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
120 Thu, 05/04/2023 - 12:24 PM Anonymous 144.174.210.213 Joshua Mallay Josh Mallay jdm22l@fsu.edu Oviedo, FL, USA jdm22l@fsu.edu No Meteorology Mathematics, Chemistry Spring 2024 Studying Vulnerability of Panama City, FL after Hurricane Michael in 2018. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? It has done wonders, allowing me to get research experience and understand the research process. While it isn't meteorology related, I can use these skills to communicate the risk of weather to civilians so that they can understand it and communicate possible vulnerability to them so they can act accordingly. I was also able to make many friends from my UROP Colloquium as well as other Meteorology UROP Students. Headshot_0.jpg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=t14CpPe5iBNlyYF89WJls8--JytT1MBO55B8IblrYbE 2023-2024
119 Thu, 05/04/2023 - 10:44 AM Anonymous 144.174.212.94 Cory Balon Cory Balon He/Him Cincinnati, OH, USA hcb21@fsu.edu Yes Psychology Criminology Spring, 2025 I am currently shifting my focus to starting an Undergraduate Honors in the Major thesis, where I would like to incorporate both my Psychology minor and my Criminology background to focus on criminal behaviors. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP was my first time ever participating in research and has made me become more interested in it than I had thought I would be. After participating in UROP as a student, I decided that I would like to pursue more of a research-focused undergraduate and graduate degree. Untitled design.jpg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=TLcJ35uIGjPduGwGXCyFaliOcf84bWMR3R2wLRITO0Y 2023-2024
118 Thu, 05/04/2023 - 12:32 AM Anonymous 153.33.70.34 Rhea Bhatia Rhea Bhatia she/her Ormond Beach, FL, USA rvb21@fsu.edu No https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhea-bhatia-603a93266/ Public Health and Statistics Fall 2025 My current research focuses on tonic immobility in relation to post traumatic stress in adolescents. I am staying actively involved with UROP and the CRE! How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP has introduced me into the wide realm of research and everything that it entails so that I can approach and teach this subject with more ease. I also met some of my lifelong friends through UROP and made connections that will last me a lifetime! I love to spend time with friends and family, watch Gossip Girl, exercise, and shop! EE745421-E0B3-4E80-B551-3238ECC350CF.jpeg 2023 No https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=BX-1c0Tm-K5-oEhxC_B5O-oWrecfWYmx2maagyDs65g 2023-2024
117 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 10:48 PM Anonymous 50.30.177.25 Ana-Gabriela Osorio Ana-Gabriela Osorio she/her Miami, FL, USA ao21e@fsu.edu No Psychology and Statistics Mathematics and Business Spring 2025 My current research focuses on examining cultural sensitivity in mindfulness meditation for Chinese American adolescents. Throughout the spring semester of 2023, I had the opportunity to work as a research intern at the College of Education, where I focused on science education research. My main research task was to analyze the teaching practices of science educators. To do this, I used a program called NIVIVO to code and organize data on the educators' classroom lectures and activities. By doing this I was able to gain insight and identify what teaching methods were engaging students more and will hopefully be able to contribute to the improvement of science education. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? I have had the opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of research outside of a classroom setting. I gained hands-on experience on a topic that interests me and formed new connections with people. WhatsApp Image 2023-05-03 at 10.23.12 PM_0.jpeg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=APw-GBLWF3dbM_xiW1w6FiOPE-HA8CarWRK512F_0KQ 2023-2024
116 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 09:54 PM Anonymous 69.1.196.121 Mariajose Ladera Mariajose Ladera Woodstock, Georgia, USA ml20k@fsu.edu No International Affairs and Economics spring 2025 Currently, I am not focusing on any research but my most recent one involved taking a look at how teachers approach the students with different backgrounds in their classroom. This research was a part of Global Scholars Not currently. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I want students to finish the year having an understanding of the different opportunities there are for research at FSU. I would like for them to ask any questions they may have about the current course and be comfortable asking me about different opportunities. I enjoy going to the gym and exploring new places. I also enjoy reading and am currently reading Blink. Mariajose Headshot - cropped copy 2.png 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=EJ0iPAij74Q2xhUwT_cU243ZwYrSMv8JNsw1GUD1njI 2023-2024
