantage of correctly, UROP is an extremely beneficial program and one I am glad to be a part of. Being a UROP Leader lets me continue to spread the advantages of UROP to others, so maybe they too can receive the amazing benefits I have been lucky enough to receive. I have a passion for music, specifically Latin music, food, and video games. You get me started on any of those, and I might never stop talking. 0423_headshot.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=D2P-RFYBr-dqtSF3PRYfjtJ0HePAbpLRUW0wH_fT38Y 2025-2026
247 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 05:57 PM Anonymous 168.92.233.70 Rachael Moynihan Rachael Moynihan She/her Saint Cloud, FL rlm22l@fsu.edu Yes Biological Science Spring, 2027 My current research explores how pre-mating behaviors, like physical contact, influence mating decisions in Doto chica, a simultaneous hermaphroditic sea slug. I’m particularly interested in how these early interactions impact both mating initiation and copulation duration, and what that can tell us about sexual selection in hermaphroditic species. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to create an encouraging, welcoming space where students feel excited about research and confident in their abilities. My goal is to make the research process feel more approachable and meaningful, help students see that their questions and ideas matter, and support them as they grow into independent thinkers. I want them to leave UROP feeling more curious, more empowered, and more connected to the academic community. Outside of research, I love reading, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with friends and family. ACM00841.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=7GsB1eHaEtgodT5A2KrWlKsWw97P_dhZaDqNSAJO0b4 2025-2026
246 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 05:37 PM acf22i 144.174.214.39 Andrew Fredericks Andrew Fredericks He/Him Tampa, FL, USA acf22i@fsu.edu Yes Biochemistry Spring, 2027 I am currently involved in research with the psychology department. My project explores the intersection of sleep and memory utilizing behavioral training in rats and optogenetic methods. By manipulating the spindle rhythms within the thalamus, we intend to manipulate the rat's spatial memory in order to eventually treat memory related disorders. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP has significantly shaped my time at FSU by giving me access to hands-on research and mentorship. As a second-year student, being able to work closely with faculty and contribute to projects with real-world applications has provided me with a new understanding of what I am capable of. Through UROP, been given the ability to contribute to research design and develop a network of like-minded peers. Most importantly, engaging in research has led me to discover my interest in psychological studies and applications. I am currently a learning assistant and am working to become a medical assistant. I also used to play the piano and am trying to start playing again.
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245 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 05:13 PM Anonymous 96.8.26.116 Abigale Young Abigale Young She/Her Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA agy22@fsu.edu Yes Behavioral Neuroscience Spring 2026 My main area of interest is psychology. I’m currently working on a research project led by Dr. Shengli Dong in the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, focused on the mental health of first generation minority college students. Our study aims to better understand how acts of implicit bias and microaggressions uniquely impact first generation minority students and their psychological well being. We’re particularly interested in the emotional and mental toll these experiences can have and exploring how tactics such as social supports and mindfulness practices can mitigate these negative impacts.
 How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP leader, I hope to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where students feel supported. UROP was a transformative part of my own undergraduate experience. It opened countless doors, helped me grow as a person, and gave me the confidence to trust in my abilities. I want to pass that same sense of growth and empowerment on to my students. My goal is to foster a classroom community where students can connect with like-minded peers, feel safe exploring their ideas and interests, and develop as new researchers. By sharing my own personal experiences as a UROP student and now mentor, I hope to provide perspective, guidance, and encouragement as they begin their own undergraduate research journey.
