UROP Leader Information Submission

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# 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
228 Thu, 04/17/2025 - 08:39 PM Anonymous 50.30.143.188 Danielle Epstein Danielle Epstein Fort Myers, FL, USA dne23@fsu.edu No https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-epstein-42b4bb330/ Biological Sciences Chemistry Spring, 2027 I'm currently doing Undergraduate Research in the College of Business. My research focuses on the social impacts of insurance on medical decision-making between providers and patients. I have been asked to continue with this research project next year and am excited to learn about the research process of handling quantitative data as a majority of the research I helped with this year was qualitative data such as, thematic coding of medical provider interviews. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP leader, I hope to create the same welcoming, supportive, and encouraging environment that my own UROP leaders gave me. They played such an important role in making me feel comfortable, heard, and confident as I navigated research for the first time, and that experience shaped how I want to mentor others. I want my students to feel like they can come to me with questions, concerns, or even just to talk through what they’re learning, without any pressure or judgment. For many of them, this will likely be their first time doing research, and I understand how intimidating and overwhelming that can be. I remember feeling unsure of myself at times, but having leaders who were patient, approachable, and genuinely invested in my success made all the difference. I want to be that person for my students and help them through the ups and downs, celebrate the small wins, and remind them that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. I also did research in a field outside of my intended career path, so I understand what it’s like to step into unfamiliar territory. That experience taught me how to adapt, learn on the go, and appreciate research from different perspectives. It also helps me relate to students who might not feel completely connected to their project at first or who are unsure how it fits into their broader goals. I want to show them that every research experience, even if it seems unrelated at first, has value and can teach them skills that will help them in the long run, both academically and personally. I'm on a pre-veterinary track and have a large interest in animals. I currently volunteer with the Vet Team under the Vet Team Program at Tallahassee Animal Services and with exotic animals under Animal Tales. I maintain a social balance with my academic and extracurricular activities by being an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta. I'm also studying abroad this summer during summer B in Valencia, Spain. IMG_9073.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=L_Lgda45Geg_XrGJLnNkN8bI-bBNtJjhxLmLfqF6RUU 2025-2026
227 Thu, 04/17/2025 - 11:26 AM Anonymous 146.201.179.219 Bronson Empsall Bronson Empsall he/him Palmetto bbe23@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronsonempsall/ Behavioral Neuroscience Spring 2027 I'm currently studying memory at the cognitive neuroscience Hermiller lab, under the PlotTwist project we examine how trauma affects memory encoding. I also have a big interest in clinical and 'abnormal' psychology, specifically the neuroscience of neurodivergence. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I'd like to give the students a fun support system to make what is likely their first brush with research enjoyable and educational. I am very passionate about audience-centered learning. I am on leadership for NeuroUnity Alliance Society, the neurodivergent club at FSU. I also founded FSU's first and only metal & punk club, The PIT. You can often find me watching a film at the SLC, reviewing albums that I'm listening to, or catching a local show (shoutout to the Tallahassee music scene!) bronson_headshot.jpeg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=S5gsNfnCo0usXOpLKpMh8qfRgdb5c44TisAS4RJRLkM 2025-2026
226 Thu, 04/17/2025 - 10:33 AM Anonymous 144.174.212.106 Jakyah Hayes Jakyah Hayes She/her Tallahassse jih24@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakyah-hayes-21075b313/ Anthropology and Arabic Geography Fall, 2026 I am currently conducting research through the Anthropology Museum Website Project under the mentorship of Dr. Amy Kowal. The project began during fall of 2024, and alongside my research partner, Max Sturgeon, we developed a fully functional website that officially launched at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium.
This website addresses a significant gap in digital access to the traditional and valuable history held by university museums. The FSU Anthropology Museum’s content is now accessible to people of all ages and disciplines. Unlike many institutional websites, which often require login credentials, our platform offers open access to museum classes, ceramic exhibits, department history, and more.