115 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 08:08 PM Anonymous 153.33.70.30 Sophia Williams Sophia Williams she/her Dunedin, FL, USA stw21@fsu.edu Yes Environmental Science and Spanish Spring 2025 I am involved in research in the Okamoto lab concerning the effects of harvesting and food variability on the life history of the freshwater fish, Heterandria formosa. This past summer I did an internship at the Coastal Studies Institute in the Outer Banks, NC. I researched an emerging pathogenic disease, called Black Gill Disease, that is affecting estuarine shrimp species and participated in lots of field work in estuaries and marshes. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP leader, I hope to be a helpful resource for my students and make their experience with research as low-stress and enjoyable as possible. I want to help them make the most out of this experience!! I'm a big fan of yoga, traveling, live music, and the outdoors! REU 2023-84.jpg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=s1uZl6frP_Mmaq9sgzv6athvhbQfYxK1ch2xe-4zr-4 2023-2024
114 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 06:18 PM Anonymous 8.24.21.96 Olivia Martin Olivia Martin She/Her Lake Worth, FL, USA olm21a@fsu.edu Yes Political Science & History Spring, 2024 Currently I am not conducting research; however, I previously studied how social media affects the emotional well-being of its users. After concluding UROP as a freshman, I worked with Dr. Vanessa Dennen under the College of Education through a Directed Individual Study (DIS). I was able to specifically focus my research on understanding Florida State Students and their social media use. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As A UROP leader I hope to provide a welcoming environment where my students can thrive at Florida State. Furthermore, I hope to aid my students in building lasting connections and experiences, that I was once able to gain as a student in UROP. Moreover, I hope to provide a supporting, encouraging, environment where my students feel free to explore different research outlets as well as push and test their own educational boundaries. My hobbies include going to the gym and spending time with my friends & family . IMG_5389.jpeg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=rIqm4O5ZdwV25Z5Mb-R-k_EMBrCMUjcBljujMdwfqlQ 2023-2024
113 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 03:21 PM Anonymous 73.179.163.101 Aidan Perez Aidan G. Perez He/Him/Él Miami, FL, USA agp21g@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidanperez/ Biological Science Chemistry Spring 2025 My current research focus is looking at the prevalence of Fibropapillomatosis in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Crystal River, Fl and Bimini, BS. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP has impacted my time at FSU in so many ways! It gave such a great experience and opportunity to explore my passion for marine science and ecology in such a significant way. Most importantly, it taught me how to become a better communicator, and has helped me build so many connections and friendships! I've learned so many skills from UROP, and I'm excited to provide that impact to others! Golf, sports, and medicine IMG_8660.JPG 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=62_6En0fpbuDXNcseo1Y9T_p585ZqXxg7eAxDx6oL6E 2023-2024
112 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 03:07 PM Anonymous 8.14.156.117 Elona Berisha Elona Berisha She/her Lake Worth eb21d@fsu.edu Yes Biomathematics Spring, 2025 My current research focus is the "Statistical Modeling on Cell Encapsulation". In my research, we utilize probability distribution and statistical analysis to find the probability of cells per micro-fluidic droplet in a droplet generation system where cells are encapsulated. There are many biological, mathematical, and physical aspects of the research, however my main focus is the statistical and mathematical portion that combines the biological aspects and physical parameters and explains the probabilities of the randomness associated with droplet generation systems. None other than the UROP colloquium and my UROP research, however I look forward to expanding my research endeavors! How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP Leader, I hope to impact my students tremendously in various ways. I would like to encourage them to branch out of their comfort zones and reach out to the research community, and mentors on campus. I want my students to be able to find their research and become passionate with their contributions. At the same time, I want my students to find comfort in our classroom environment as a guide outside their academic lives. I want to impact the stigma my students may have on the classroom setting and the difficulties of research. As a UROP leader, I hope to pave the way of a nice open environment for my students that encourages them to feed their research passions. Outside of school and UROP, I have many things that I love to do. I love to read, go to the beach, and hangout with my friends. I am also a really big foodie, so I always love reading new recipes and finding new restaurants wherever I am. Screen Shot 2023-05-03 at 3.07.13 PM.png 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=bOWX8CGzp_0AzCDqcVuBRpIq2wFTGmONzwc8H-3QClE 2023-2024
