UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #240

First Name: Amari
Last Name: Grayson
Full name as you would like it to appear on the website: Amari Grayson
Preferred Pronouns: She/Hers
Hometown, State, and Country (ex: Tallahassee, FL, USA): Saint Petersburg, FL, USA
FSU email : arg22o@fsu.edu
Please check this box if you are willing to be contacted by students interested in UROP: Yes
LinkedIn URL (optional): https://www.linkedin.com/in/amari-grayson-25484a283/
Major(s): Public Health and Sociology
Minor(s): Math and Chemistry
Graduation Semester and Year (ex: Fall, 2022): Spring 2027
What is your current research focus?:
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.

Are there any other research related activities you participate(d) in?:
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Answer one of the following two questions about being a UROP Leader or your UROP background. : How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader?
Please answer the question you selected above in the area provided.:
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.

Please list any other hobbies or interests you would like to share:
Exploring nature trails, playing the Sims 4, reading, roller skating

Headshot: https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_leaders_information/19436/IMG_4262%202.jpg
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2025Year2025: 2025
Approved: No
Update URL UROP Leaders: 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
Years as a UROP Leader: 2025-2026