Our work continues into the summer and fall of 2025, during which we will create tutorials and templates for future student researchers. These tools will help digitize and preserve their exhibits, continuing the mission of expanding accessibility and public engagement with anthropological collections.		 In the Summer of 2025 I will participate in the Evergreen Plantation Archaeological Survey (EPAS) in New Orleans, Louisiana, under the field direction of Tara Skipton, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Texas. I was connected to this opportunity by previous EPAS field director, Dr. Jayur Mehta, an associate professor of Anthropology at FSU. The primary goal of the excavation is to uncover material evidence that sheds light on the lives of the people who once lived on the plantation. A key focus of the project is identifying the possible remains of a church mentioned in oral histories but absent from historical maps—an important step in recovering overlooked aspects of the site's cultural and religious past. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP leader, I aspire to create a supportive and inspiring environment that encourages my students to explore their full potential in research. I particularly want to embody the paradigm of being a dedicated leader and a committed student, demonstrating that research is a journey of never-ending discovery. My goal is for students to see the vast opportunities that research offers and to inspire them to embrace the process with curiosity and confidence. Additionally, I aim to be a guide throughout their research process, helping them navigate challenges with confidence. I vividly remember how nervous I was during the beginning of my undergraduate research experience, so I want to ensure my students feel supported, empowered, and excited to contribute to their fields of interest. I regularly use my language skills developed in current Arabic courses, to bond with members of the Arab community in Tallahassee on weekends. I am a henna artist, emphasizing the importance of mental health and how henna allows one's inner light to shine, through my business called Deep Stain Virgo. I am also an aspiring member of the FSU NAACP Chapter and Black Women's Alliance and am actively involved in volunteering in the Tallahassee community, assisting my mother in providing clothes and food to the homeless through her thrift store, Jenn's Den. I am also deeply interested in underwater archaeology and have a true passion for oceanography, ecology, and maritime studies. Currently, I am earning my diver's license through "Unicorns of Diving," led by President Justin Lovett. My ultimate goal is to become a scientific diver involved in research projects that study shipwreck microbiology and conduct archaeological research on undiscovered or historic slave ships. Additionally, I am creating an academic pathway to specialize in museum law, which aligns with my interests in making historical knowledge accessible and preserving cultural heritage. jih24@fsu.edu-46b3a97c.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=BQ2EBuvmaDJRuHmkeAw1gIBe7bRGaPrqXe4MMVUDh7g 2025-2026
225 Wed, 04/16/2025 - 11:00 PM Anonymous 104.222.21.33 Lily Jones Lily Jones She/her Spring Lake, NJ, USA lkj22@fsu.edu Yes Psychology Child Development Spring 2026 I am currently working on an Honors in the Major Project with the Cougle lab. We will be conducting an experimental study investigating the effects of viewing body-image related videos on appearance concerns and mood and collecting data starting summer 2025. I am a DIS research assistant in the Eating Behaviors Research Clinic. I work on the Eating Disorders Across Genders, Generations, and Adult Development Stages (AGGA), an epidemiological longitudinal investigation of the different factors that influence eating pathology. During UROP, I worked under Dr. Madeline Dougherty to design and conduct a content analysis of TikTok videos examining various eating/weight/appearance-related themes. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I want to be a guide to my students as they go through their first year at FSU and instill a love for research! Navigating the first year of a university while simultaneously navigating the various academic and professional paths to reach one's goals is difficult. I want to be a mentor for my students and put them on the path to success while also enlightening them on how rewarding research can be. I am involved in Best Buddies and my Panhellenic chapter at FSU. I also love to go to the beach, spend time with my friends, family, and pets, and go to the gym! REAL REAL Headshot.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=e-paww6xERgn5hZIBdvR4YhH7_G0nVhGkub8Iir_XyI 2025-2026
224 Wed, 04/16/2025 - 10:38 PM Anonymous 172.59.64.98 Sophia Norris Sophia Norris Stuart, FL, USA smn22c@fsu.edu Yes IMS Clinical Professions Spring, 2027 I just completed the Bridges Project this year, analyzing reading comprehension in children. I look forward to future research as a pre-dental student in STEM! How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to create a supportive environment that fosters learning, growth, and success in and out of the classroom. I will be a mentor for my students, and look forward to being a helping hand along the UROP journey. I love to be outside, on the water, spend time with the ones I love, and travel! FullSizeRender.jpeg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=CcONbuWZZnviJUD2aDkPj6iEmESwo2tCPZ1NHlW0V7g 2025-2026
