UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #263

First Name: Sarai
Last Name: Jean-Pierre
Full name as you would like it to appear on the website: Sarai Jean-Pierre
Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Hometown, State, and Country (ex: Tallahassee, FL, USA): Melville, NY, USA
FSU email : snj23a@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): Psychology
Minor(s): {Empty}
Graduation Semester and Year (ex: Fall, 2022): Spring, 2027
What is your current research focus?:
My research interests center on addressing health disparities among medically underserved populations through community-engaged, behavioral research. I have experience working on projects that support caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as church-based breast cancer prevention education tailored for African American women. I am particularly interested in the intersection of psychological well-being, health education, and culturally grounded interventions. My long-term goal is to contribute to research and healthcare initiatives that promote equity and improve health outcomes in marginalized communities.

Are there any other research related activities you participate(d) in?:
I was a Florida Alliance Health Equity Scholar in both 2021 and 2022, during which I conducted research and presented my work at the annual Florida Alliance research conferences each year. Currently, I serve as a research assistant at the Better Health and Life Center for Underserved Populations at Florida State University, where I contribute to projects aimed at reducing health disparities through community-based approaches.

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 guide students through the research process with honesty, encouragement, and care. Research is not a linear journey. it often involves unexpected challenges, learning curves, and growth. Having navigated these myself through projects focused on health equity, Alzheimer’s caregiver support, and breast cancer prevention in underserved communities, I want my students to know they’re not alone. I aim to create a supportive environment where they feel empowered to ask questions, make mistakes, and stay curious. Ultimately, I hope to help them see research not just as data collection, but as a powerful tool for advocacy, impact, and connection.

Please list any other hobbies or interests you would like to share:
Outside of academics, I am classically trained in piano and also enjoy playing the flute. Music has always been a creative outlet for me. I also love staying active and often play tennis in my free time!

Headshot: https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_leaders_information/19561/IMG_4497.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=2kdifmSkRXCDt3N1AcYuY8CknWEQXAYjocpoLG3nqGo
Years as a UROP Leader: 2025-2026