111 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 02:38 PM Anonymous 73.171.227.76 Lily England Lily England Jacksonville, FL, USA lge21@fsu.edu No https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-england-933700232 Human Development and Family Sciences Chemistry and Psychology Spring 2025 Currently, I work in Dr. Wu's lab in the Department of Health and Human Sciences. I am working as a research assistant on her current study which is surveying emotions of new parents to more broadly understand intergenerational transmission of psychopathology in the family. Before studying at Florida State, I did several years of research involving polymers and polymer chemistry with the goal of discovering eco-friendly plastic alternatives. As a UROP student, I worked on a project in the Special Education department studying modified schema-based instruction in mathematics for students with extensive support needs. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? As a UROP leader, I hope to expand my students' idea of what research is. Coming into college and UROP myself, I thought I knew what research looked like. I did not understand the extent to which research allows professionals in every field to dive deeper into their subject area, help others, and build the body of knowledge on subjects. IMG_7686.jpg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=EcF_lIQ4emTj1xWf2SVeXf4O1gDxxEZ0d3NvYihJX_A 2023-2024
110 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 02:27 PM Anonymous 144.174.210.197 Katherine Moore Katherine she/her Miami, FL ksm21d@fsu.edu No Anthropology Geology Spring 2025 My main research focus is on archaeology but specifically underwater research applications in archaeology. I have worked in several archaeology labs on campus and have participated in several archaeological digs over the past two summers. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP gave me a great foot in the door to learn and explore other research opportunities on campus It is a great way to learn if research is really for you and what it means to do research. Vice President of Seminole Scuba Club and Member of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity IMG_7112.jpg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=z22673HdtSBxPJh5KYo3tz2FzUsRUKfrK9mr8l6GBrw 2023-2024
109 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 01:54 PM Anonymous 153.33.70.32 John DeCaro John DeCaro He/Him Tampa, FL, USA jcd21d@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-decaro-93b648267/ Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences - Clinical Professions Spring, 2025 My current research examines the potential benefits of creatine, a popular athletic supplement, on cardiovascular and metabolic health, specifically in sedentary adults. In our lab, we are fortunate enough to utilize the novel microdialysis testing procedure, something that is rather rare in labs across the country. From our pilot data, we have seen a correlation between creatine supplementation and improved microvascular blood flow, as well as blood sugar stability following a high-sugar meal. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to guide students through this introduction to their undergraduate research career, as it can be a daunting task where many may be asking themselves, 'where do I start?'. Additionally, I hope to serve as an older, more experienced mentor for my younger students regarding life at FSU in general, whether it pertains to classes, campus recreation, clubs, etc. In Tallahassee during the school year, I am involved with Greek Life and really enjoy the intramural sports FSU has to offer. When back home in Tampa, I enjoy being outdoors and near the ocean, especially to go fishing. headshot.jpg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=F58swC4uat_bXR1UJdlnkA43HqbK6No_fflSSGcoBjg 2023-2024