223 (draft) Wed, 04/16/2025 - 10:25 PM Anonymous 199.231.54.25 Harleigh Demchak Harleigh Demchak She/Her Orlando, FL hhd22a@fsu.edu Yes Economics Spring, 2027 Economics, law, and finance are my primary research interests! FSU Debate Team How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? Participating in UROP has been one of the most impactful parts of my time at FSU. Choosing to work one-on-one with a mentor outside my major was a risk that paid off—it gave me a personalized, hands-on research experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally. I developed technical skills like coding for fidelity, improved my digital fluency, and became a more confident communicator, especially through preparing for the UROP Symposium. Most importantly, UROP helped demystify academic research and showed me that faculty are approachable mentors. It’s empowered me to seek out new opportunities and think seriously about continuing research in the future. In my free time I love traveling, arts & crafts, games, and trying new things. Headshot.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=ZrTstsn7cy-ppYTYQuSa9IFOXySNH6-F2hMkzDsTaKI 2025-2026
222 Wed, 04/16/2025 - 03:46 PM Anonymous 144.174.212.39 Avery Vargason Avery Vargason She/Her Pensacola aav22a@fsu.edu Yes Biology Chemistry Spring, 2026 Currently, I am working on a research project focusing on an endangered species, Acropora cervicornis or the Staghorn Coral, which used to be a dominant coral species. Research has been, and is currently underway, regarding the restoration of this coral, but substantially less focus has been on the effectiveness of the locations for these restoration efforts. Because not much is known about the interactions between this species and other benthic corals and substrates, this research is important in ensuring that the efforts put forth to aid this species' recovery are productive. To do this, the researchers in my lab photograph year-to-year changes in the benthic communities (coral growth, coral death, patch movement, etc) in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean. We also label whether the coral is growing on/near sand, rocks, or rubble. We then analyze these photos in ArcGIS to compare the rates of growth and death of this species and some neighboring species over the years. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP has been an important part of my undergraduate career. I chose to stay in my lab all 4 years, and throughout that time, I have been introduced to many undergraduates and post-graduates who have shared their different paths and experiences with me. My lab taught me numerous technology skills, such as intro to coding, which I never envisioned being interested in. They went out of their way to facilitate meetings with graduate students from other labs who presented their research, as well as explained the internships and experiences that led them there. I was given a list of internships that were vetted and enjoyed by trustworthy sources, in which I could reach out and ask questions. It also fostered my love for environmental studies, and even though I will most likely not be pursuing research in the future, it was and is still an amazing experience. I am on a pre-veterinarian track and interested in small animal medicine, and specializing in sea turtle medicine. I am also an avid plant mom with a lot of dogs at home. I enjoy intramural sports and the occasional pickleball game. I've been a part of the pre-vet club as well as the environmental club, and volunteered with groups such as Garnet and Gold Goes Green and a few CHAW programs. If you want to get involved with any of that, I can help you reach out to them. IMG_1549 2.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=Hs1GtR6h4BkZ-d-BzlRu3WDhCTnu8M_u3vthKFdqczQ 2025-2026
221 Wed, 04/16/2025 - 11:22 AM Anonymous 144.174.210.54 Kara Adamczyk Kara Adamczyk Jacksonville, FL, USA kea22b@fsu.edu No Human Development and Family Sciences (Pre-PA) Spring 2026 Many educators struggle to keep up with the unique needs of the growing population of English learners who are simultaneously attaining academic skills and language proficiency through elementary education. The Morphological Pathway to Reading (MAP-R) focuses on improving the morphological awareness and deliver of literacy instruction for multilingual elementary aged students with or at risk of learning disabilities, improving the Florida curriculum and delivery of instruction. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to be a positive light in the busy lives of my students while giving them a memorable UROP experience. While research, and college life can be stressful, I want to be my student's number one supporter in helping them navigate through the program and any challenges they may face as a student at FSU. I want to create a positive classroom environment in which students can harvest knowledge and grow as an individual throughout the span of the year. I hope for my students to walk out of my classroom as a more confident, successful individual. I have a huge passion for community service and giving back to my community! I am constantly working with numerous local non-profits and organizations to help those around me. I feel most myself when I get the opportunity to watch people grow and pick themselves back up again. headshot.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=--9kI2OY5EX1ocdEDXX5gJmUaPD1mgYyMCJmsB2kh6k 2025-2026
