UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #84

First Name: Melanie
Last Name: Castro
Full name as you would like it to appear on the website: Melanie Castro
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown, State, and Country (ex: Tallahassee, FL, USA): Orlando, Florida, USA
FSU email : mac20ig@fsu.edu
Please check this box if you are willing to be contacted by students interested in UROP: No
LinkedIn URL (optional): https://www.linkedin.com/in/castromelanie
Major(s): Chemical Engineering
Minor(s): Mathematics
Graduation Semester and Year (ex: Fall, 2022): Spring 2025
What is your current research focus?:
Currently, I assist with research at The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory where I study micro-robotics. This research focuses on analyzing the collective behavior, motion, and the forces exerted by the magnetic hematite micro-motors using optical tweezers and UV light. This research aims to create bio-hybrid hematite particles by attaching bacteria flagella and archaea archaella to the particles.  These micro-motors are biocompatible and are on the nanoscale which makes them useful for localized medicine applications. 

Are there any other research related activities you participate(d) in?:
I have done biochemistry research as a UROP student studying RNA stability using differential scanning fluorimetry.  I recently sparked an interest in doing 3D printing with food and was able to learn and help create alginates for 3D printing with pea protein. 

Answer one of the following two questions about being a UROP Leader or your UROP background. : How has UROP impacted your time at FSU?
Please answer the question you selected above in the area provided.:
UROP introduced me to the many research opportunities available to undergraduate students and how to get started. This program allowed me learn valuable lab skills and help me find out my research interests. UROP has also provided me with so many resources that allowed me to get the most out of being a student at FSU. It has been a great experience for me and I would recommend any student to apply that wants to get involved in research. 

Please list any other hobbies or interests you would like to share:
Running is one of my favorite hobbies. I have gotten the opportunity to run for FSU's Women's Cross Country and Track teams for the past three years. I enjoy finding a new trail to run on and I love when I get to see a pretty sunrise or sunset. Another one of my hobbies is cooking. I enjoy trying out new foods and perfecting my own recipes. 

Headshot: https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_leaders_information/7511/IMG_4511.JPG
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2025Year2025: 2023
Approved: Yes
Update URL UROP Leaders: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?token=7IrbMC-GSG83vtYrU2erHPTbVY5Whu2O7Tjmm0BASHk
Years as a UROP Leader: 2023-2024