UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #330

First Name: Kiara
Last Name: Felix
Full name as you would like it to appear on the website: Kiara Catherine Felix
Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Hometown, State, and Country (ex: Tallahassee, FL, USA): West Palm Beach, FL, USA
FSU email : kcf24@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): Media Communications Studies, Criminology
Minor(s): {Empty}
Graduation Semester and Year (ex: Fall, 2022): Summer, 2028
What is your current research focus?:
My undergraduate research focuses on gendered depictions in advertisements, where I conducted a quantitative content analysis of U.S. household care commercials over a ten-year period. Through this project, I examined how gender and race/ethnicity are represented in caregiving roles, screen time, and product interaction. This research allowed me to develop skills in data analysis, coding, and critical media interpretation, while also deepening my understanding of how media representations shape societal norms and expectations. My findings challenged some common assumptions about gender roles in advertising while also highlighting ongoing disparities in racial representation, reinforcing the importance of critically engaging with everyday media.

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 encouraging environment where students feel confident taking their first steps into research. I know firsthand that one of the most challenging parts of undergraduate research is simply getting started and finding a mentor, so I want to help students navigate that process with clarity and reassurance. I aim to make research feel accessible rather than intimidating by breaking down expectations, sharing my own experiences, and providing practical guidance.

I also hope to empower students to see the value in their ideas and interests, especially within the humanities and communication studies. By fostering strong communication skills and critical thinking, I want to help students grow both academically and personally. Ultimately, I want to be a resource and mentor who supports students through challenges and celebrates their successes, helping them build confidence in their ability to conduct meaningful research.

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/22331/Felix%2C%20Kiara.jpg
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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=0S-Yo4dhz8BaZ9Zs9FN2O140a1hiIPNlVS0xaGUFUjk
Years as a UROP Leader: 2024-2025 and 2025-2026