220 Wed, 04/16/2025 - 09:53 AM Anonymous 144.174.210.77 Sophia Deitrich Sophia Deitrich Colts Neck, NJ,USA sad23@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiadeitrich Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences: Biomedical Sciences Chemistry Spring 2027 I am in the process of conducting a meta-analysis studying spatial navigation in Parkinson's patients. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? The FSU Undergraduate Research Program profoundly impacted me by providing the opportunity to explore spatial navigation in Parkinson’s disease. Conducting this research deepened my scientific curiosity and analytical skills. It also inspired me to pursue future research endeavors, as I’m now in the process of writing a paper for publication, an exciting step toward a career in medicine. I am very involved with the FSU Medical Response Unit as well as the Delta Gamma Fraternity. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, watching Jeopardy, and going to the beach! HEADSHOT PHIDE.JPEG 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=CoW_L2oV7fIWAdL4abkcdOahKkyQFFPE0HiPK5M03Gs 2025-2026
219 Tue, 04/15/2025 - 05:42 PM Anonymous 198.90.119.65 Jack Arena Jack Arena Swedesboro, NJ, USA jrarena@fsu.edu No https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-arena/ Chemistry Spring, 2027 Last summer, I spent ten weeks at the University of Nebraska investigating microplastics in food packaging. This fall, I plan to build on that experience by joining a research lab in the Department of Chemistry. I’m passionate about exploring how chemistry can positively impact our community. As Vice President of the FSU American Chemical Society chapter, I help organize faculty presentations to help students discover and pursue research opportunities in chemistry. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, my goal is to serve as a resource for my students. Many participants are first‑year students new to the college experience. I aim to provide the connections and insights they need to thrive in both research and their time at FSU. As Vice Chair of the Campus Recreation Board, I stay busy advocating for our facilities and programs. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as running, biking, hiking, and scenic drives. I have played tennis since I was five and still pick up a racket regularly. I also enjoy listening to all types of music, watching classic films, and spending quality time with friends and family. jack-arena-headshot.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=-Vx3SA1vJyCGhg0Mbbqz4i_8kC6zvRLdRJ6lmHtqWEU 2025-2026
218 Tue, 04/15/2025 - 04:14 PM Anonymous 144.174.210.18 Emma Shoemaker Emma Shoemaker She/Her Satellite Beach, Fl, USA eks23a@fsu.edu Yes Biochemistry Crime Scene Investigation Spring, 2027 I am currently researching how to assess wetland condition through plant community surveys. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP leader, I hope to have a positive impact on my students. I want to create a safe and comfortable learning environment for my students, foster their love of research, and help them develop the skills needed to be successful researchers. UROP was an incredibly positive experience for me, and I hope my students will feel the same way. Outside of UROP, I am the administrative secretary for the Yoga Club, and I play cello in the University Sinfonia Orchestra. I also love to read, drink tea, and go to concerts. IMG_6099_0.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?token=Ahde3VvTRCjXDYnjap1i-I9V9Glc0lBMVjxjp0PuKZE 2025-2026
217 Tue, 04/15/2025 - 03:11 PM Anonymous 149.154.61.18 Kayla Berge Kayla Berge She/Her/Hers Miami, FL, USA kmb23i@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-berge/ Criminology and Psychology Crime Scene Investigation and Public Administration Spring, 2027 During my time in UROP, I conducted research alongside Dr. Keller Sheppard within the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Our research, which I am still working on now is a systematic review on the strengths, limitations, and the future of national data sources for research surrounding assaults on the police. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP has allowed me to feel a lot more involved on campus and all that it has to offer. Between the colloquium, assistantship, and symposium, there are so many opportunities to meet people who share my love of research. UROP helped me make numerous connections, led to an internship opportunity, and provided me with valuable experience. Even after UROP ended, I continued working on my research project and built a great relationship with my mentor and professor. I am so grateful for everything that UROP had to offer. I am a part of the Lambda Alpha Epsilon Criminology Fraternity, I play the violin, I love sports like football and volleyball, and I am a barista at Calvin's Coffee House here on campus!! 20241117_164705_082AFC.JPEG 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=FSQK6FMK0Y4bM025E1RJQ7mOx6xrDvW9iNBImTia5i0 2025-2026
216 Tue, 04/15/2025 - 11:02 AM Anonymous 144.174.210.69 Elyse Verkaik Elyse Verkaik She/her Eustis, FL, USA ejv22c@fsu.edu Yes Behavioral Neuroscience Spring 2027 My current research looks at how people with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) understand pauses during conversations. I’m especially interested in whether people with anxiety see longer pauses as awkward, uncomfortable, or a sign that something is wrong.
I want to learn how people with anxiety think differently about these quiet moments compared to people without anxiety. This research can help us better understand how anxiety affects everyday social life.

How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? Participating in UROP has given me the chance to dip my toes into the world of research and gain hands-on experience in an academic setting. Through this program, I’ve been able to explore what it’s like to be part of a research team, work on real projects, and see how ideas turn into results.
