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 2026Year2026 Approved Update URL UROP Leaders Years as a UROP Leader Operations
258 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 10:25 PM Anonymous 71.220.157.227 Sophia Miller Sophia Miller She/Her New Orleans, LA Slm22a@fsu.edu Yes Biochemistry English Spring 2026 I am developing and testing therapeutics for pediatric glioma using in vivo methods. I worked with the FSU-FAMU College of Engineering to develop a biopolymer for the topical application of therapeutics for skin disorders, such as keloids. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? I participated in UROP my freshman year of college. Prior to this experience, I thought I wanted to follow a particular career path. During my time working with my P.I. and colleagues, I am happy in my decision to pursue research as a career. I love reading, cooking, and liking cringy science memes on Instagram. BA8C3A31-C671-42E7-B6DB-97E9226A76C3.jpeg 2025 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=iGjt02gOoVxceIO3eqeEnsaJOZtpG8NQWb2uGGEKACM 2025-2026
260 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 10:15 PM Anonymous 75.206.249.248 Sharon John Sharon John Fort Myers, FL, USA sbj23@fsu.edu Yes Biological Science Chemistry Spring, 2027 During my first year of research, I worked under Sierra Morandi (Doctoral Candidate) and Dr. Ellen Granger at Florida State University's College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. Our project focused on how science teachers engage in professional development (PD), specifically examining how they shift between two cognitive and epistemic "frames" or roles during PD tasks. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to become a UROP Leader who my students find supportive, welcoming, and encouraging. My goal is to help them succeed in their goals in research and personal goals by sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained. Drawing from my line of research, I have learned the importance of perspective and reflecting on the thinking process while teaching and being a student. I hope to bring this into the classroom to help students think more deeply about their work and learning processes. I wish for my students to have growth from start to finish, helping them see how research can be not only meaningful but also fun. Beyond developing research skills, I hope they walk away with life skills—like critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence—that will benefit them far beyond UROP. Most of all, I want them to have the same positive impact and experience I had while being a part of UROP. Photography and traveling
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257 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 09:59 PM Anonymous 8.14.156.44 Olivia Alintoff Olivia Alintoff She/Her Jupiter, FL, USA oca22@fsu.edu No Cell and Molecular Neuroscience Spring, 2027 My first two years at FSU I was researching in the Maner Lab under Jose Martinez. We examined how participants behaved in a third-party punishment task using a naturalistic group design. We also collected individual differences in personality traits, such as dominance and prestige orientation, political orientation, sibling order, and the big-5 to understand how these may contribute to the likelihood of certain participants punishing (or not punishing) wrongdoers in the group.

I am now transitioning into a new lab in the Biology Department under the guidance of Dr. Yu. Using budding yeast, our research goal is to understand how chromosomes organize themselves and segregate during cell division. Recently, our research has been expanded to a new frontier focusing on determining the mechanics of the nuclear envelope involved in regulating chromosome movement, recombination, gene expression, and cellular rejuvenation. We do this through lab techniques such as yeast transformation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and others.		 How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? Participating in UROP at FSU has had a meaningful impact on my time as a student. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to get involved in research right off the bat, and I'm proud to say that this will be my third year conducting undergraduate research. UROP allowed me to engage in hands-on research early in my college career, which strengthened my critical thinking and academic skills. Working closely with two faculty mentors (Dr. Martinez and Dr. Yu) helped me explore new interests and gain clarity on my academic and career goals. Presenting my work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium also boosted my confidence in public speaking and communication. Overall, UROP gave me a deeper connection to the university community and a strong foundation for future opportunities in medicine. Zeta Tau Alpha- VP of Administration. I love to exercise and go on walks with my friends. IMG_2633 2.jpg 2025 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=yD6DRNG9VUdZ99kPlY1VPmCNCIs_PN6FTHs7VCRR6MA 2025-2026
256 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 09:44 PM Anonymous 153.33.218.27 Alex Campbell Alexander Campbell He/Him West Palm Beach, Fl, USA ajc23g@fsu.edu Yes Cell & Molecular Neuroscience Biochemistry Spring, 2027 Neuroscience fixated on immunohistochemistry techniques to gain insight on functional mapping in mouse/rat brains. MagLab MRI experimentation, Brain dissection, and Biomedical engineering. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I strive to inspire and support students in their research journey, encouraging curiosity and creativity. By fostering an engaging and informative environment, I aim to help them apply research skills in meaningful ways, and empower them to explore, discover, and make lasting impacts in both academic and everyday life. Weightlifting & cardio training, reading, journaling, socializing, football, & track and field professional photo (2).jpg 2025 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=AXjQnVpyNOAAvz4rfEe4tM53fj7fcjsNX64jMQekAUo 2025-2026
254 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 09:20 PM Anonymous 173.168.6.166 Sanjana Joseph Sanjana Joseph Orlando, FL, USA sj23e@fsu.edu Yes Biology Chemistry Spring, 2027 I’m currently working on a research project that explores COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and chronic conditions. We’re analyzing how different stages of Alzheimer’s affect vaccine acceptance using data from the All of Us Research Program. Our goal is to better understand the relationship between cognitive decline and health decision-making during the pandemic. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP leader, I hope to inspire my students by creating a supportive environment where they feel confident exploring research, asking questions, and growing as researchers. My goal is to help them see that research isn't just about data; it's about curiosity, impact, and finding your voice in your field. Ultimately, I hope they leave the program with a deeper passion for learning and the belief that they belong in research spaces. Screen Shot 2025-04-23 at 9.20.31 PM.png 2025 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=b2QcAe0sdJg6dZ_p8yBKo6LODrmmOhT7_VyPRmTdefM 2025-2026