 Outside of research, I enjoy learning new things and often pick up new interests and hobbies along the way. I love to read (especially fantasy books). I also enjoy the arts, such as music (currently learning guitar), painting, and drawing. Most of all, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. IMG_2696.jpeg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=IHUQNAL6RFLMtSVg5yxMN1UjkddA-JpZ18RVTcjqD_0 2025-2026
244 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 03:21 PM Anonymous 146.201.179.236 Kutler Morgan Kutler Ray Morgan He/him/his Panama City, FL, USA krm22k@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/kutler-morgan-706487352/ Psychology Sociology Fall, 2026 My current research focus is on school psychology. I have always felt passionate about contributing to knowledge about and the improvement of children's educational development. I am currently not involved with any research on campus, but I would like to pursue research into school psychology and children and adolescent's general development. My project, from when I was a UROP student, involved researching art data collected from sessions of community art therapy conducted with adolescents in the Caribbean islands of Grenada and St. Lucia. The research involved review prior literature both on the community art therapy intervention and Caribbean culture. The project also included an arts-based research methodology, where we, the research assistants, created our own art in response to the data to better understand it and the Caribbean adolescents' experience. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to impact my students by guiding them through the challenging, but rewarding, process of conducting research. I remember my UROP leaders from when I was a student were kind and genuinely helpful as a source of information about the UROP process and research. I hope to provide a similar experience for my students. In the UROP colloquium I hope to prepare my students for conducting research and establish connections with them! UROP is a great program to get exposed to research as an undergraduate student, and I hope to be a leader who can encourage my students to stay with it and really challenge themselves. I am also interested in movies, tv shows, music, and especially movie soundtracks. When me and my students are not chatting about research before or after class time, hopefully we can discuss our favorites among these! I also play piano, however I am still learning and playing by ear is a struggle for me. KM Headshot.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=DVlCyj0OxtTvenLVKluJ8nHjt65ae9-CSzTf8dGkzOg 2025-2026
243 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 12:34 PM Anonymous 149.154.61.44 Sarah Downing Sarah Downing she/her Panama City Beach sjd22g@fsu.edu No https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-downing-820648281/ dance on pre pa track chem bio psych Spring, 2027 I currently work in Dr. Hank Bass's biology lab at Florida State University, where I’ve been involved in research focused on mutant corn (maize) genetics. Specifically, we work with the Maize10Maze project, which explores the genetic diversity of maize and how mutations impact plant development. My role has centered on helping to translate this complex, in-person scientific information into accessible, digital formats.

I've contributed to creating educational content for a virtual museum app, as well as developing materials for various social media platforms. The goal of this outreach is to make maize genetics research more engaging and understandable for a broader audience, including students, educators, and the general public. It's been a great opportunity to blend science communication with hands-on lab experience		 n/a How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP leader, I hope to have a positive and lasting impact on my students by being both a mentor and a reliable source of support throughout their research journey. Starting research as an undergraduate can feel overwhelming, and I want my students to know they’re not alone. My goal is to be someone they can truly lean on—whether they need help understanding a concept, navigating their project, or just someone to talk to.

I want to create an environment where they feel encouraged, heard, and empowered to grow. Most importantly, I want them to know they can come to me for anything, and that I’m here to help them succeed both in research and beyond.		 One of my biggest passions is dance—I’ve been dancing my whole life and am now pursuing it as a Dance major at Florida State University. While I love the artistic side, I’m also fascinated by the science behind movement and recovery. My goal is to become a Physician Assistant, specializing in sports medicine and post-operative care, so I can help patients, especially dancers and athletes, recover and return to doing what they love.

Beyond academics, I’m actively involved on campus. I’m a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, which is extra meaningful to me because my mom was also a ZTA here at FSU. I serve on the executive board for the Order of Omega, a Greek honor society, and I’m part of the Pre-PA Association, where I continue to explore my future career in healthcare. I’m also involved in the College Leadership Council Fine Arts Committee, which allows me to help advocate for and support the arts at FSU.		 Screenshot 2025-04-23 at 12.33.55 PM.png 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=7I0-fxQCJwG0eYU5MCPii2X7Evso2i2FA5I5Vy4HEBk 2025-2026
242 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 11:22 AM Anonymous 144.174.212.99 Victoria Valko Victoria Valko McLean, VA, USA vv23f@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/vvalko/ Public Health Information Technology Spring, 2026 My current research focuses on improving health communication through digital tools. I'm working on the LabGenie project with Dr. Zhe He and Dr. Mia Lustria. This project aims to help patients, especially older adults, better understand their lab test results using an AI-powered, web-based tool. The goal is to make complex medical information more accessible, empowering patients to engage more confidently in their care. I work as a Research & Data Analyst Intern at Integrated Musculoskeletal Care (IMC) in Tallahassee. In this role, I work with large sets of patient data to identify trends and patterns in musculoskeletal care, using tools like Tableau and Excel to support data-driven decision-making. This experience has deepened my understanding of healthcare operations and the role of analytics in improving patient outcomes. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I hope to create a space where students feel comfortable exploring their interests - even if, like me, they’re still unsure about their long-term path. I want to be the kind of peer mentor who helps students, especially those from out of state or in broad fields like public health, realize that uncertainty is okay and growth happens outside of our comfort zones. My goal is to support them both professionally and personally by encouraging skill development, open conversation, and confidence in their unique journeys. Outside of academics, I love cooking and baking, especially trying out new recipes. I’m a big Washington Capitals fan and enjoy watching hockey! I also like traveling, spending time with friends, watching crime documentaries, working out, going on walks, and exploring new restaurants and foods.