Along the way, I’ve developed many professional skills that I know will help me in both school and future career opportunities. For example, I’ve learned how to write professional emails to professors and collaborators, communicate clearly and respectfully, and manage my time effectively. I’ve also learned how to put together a research poster—something I had never done before—and present it in a way that others can understand and connect with.
Overall, UROP has helped me grow more confident in my ability to contribute to research and has shown me that I really enjoy working in this kind of environment. It’s made me excited to keep learning and to keep building my skills as I continue my academic journey.		 IMG_5707 2.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?token=UXpwTV4S0f9T3h63r8ArSFR18O1KzTd4XHhX0SEFOI0 2025-2026
215 Mon, 04/14/2025 - 10:31 PM AAH22N 69.1.194.57 Abrianna Hernandez Abrianna Hernandez Miami, FL, USA aah22n@fsu.edu Yes http://linkedin.com/in/abriannahernandez Management Information Systems & Public Health Business Analytics Spring 2027 When I participated in UROP, the primary goal of my research was to investigate the teaching methods used to instruct mathematics to students with disabilities. Effective teaching methods observed in the results will help current and future educators foster a well-supported environment for students with special needs, creating a more inclusive and impactful teaching environment. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I aim to help students gain a clear understanding of how research works and how it connects to their everyday lives. UROP offers an incredible opportunity for students to explore the research process in depth. My goal is to support them in discovering their role within research, nurturing their interests and passions, and guiding them in turning what they love into meaningful research projects. IMG_0330_0.jpeg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=R6sZmNm85RYAa0qE_gpVG0CAXW9lmyROw5O_DTqrLjo 2025-2026
214 Mon, 04/14/2025 - 09:06 PM Anonymous 144.174.212.102 Madeline Schmidt Madeline Schmidt she/her Houston, Texas mms22a@fsu.edu Yes Environmental Science General Business Spring, 2026 My current research focus is on investigating and characterizing the Northern Pacific Seamount Chain. I work with the Dr. Amy Baco-Taylor lab to analyze and annotate images of seamounts to better understand their biodiversity. These vulnerable ecosystems need further conservation efforts to protect them from the risks of potential deep-sea mining initiatives. I worked as a research intern through the InternFSU program throughout my junior year. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP has significantly impacted my time at FSU by getting me interested and invested in research. Since my sophomore year, I have worked in the same research lab and loved every minute. UROP is an excellent opportunity to get to know other undergraduates, graduates, and FSU faculty who are interested in the same field as you! UROP has pushed me out of my comfort zone and truly sparked my passion for research. Being a part of research at FSU has taught me so much, and I look forward to strengthening my knowledge and understanding of research and potentially pursuing a career in research in the future! I am currently the Director of Service for The Maji Project at FSU. This registered student organization focuses on raising awareness, fundraising, and providing service opportunities related to the local and global water crisis. We aim to promote environmental and sustainability initiatives through numerous clean-ups, information GBMs, sustainable crafts, and our annual Walk for Water 5k! Some of my other interests include concerts, thrifting, and anything outdoors-related! DSC04274.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=Q8xQrKE3H70AZwKeUGZ_j1pT-VY9r899KoJ0jQYbQ7Y 2025-2026
213 Mon, 04/14/2025 - 01:49 PM Anonymous 144.174.212.54 Reagan Stern Reagan Stern She/Her Brentwood, TN, USA rs23c@fsu.edu Yes Cell and molecular neuroscience Computational Science Spring 2027 I am part of Dr. Mohamed Kabbaj’s Lab in the College of Medicine that studies the neurobiology of stress responsiveness and drug abuse in males and females. I also study the change in social behaviors in prairie voles using HDAC inhibitors.