108 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 01:06 PM Anonymous 76.229.166.40 Meghana Varanasi Meghana Varanasi She/ Her Miami, FL, USA Mnv21a@fsu.edu No Criminology Law & Philosophy Spring, 2025 My current research is centered around hate crime offenders. We are attempting to build a database to attach typologies to the offenders, as well as to mine as much information about them as possible. The typologies we use are retaliatory, defensive, mission, and thrill-seeking. The database has a set of holistic factors such as offender background, motivation, crime, victim background, location, etc. We use these pieces of information to determine what typology category the offender fits under. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope that as a UROP leader, I can impact students in a positive way. I would love to inspire them not only in their field of study, but to push their boundaries so that they explore new academic fields. I want them to feel comfortable with research, mentor relationships, public speaking, and research dissemination. My goal is for everyone to leave my class knowing that they are ready for any and all research opportunities that they may experience through FSU and beyond. I play the violin. I’m a very sporty person- I’ve played tennis for almost seven years but I enjoy playing all sports. I am really interested in volunteering as well so I am very involved in my commmunity. IMG_9756.jpeg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=RieXCsVaqjmnqy9NYJAGINYKm49ypkRDdP0vGmpH4uc 2023-2024
107 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 12:19 PM Anonymous 68.234.254.28 Julia Johansen Julia Scaff Johansen she/her/hers Jacksonville, FL, USA jsj20ba@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-johansen-0aba78222/ Marketing and International Affairs Spring, 2024 N/A How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP helped me develop the hard and soft skills I needed for the rest of my college career. My UROP leaders helped me discover everything Florida State University had to offer and the research I did made me realize my passions for my future career as well as how to take accountability in my field. 37B9FAB4-4A15-4187-A8AD-AFC6A59C07E2_1_105_c.jpeg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=E8h_PyMhBhC4MMjtP_NhIgEe5E9MmXD7I5Uh3if-cU8 2023-2024
106 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 10:57 AM Anonymous 98.242.179.241 Natalee Escobar Natalee Escobar she/her Pembroke Pines, Florida nge21a@fsu.edu Yes Communication Sciences and Disorders Child Development Spring 2025 My current research focus is the relationship between speech and language and early literacy skills in pre-elementary aged children. I participated in UROP on a project investigating how practice based training impacts the implementation of print referencing in paraeducators working with preschoolers with speech and language delays. Additionally, I am a research assistant at the Florida Center for Reading Research where I have been working on a project investigating effectiveness of a professional development plan on strengthening literacy and print skills in pre-elementary aged students in South Carolina. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? For me, UROP served as an important gateway to research. Once I participated in UROP, I felt prepared to venture into other research opportunities. UROP has made me more confident in applying for research positions, jobs, and projects. Because of UROP, I have been afforded amazing opportunities at Florida State. I am passionate about sustainability, thrifting, and protecting the environment. I am interested in volunteering at animal rescues and doing yoga. CBC41327-DC8B-484E-998D-F778F07D1706.jpeg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=O4_6hcufTOwxTSVoAR5d1CkBFFFcsATiXIe4dEjvttQ 2023-2024
105 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 10:41 AM Anonymous 69.244.209.94 Carolyn Emerson Carolyn Emerson She/Her Zephyrhills, FL, USA CJE20a@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/cemerson2002/ Meteorology Mathematics, Computer Science Spring, 2024 Currently, I am doing research in the relationship between the El Nino Southern Oscillation and lake sinkhole events in Tallahassee, FL Honors in the Major Student How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP was my first introduction into academic research. Originally, I did not know this was something I could do as an undergraduate, and I definitely appreciated the opportunities that came with the UROP program. It led me into working as a research assistant and into my own Honors in the Major project. Weightlifting
Weather forecasting
 784BA7A5-81CA-4F33-BEB0-D84B287A57D2_(2).jpg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=2bG267f2RXPemhuXHeKT4KSiVk0whqNZVv6LZCo3MU8 2023-2024