252 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 08:10 PM Anonymous 8.14.156.103 Elizabeth Brown Elizabeth Brown she/her Jacksonville, FL, USA ehb22c@fsu.edu Yes Behavioral Neuroscience Spring, 2027 My current research focus is how spatial navigation and brain connectivity is impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease in a rat model. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP has positively impacted my time at FSU for numerous reasons, including the development of important tangible and intangible skills. I have acquired skills from hands-on experience training animals, data collection, and presentation skills. Additionally, my confidence in my research abilities has improved significantly through my training experience with my research mentor. FullSizeRender.jpeg 2025 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=PxcMw842NSXRBbtW8_IEl2ESLRApwCN-wUIa7oXFoMs 2025-2026
251 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 08:06 PM Anonymous 168.92.233.70 Maria Eduarda Lima Sandim Maria Lima Sandim she/her São Paulo, Brazil ml23j@fsu.edu Yes Biological Sciences Spring, 2026 The current research I am a part of centers on improving the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease by evaluating and comparing candidate predictors in a model-based meta-analytic framework. Building on a recent meta-analysis that showed large, reliable deficits in spatial navigation among individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) compared with cognitively healthy older adults, we are now expanding the scope to multiple biomarker domains. Another research project I am currently still participating in aims to strengthen the clinical legitimacy of music therapy in Latino communities by providing information about certification pathways for practitioners and collecting data on community-specific needs—efforts that eventually seek to increase the accessibility and integration of evidence-based music therapy into healthcare settings that serve these populations. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I hope to pay forward the transformative experience UROP gave me by creating a welcoming, approachable space where students feel both supported and inspired. I want students to leave our classroom with the same sense of possibility and confidence I felt through the support of my own past UROP Leaders. Outside of UROP, my main involvements are in CGS (Connecting Girls to Stem) and AMWA. Some things I love to do are traveling and learning about new cultures, reading, and going to the beach. 462337A8-2D7E-4C44-A72C-AAA522599930.JPEG 2025 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=8tW3dI_djUgn8pyXAqjHWP_t2JjxTr13gSCUHUba2GE 2025-2026
253 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 07:58 PM Anonymous 144.174.212.113 Katelynn Hawthorne Katelynn Hawthorne She/her Plant City, FL, USA Kmh23c@fsu.edu Yes Criminology and International Affairs Russian/Eastern European Studies and U.S. Intelligence Certificate Fall, 2026 My current research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of Florida's Risk Protection Orders (RPOs), which are legal tools designed to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to pose a significant risk to themselves or others. I'm particularly interested in assessing how these orders are implemented across jurisdictions and their impact on public safety outcomes, such as reductions in firearm-related suicides or violent incidents. I have also participated in research focused on developing a comprehensive database of state hate crime legislation across the U.S. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? As a student in UROP, I have been afforded a variety of opportunities that have greatly enriched my time at Florida State University. The program has not only allowed me to explore research as a potential career path, but also deepen my understanding of the research process and build meaningful connections with faculty mentors. Additionally, UROP helped me secure a research internship, further enhancing my academic and professional development Russian, Pottery, Reading, Traveling, Rock Climbing, Running IMG_0087 (1).jpg 2025 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=HuuEJy6jpNY1Bd5GrSECWsRM7Gu7U575sYhk5DQF81E 2025-2026
249 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 07:54 PM Anonymous 104.28.94.187 Billy Grayling Billy Grayling Mundelein, IL Bg22v@fsu.edu No Finance Spring, 2027 Business / legal How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to guide students through an excellent research program that has had a profound impact on my academic success during my time at FSU. IMG_7498.JPG 2025 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=NewagCMGh1gsIuNoI-pFrwvMi8wDWDxR6wHRsaBkSt4 2025-2026
250 Wed, 04/23/2025 - 07:37 PM Anonymous 104.222.21.33 Karah Martin Karah Martin She/Her Jacksonville, FL, USA kgm22a@fsu.edu Yes IMS: Clinical Professions Spring, 2026 Surgical Engineering and Large Language Models How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP has been an incredibly enriching experience and a highlight of my time at FSU. This program has given me the resources to explore, learn, and grow both professionally and personally. It has not only given me the opportunity to delve into research, but also enhance my overall critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. I am involved in various clubs at FSU such as Medical Brigades, Students for Sexual Assault Awareness, and Who We Play For. Outside of school and UROP, however, I love to be outside, read, surf, and spend time with friends and family! processed-AFE94166-91C9-44F6-8926-B74F2F7B68A0.jpeg 2025 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=abRVBK-o-t47k6y2EuEyiSmwlVEmdEUoqPrnh5dwhP8 2025-2026
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 Yes 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 Yes 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, I have 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 Yes 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 and Sociology Spring, 2027 My current research focus is on counseling and 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 and counseling 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 reviewing 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. I'm also trying to get into reading more! KM Headshot.jpg 2025 Yes 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 a 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.		 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 Yes 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 Yes 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 Yes 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 on 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 who 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 Yes 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