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241 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 09:57 AM Anonymous 217.180.192.193 Landen Pitts Landen Pitts he Atlanta, GA, USA Lkp23@fsu.edu Yes Economics & Statisitcs Spring, 2027 My research focused on health insurance, specifically Medicaid Expansion and the Affordable Care Act. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP has allowed me to explore my research interests and has also prepared me for graduate work. I have also gained a lot of useful connections through UROP, which has helped me to achieve my goals. headshot_brightened.png 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=yvsEvTEOl95H6nNe78B4XxO_HFCiqH_OnHEnBFkbaWs 2025-2026
240 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 08:58 AM Anonymous 70.126.203.82 Amari Grayson Amari Grayson She/Hers Saint Petersburg, FL, USA arg22o@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/amari-grayson-25484a283/ Public Health and Sociology Math and Chemistry Spring 2027 My current research, mentored by Dr. Wajeeha Hazoor Bajwa, explores access and equity in public versus private education across the U.S. and the Global South. We’re focusing on how financial barriers—like tuition and transportation—limit opportunities for low-income, rural, and marginalized students.

While private schools often offer better academic outcomes, they’re usually out of reach for disadvantaged communities. Using the Web of Science database, I reviewed over 7,000 articles to understand how these barriers impact school access. Our findings show that wealthier families have more options, while low-income students are often left with under-resourced public schools. What’s stood out most to me is how something like transportation can significantly affect a student’s educational opportunities. This research pushes for policy solutions to make quality education more accessible and equitable for all.		 How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I hope to be a consistent part of the next class of UROP students' support system—not just academically, but personally as well. I want to create a space where students feel seen, encouraged, and empowered to grow through their research journeys. Whether it’s helping them navigate the ups and downs of a new project or just being someone they can talk to. My goal is for each student to leave our time together not only more confident in their research skills but also more self-assured and ready to take on new challenges. I truly hope they walk away from this experience feeling like they’ve grown not just as researchers, but as individuals. Exploring nature trails, playing the Sims 4, reading, roller skating IMG_4262 2.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=C_FBmdAQOdgvVJUA-Ii67PU_GVHthK9QC_exswFiUQE 2025-2026
239 Tue, 04/22/2025 - 07:58 PM Anonymous 153.33.243.250 Addison Crews Addison Crews she/her Nashville, TN, USA alc22a@fsu.edu Yes Biological Sciences Chemistry Spring 2026 My current lab focuses genetics and their evolutionary constraints. We study pleiotropic traits such as, melanin and dopamine production. By investigating these genes and behaviors, we aim to better understand diversity within organisms. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? I participated in UROP my freshman year (2022). UROP has provided me with countless opportunities to grow as a student and person. I have met many mentors and peers that share my interests and love of research. I began in the Hughes lab and continue to work as a lab assistant. Within this lab, I have found a great support system with my lab-mates and mentor. I plan on applying to veterinary school and I work as a vet technician! I love animals and anything outside. I spend my time hiking, fishing, and reading. I l also love to play tennis! IMG_4701.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=3y52hihJ9M0_ypebZ4zcq_dbTBhM_qicJCNpN6F1v3k 2025-2026
238 Tue, 04/22/2025 - 05:37 PM Anonymous 50.201.88.26 Mallory Lloyd Mallory Lloyd she/her/hers Sarasota, FL, USA mwl22b@fsu.edu Yes Psychology and Human Development & Family Science Child Development Spring, 2026 Overall, I want to research mental health disorders in psychology and how to effectively treat these disorders. When I was a UROP student, I did research in educational psychology regarding how adolescents process information they see on social media. I am still currently part of this project. I am also a current DIS Student for the Keel Lab, which researches eating behaviors and disorders. I want to combine my two passions in research, which are mental health disorders with children and adolescents. In the future, I hope to conduct research on these topics while hopefully integrating trauma related aspects as well. I am a current DIS student for the Keel Lab at FSU. This lab deals with eating behaivors and disorders. I started as a DIS student in Fall 2024, and I'm continuing as a DIS student for the remainder of my time at FSU. In the lab, I work with coding interview data in Microsoft Excel, mail prep for participants, coding survey data, and attending lab meetings. In addition to this lab, I'm also still working for the lab that I participated in as a UROP student. This lab deals with educational psychology regarding how teens interpret and seek information online. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP has given me the opportunity to become involved in FSU not only with research, but as a future instructor for students. I joined UROP as a student in Fall 2023, and I'm still going to be part of the program when I graduate in Spring 2026. UROP has played a huge role in my personal and professional development. Personally, I have made more connections that I never would have made otherwise. I have grown as a person and as an instructor with my public speaking skills, personal confidence, and networking. Professionally, I have been able to join two different labs as an undergraduate student that will not only prepare me for graduate school, but has further inspired me to continue conducting research. I have been able to gain more skills while working as a member in these labs including interviewing, coding data, collecting data, and organizing data and files. UROP has positively impacted my time at FSU, and I can't picture my time at FSU without it. I love spending time with my friends, going to the beach back at home, hanging out with my family at home, reading, baking, and going to amusement parks! Headshot.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=PuNWrPnybl9T4Tub5SFvtY7olLPCY_IpLnDtSeMlrYA 2025-2026
237 Tue, 04/22/2025 - 01:29 PM Anonymous 144.174.210.152 Charlie Sipple Charlie Sipple Tallahassee, FL, USA cbs22b@fsu.edu No https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-s-91a2142b1/ Philosophy and Political Science Spring 2026 When I participated in UROP, I worked on a project that examined social media apps and how the kinds of usage of those apps resulted in positive or negative emotions in users. Furthermore, the project examined the kinds of self-regulating behaviors users developed in response to those negative emotions. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP has impacted my time at FSU by introducing me to the vast array of research being conducted here in Tallahassee. Aside from the research project I actually worked on, which helped me develop transferable research and teamwork skills, I was able to learn about the hundreds of exciting research projects that are happening at FSU. Learning about this research deepened my understanding and respect for academic research, and it also instilled in me a deeper sense of pride in the FSU community. IMG_1962.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=0-vkLS3KTekhpflccMeeBhdUUfhXLPTKBVkoQU6WLKY 2025-2026
236 Tue, 04/22/2025 - 12:21 PM Anonymous 128.186.46.133 Caitlin Hancock Caitlin Hancock she/they Naples, FL cnh22c@fsu.edu Yes English (Literature, Media, and Culture) and Humanities Spring, 2027 My current research focus has been in American Gothic literature, and my UROP project looked at contemporary African American authors and how they used the gothic to reflect the realities of US infrastructures and systems of oppression. I am also interested in how Queerness intersects with the gothic. I previously have conducted research in adaptation studies for literature and film. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP helped me see more concretely what research could look like in English at the colligate level. It as opened both new areas of interest and new opportunities to pursue it with faculty in the department. I spend a lot of my free time watching movies with my friends. 20250323_234950.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=0E1RjrwuvdpfqOqrzxUxR6gCaStDrwXrFd00wA52W28 2025-2026
235 Mon, 04/21/2025 - 09:52 PM Anonymous 172.59.68.176 Khushi Bhalani Khushi Bhalani she/her St. Augustine, FL, USA kdb22j@fsu.edu Yes Business Management Fall, 2027 I am currently conducting research on insurance policy and regulation, with a particular focus on how price regulation impacts insurer performance. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I hope to create an encouraging and inclusive environment where students feel confident exploring their interests, asking questions, and embracing the learning curve of research. IMG_8079.jpeg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=aqYgeTvRgB3HSM5pmisGnhxztMwJj3I-uel8Tc9u2Pc 2025-2026
234 Mon, 04/21/2025 - 02:18 PM Anonymous 50.30.178.141 Nicole Fowler Nicole Fowler she/her Saint Petersburg, FL, USA nef22@fsu.edu Yes Biomedical Sciences Spring, 2026 My current research focuses on the impact of screen time on child development, with a particular emphasis on how excessive digital media use influences cognitive growth and social-emotional skills in early childhood. I am especially interested in the neurological effects of screen exposure and the developmental milestones it may delay or disrupt. Additionally, my work explores how socioeconomic and sociocultural factors shape screen time habits, aiming to inform more equitable and effective guidelines for families and healthcare providers. In addition to my focus on child development, I am also involved in a research project examining the mental health of first-generation ethnic minority students. Our study explores how experiences of microaggressions contribute to psychological distress and investigates the protective roles of social support systems and mindfulness-based practices. The goal is to identify culturally sensitive strategies that can promote resilience and improve well-being among marginalized student populations. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP leader, I hope to inspire and support my students by guiding them through this incredible program. My goal is to help them find a research project that excites them, while making sure they feel confident, capable, and truly welcomed throughout their journey. I aim to create a warm, encouraging environment where questions are always welcome and growth is celebrated, so each student can thrive both academically and personally in their research experience. Hobbies: Reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with friends. Headshot.png 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=HK-2jd_s7DG8x8KzlYeoB7n4BeLAe-_K24qU8nDCn0s 2025-2026
