UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #243

serial: '243'
sid: '19456'
uuid: e126b4f8-8a4c-4da8-979f-054d875a9f6b
uri: /urop-leader-information-submission
created: '1745426042'
completed: '1745426083'
changed: '1745426083'
in_draft: '0'
current_page: ''
remote_addr: 149.154.61.44
uid: '0'
langcode: en
webform_id: urop_leaders_information
entity_type: node
entity_id: '1086'
locked: '0'
sticky: '0'
notes: ''
data:
  answer_one_of_the_following_two_questions_about_being_a_urop_lea: affect_students
  approved: '0'
  are_there_any_other_research_oriented_clubs_you_participate_in_: n/a
  email_availability: '0'
  first_name: Sarah
  fsu_email: sjd22g@fsu.edu
  graduation_year: 'Spring, 2027'
  headshot: '61296'
  hometown: 'Panama City Beach'
  last_name: Downing
  linkedin_url: 'https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-downing-820648281/'
  major_s_: 'dance on pre pa track'
  minor_s_: 'chem bio psych'
  name_for_the_website: 'Sarah Downing'
  please_list_any_of_your_hobbies_or_interests_: |-
    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.
  preferred_pronouns: she/her
  selected_response: |-
    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.
  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'
  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
  year: '2025'
  years_as_a_urop_leader: 2025-2026