102 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 10:36 AM Anonymous 153.33.70.30 Sean Faletti Sean Faletti he/him Orlando, FL, USA sdf21@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-faletti-8a4858232 Creative Writing and Human Rights and Social Justice Social Entrepreneurship Spring, 2025 My current research focus examines the intersection between the arts and contemporary social justice. I am examining the historical basis for the use of the arts in social justice movements and exploring how this might have shifted or evolved in contemporary discourse. During my freshman year, I researched U.S. and Japanese relations post-World War II as portrayed through film under the supervision of Dr. Christina Owens. I had a specific focus on the portrayal of the American ninja and the archetype’s connections to white saviorism, cultural appropriation, and a variety of other factors that may have influenced the relationship between the aforementioned countries. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope to impact my students as a UROP Leader by leaving them with one new curiosity they hadn’t entered class with. Research is all about finding intersections and commonalities between your passions and interests, and if students leave my class with one new question or curiosity they didn’t enter with (just as I left UROP with a newfound interest in film) then I’ll feel fulfilled in my position. In my spare time, I enjoy playing guitar, reading, and going to the gym. I serve on the executive boards for the American Student Union and South Asian Student Association and would highly recommend students get involved in those spaces if they are interested! 2028A785-B95C-46D1-89CE-68798675C132.jpeg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=_huDatcVOvhTtf12oActdOI7Tiit8FN0lUw8uwRQbWU 2023-2024
104 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 10:36 AM Anonymous 38.121.43.29 Keilly Miranda Torres Keilly Miranda Torres She/her Miami, FL, USA Km21f@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/keilly Political Science Communications Spring, 2024 Birthing care inequities amongst black individuals in the Gadsden County area. How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader? I hope I can be a role model for my students, that they may learn from my experiences and mistakes and grow to be better. I hope I can offer them respect, advice, shared knowledge, and the opportunity to become involved not only in research but in other organizations on campus as well. I am a pre law honors student interested in criminal and human rights law. In my free time I enjoy reading, walking outside, going to the gym with my bestie, and hanging out with my friends.
On campus I am involved with the student leadership council for COSSPP, CASA, Women Student Union, Phi Beta Kappa, and Garnet and Gold Scholars		 DE025B95-D168-430C-B29C-E76682C49C4B.jpeg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=zzH2_OtsDUglfCa15c8i5_UQkZlb3j6HEbsqLvK9LXI 2023-2024
103 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 10:30 AM Anonymous 96.84.148.217 Sarah Brophy Sarah Brophy she/her/hers Weston, FL, USA sab21f@fsu.edu Yes https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-a-brophy/ Political Science and History Fall, 2025 I am currently working on an Honors in the Major exploring the role of gender find determining "privileged" status for Jewish-Christian marriages under the Nazi regime under the tutelage of Dr. Nathan Stoltzfus. During UROP, I worked with Dr. Annika Culver on her book The Shogun's Grand Niece which is a microhistory of a Japanese noble family living in the United States, but who kept deep ties to Japan. My work focused on the Japanese immigrant experience in the US, particularly during World War II and the internment camps. I am also part of the Rosenstrasse Foundation on campus where we are creating a larger database of acts of civil courage under the Nazi regime across Germany and occupied territories with an emphasis on the Rosenstrasse Protests. How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? UROP taught me integral research skills for my field of study, including how to use more specialized sources like national and state databases. Even more than that it gave me the confidence to start my own independent research by giving me a place to start and contacts within the department to guide me. It also helped me narrow down what I was (and was not) interested in, allowing emt o choose a topic that I would find rewarding instead of grueling. I love to read, write, crochet, and play guitar. IMG_2431.jpeg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=sOP67w8OWcORWBFE3_bomZI6trUJ59T_5a1eqWFOclQ 2023-2024
101 Wed, 05/03/2023 - 10:28 AM Anonymous 144.174.212.78 Charlie Tyson Charlie J. Tyson He/Him Miami, Florida, USA cjt21h@fsu.edu Yes Criminology and Criminal Justice Spring, 2025 The Incarceration Difficulties of Prisoners With Substance Abuse N/A How has UROP impacted your time at FSU? It has opened my eyes to a new understanding of research, allowing me to garner new connections and a new proclivity to learn. Fencing/Gaming/Money 3231A23C-8DA8-4E32-A2B4-26080745787C.jpeg 2023 Yes https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=r7c6dFFqK2WiaVpkpV9nny-XzHS0iRTU4yWnjh4Ttzg 2023-2024