233 Mon, 04/21/2025 - 01:16 PM Anonymous 166.199.139.19 Sophia Vizoso Sophia Vizoso Miami, FL spv22@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-vizoso/ Cell and Molecular Neuroscience and Public Health Chemistry and International Affairs Spring 2026 My current research focuses lie at the intersection of cardiovascular physiology, obesity, and health disparities. As a research assistant in the Cardiovascular & Applied Physiology Lab under Dr. Joseph Watso, I study how obesity influences blood pressure reactivity, cardiac output, and other physiological markers using blood and urine samples. I'm particularly interested in how underlying conditions like obesity affect cardiovascular responses to stress and daily function. My broader academic interests include understanding how biological processes are shaped by genetics, disease, and lifestyle, especially in vulnerable populations. Through the Honors in the Major (HITM) program, I will be conducting an independent research thesis over the next academic year. For my thesis, I’m aiming to bridge my two majors, neuroscience and public health, by investigating how neural mechanisms may influence or be influenced by cardiovascular function. Specifically, I’m interested in exploring how stress-related brain activity may contribute to blood pressure regulation, or how altered cardiovascular function in obesity could affect neurovascular coupling. This interdisciplinary approach reflects my long-term goal of understanding the full-body connections between the brain, heart, and health outcomes, with a public health lens focused on equity and prevention. In the past, I conducted research in a microbiology lab where I studied the effects of tiamulin, an antibiotic, on bacterial resistance. We focused on how bacterial populations evolved in response to different dosages of the drug, exploring mechanisms of resistance that could inform more effective treatment strategies. This early research experience sparked my curiosity about how the body responds to internal and external challenges, laying the foundation for my current interest in physiology and public health. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I hope to create a space where students feel truly supported, heard, and empowered to grow, not just academically, but personally. I want my students to feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and exploring new ideas without fear of judgment. I remember how impactful my own UROP leaders were when I was a freshman, they were always there to encourage me, guide me, and remind me that I could do research. I hope to do the same by being present, sending, offering consistent feedback, and checking in with students individually. My goal is to build a classroom culture where every student feels valued, respected, and included. I also want to set clear expectations while remaining approachable and empathetic. I want my students to leave UROP feeling more confident in their abilities, more connected to the FSU community, and excited about research. I like going to the gym, reading books, playing trivia games, and going to the beach! Screen Shot 2025-03-20 at 4.09.20 PM.png 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=_SHrWEQxKL13QljO3psfDAzci03T2HBmB5ssnATVrt0 2025-2026
232 Sun, 04/20/2025 - 04:18 PM Anonymous 146.201.179.223 Diya Kochhar Diya Kochhar Reston, VA dk23d@fsu.edu Yes Biology Chemistry Fall 2026 I am currently working on habitat characterization of seamounts in the Central and Western Pacific I have previously interned in labs studying the effects of food insecurity on pregnant women in the US and the design, synthesis, and characterization of a glucose-responsive insulin. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? Through UROP, I was introduced to the world of research at FSU. My class and lab also led me to meet my mentor and countless friends. headshot final_0.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=w0VQIdhCPtt-sScJakfMiIfmeExqpEUCv3ldazVbGWk 2025-2026
231 Sat, 04/19/2025 - 11:26 PM Anonymous 66.176.132.72 Harry Papapanos Harry Spiros Papapanos He/Him Palm City, FL, USA hsp22b@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-papapanos-a7445b233/ Biological Sciences Chemistry Spring, 2026 I am currently conducting research at the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine under Dr. Michael Ormsbee. The name of my current research project is "Resistance Training Modulation of Fat Metabolism in Obese Postmenopausal Women." When I was a UROP student I conducted research under Hannah Grace Lee, Celia Lee and Dr. Mickley Langlais. My project was called "Swipe for Heartfelt Connections: An Examination of Physiological Effects of Swiping on Dating Applications." How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to impact my students by expanding their creativity and thirst for knowledge. The most important thing to me when I am teaching is that my students feel like they are getting valuable information or experience out of our time in the classroom. Some lessons and activities may be more interesting and engaging than others, but I never want my students to feel like their time is being wasted or could be better applied somewhere else. This is why I will try my absolute best to make our learning experience as insightful and engaging as possible. I want to interact with my students in every class and slowly get to develop better teacher-student relationships. I will work with my students in the classroom through discussions, questions, activities, group work, and individual work. I will also be available at certain times throughout the week if they need any extra assistance with an assignment in class or just general questions about UROP and Florida State University.
