UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #243

First Name: Sarah
Last Name: Downing
Full name as you would like it to appear on the website: Sarah Downing
Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Hometown, State, and Country (ex: Tallahassee, FL, USA): Panama City Beach
FSU email : sjd22g@fsu.edu
Please check this box if you are willing to be contacted by students interested in UROP: No
LinkedIn URL (optional): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-downing-820648281/
Major(s): dance on pre pa track
Minor(s): chem bio psych
Graduation Semester and Year (ex: Fall, 2022): Spring, 2027
What is your current research focus?:
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

Are there any other research related activities you participate(d) in?:
n/a

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 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.

Please list any other hobbies or interests you would like to share:
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.

Headshot: https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_leaders_information/19456/Screenshot%202025-04-23%20at%2012.33.55%20PM.png
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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=7I0-fxQCJwG0eYU5MCPii2X7Evso2i2FA5I5Vy4HEBk
Years as a UROP Leader: 2025-2026