UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #325

First Name: Valeria
Last Name: Hernandez
Full name as you would like it to appear on the website: Valeria Hernandez
Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Hometown, State, and Country (ex: Tallahassee, FL, USA): Delray Beach, FL, USA
FSU email : vh23e@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): Clinical Professions
Minor(s): {Empty}
Graduation Semester and Year (ex: Fall, 2022): Spring 2028
What is your current research focus?:
My current research focuses on simulation-based learning in health professions education. Specifically, I am studying how an educational escape room scenario involving hypovolemia due to sepsis can promote engagement, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving among undergraduate nursing students. Using qualitative behavioral observation methods, I analyze how high-pressure, game-based clinical simulations support skill development and contribute to best practices in simulation-based pedagogy.

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 create a supportive and engaging environment that helps students build confidence in their ability to conduct research and communicate their ideas effectively. I aim to guide students in developing critical thinking, scientific curiosity, and professional skills such as collaboration, communication, and ethical decision-making. By sharing my own experiences navigating research challenges, I hope to help students feel more prepared and less intimidated by the research process. I want students to leave the program not only with stronger academic skills, but also with a greater sense of independence, resilience, and motivation to pursue future research or professional opportunities. Ultimately, I hope to positively impact students by helping them recognize their potential and feel empowered to contribute meaningful ideas to their fields.

Please list any other hobbies or interests you would like to share:
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Headshot: https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_leaders_information/22326/Screenshot%202026-04-19%20at%209.09.32%E2%80%AFPM.png
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2026Year2026: 2026
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=smiXLEhtkw51mn5k-UNnhfkeWYxKbtxQ4VHc52cOtTo
Years as a UROP Leader: 2024-2025 and 2025-2026