Throughout my time as a student in UROP, I studied arterial dysfunction related to age and lifestyle in Dr. Machin’s lab. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP allowed me to gain hands-on experience in a wet lab as a freshman. I learned valuable skills, such as communication, time management, accountability, and teamwork. My confidence grew due to presenting at the URS. I met so many amazing peers and gained lots of connections through UROP. I am a member of Phi Delta Epsilon and FSU Medical Brigades. Outside of school, I love running, reading, hanging out with my friends, and trying new coffee shops. IMG_4107.JPG 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=oUR57I6p7ELFI_9fV5toFl83rXIJOb1I9Fd6r0qHIT4 2025-2026
212 Mon, 04/14/2025 - 01:39 PM ito22 144.174.210.36 Isabella Owen Zaya Owen She/Her Orlando, Fl, USA ito22@fsu.edu Yes Behavioral Neuroscience Chemistry, Psychology Spring, 2026 I currently focus on the study of memory and how it can up/down regulated by transcranial magnetic stimulation. We study other variables as well including enjoyment, imagination, and novelty. UROP, Honors in the Major How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to impact my students by providing support, a safe space, and resources. I understand how rewarding UROP is, but also how challenging it can be at times. I want to be able to help my students when they need it and celebrate them when they succeed! I enjoy spending time with my friends/boyfriend, playing pickleball, getting outside (especially at the beach!), watching movies/tv, and reading! headshot.jpg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=lpUvvuaZozB3MdVrByrFlxoaOu0u7qAkpKk270TM9Zc 2025-2026
211 Mon, 04/14/2025 - 10:33 AM jgm22l 144.174.210.66 Julia Matheny Julia Matheny She/Her Tampa, FL, USA jgm22l@fsu.edu Yes Clinical Professions Spring, 2027 My research project, Quantifying and Analyzing Rates of Presenteeism, is about exploring the rates and reasons people working in healthcare still come to work while they are sick. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I hope to build a welcoming and encouraging environment where students feel confident asking questions, sharing ideas, and engaging with the material. I want to help my students grow academically and leave the class feeling more capable, curious, and motivated than when they started. In addition to my academic pursuits, I'm an active member of Chi Omega and participate in Dental Brigades. Both experiences have helped me develop leadership, teamwork, and service-oriented skills that I hope to bring to my role as a UROP Leader. linkin.JPG 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=cHqQ30_khlqambN4M_GUFhijy-67fascRuxn4XwLJ0g 2025-2026
210 Sun, 04/13/2025 - 01:42 PM BEE22 104.222.22.57 Brooke Evans Brooke Evans She/Her Tampa, FL, USA bee22@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-evans-4664bb352/ Nursing Child Development Fall 2026 Technology in education has been an up-and-coming catalyst for researchers in aiming to evaluate its most effective methods of use. The specialization of technology-fueled education in the medical/healthcare education setting is a particular area of study that initiated the onset of this project. There exists a theoretical framework of Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle that consists of four components: active engagement, reflection, theory development, and application. To put it simply, Kolb’s cycle emphasizes the idea that the most effective learning is done through doing-and-reflecting. This project combines the introduction of technology in healthcare education and the experiential learning theory framework to provide the foundation for this project’s assessment of subject-specific simulation efficacy in fostering deeper learning in a healthcare/medical education setting.
There exists a gap in nursing students with linking technical knowledge to clinical practice. Students’ difficulty in transitioning from learning that is done in the classroom to a more demanding hospital environment reveals a major shortcoming of healthcare education.
The end goal of this research is to formulate a bridge between the inside of a classroom and the application of that knowledge in a real hospital setting. This project is an initiation of applying the principles of Kolb’s experiential learning theory to the learning process of nursing students at Florida State University, with a greater intention of establishing new approaches using technology to better healthcare education.		 How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to provide the best guidance possible for my students by putting my knowledge and enthusiasm about research into my lessons and give them what they need to make the most of their time in UROP! My hobbies include running, cooking, and writing! 72AE01B2-6BA4-43B6-A765-07BEC00C4214_1_201_a.jpeg 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=K9dQVgGDCeObWLaYvX4imYmdH-Fnr1wjAKEo-BHUi-Y 2025-2026
209 Sat, 04/12/2025 - 04:30 PM Anonymous 104.222.17.161 Becca Sayad Becca Sayad she/her Tampa, FL, USA bms22k@fsu.edu Yes Biological Science Chemistry Spring 2027 I currently work in the Bass Lab, investigating the functional association of genes sharing cis-acting motifs in maize using bioinformatics and gene ontology analysis!
 In high school, I participated in a biotechnology class that taught me all the groundwork and foundation of working in a wet lab. At the end of the year, I was able to create my own project and present it in a similar fashion to the symposium! How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? What matters most to me when I teach is to support my students’ growing curiosity and confidence. I want my students to feel assured in their research, their research-mentor relationship, and their ability to learn and grow as a novel researcher. I value creating an environment where students want to express their thoughts and engage with the content that is meaningful to themselves.
I like to cook, try new coffee shops, and read! headshot.png 2025 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=RW8ExNeejOCZ1IBdUSC9sF-lkVGVVmpRD2P6StSdvqw 2025-2026