UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #245

First Name: Abigale 
Last Name: Young
Full name as you would like it to appear on the website: Abigale Young
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown, State, and Country (ex: Tallahassee, FL, USA): Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA
FSU email : agy22@fsu.edu
Please check this box if you are willing to be contacted by students interested in UROP: Yes
LinkedIn URL (optional): {Empty}
Major(s): Behavioral Neuroscience
Minor(s): {Empty}
Graduation Semester and Year (ex: Fall, 2022): Spring 2026
What is your current research focus?:
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.


Are there any other research related activities you participate(d) in?:
{Empty}

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 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.


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

Headshot: https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_leaders_information/19466/IMG_2696.jpeg
{Empty}
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=IHUQNAL6RFLMtSVg5yxMN1UjkddA-JpZ18RVTcjqD_0
Years as a UROP Leader: 2025-2026