Some of my hobbies and interests include weightlifting, playing sports, and competing in triathlons. Good suit picture.JPG 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=n-yC9usT59vesvMqcnEEtt-fK49KaE43VWVnzV-H0Yk 2025-2026
230 (draft) Sat, 04/19/2025 - 12:56 PM Anonymous 47.202.9.181 Dev Sangha Dev Sangha he/him/his Jersey City, NJ, USA ds23s@fsu.edu Yes Biological Science Chemistry Spring 2027 My overall research interest is the intersection of medicine and engineering with an emphasis on biomedical tool design for research and clinical applications. My specialty is in the integration of 3D CAD modeling, electronics, and programming to construct devices that address unmet clinical needs in biological data collection and analysis. Currently, my work centers on building a tissue stiffness analyzer designed to measure the mechanical properties of soft tissue, supporting research in pathology, regenerative medicine, and biomechanics. I’m driven by a goal to advance scientific instrumentation through innovative, engineering-driven design. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I am excited to share my passion for research and show students how enjoyable and rewarding it is to explore questions in a practical way. I hope to create an open atmosphere where they will feel free to take initiative, be creative, and gain confidence in their skills. I want to inspire them to see research as not just something they have to do, but as a useful tool for discovery and contribution. headshot2024.JPG 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=B4SHtrs2bilNBrU1KgSMW3EjzulzC6fBoi4L1o7DP2s 2025-2026
229 Thu, 04/17/2025 - 08:46 PM Anonymous 146.201.179.133 Yvonne lin Yvonne lin she/her St. Petersburg, FL, USA yl22f@fsu.edu Yes Cell and Molecular Neuroscience Spring, 2026 I am currently exploring the role of TBC1-domain containing kinase in neurodevelopmental disorders, with a particular emphasis on its regulation of mTOR signaling pathways and implications for cellular metabolism and autophagy. I work on investigating how mutations or dysregulation of TBCK contribute to progressive neurological decline, such as brain atrophy, hypotonia, and intellectual disability, seen in TBCK encephaloneuronopathy. My UROP research focus was on optimizing the process for synthesizing and purifying S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). This work supports research into DarE catalysis, which is a key part of understanding the biosynthesis of Darobactin, a promising new antibiotic. SAM has therapeutic potential in treating liver disease, depression, osteoarthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease, and it's valuable in the development of novel therapeutics, dietary supplements, and biochemical tools. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP leader, I hope to inspire my students to approach research with curiosity, confidence, and purpose. I want to create an environment where they feel supported to ask questions, explore new ideas, and understand that it's okay not to have all the answers right away. By guiding them through both the challenges and the rewards of the research process, I hope to build their confidence not just as researchers, but as future innovators and problem-solvers. Ultimately, I want them to leave the program with confidence that they can apply their research skills to other areas of interest and develop a deeper connection to their academic interests and belief that they can make a meaningful impact no matter how small or big. I like to sketch, paint, and play piano to unwind after a long day. My friends have recently convinced me to learn how to crochet as well. 36689669-61A5-4DA7-A9F4-F3C4E8D53EFC.jpeg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=0CwtkzygpzySILB1YHFwat3n4iz-iDDxWFt4vlBO5C8 2025-2026