UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #98

First Name: Katherine
Last Name: Martinez
Full name as you would like it to appear on the website: Katherine Martinez
Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Hometown, State, and Country (ex: Tallahassee, FL, USA): Miami, FL, USA
FSU email : kmm19g@fsu.edu
Please check this box if you are willing to be contacted by students interested in UROP: Yes
LinkedIn URL (optional): https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-martinez-3b7901204/
Major(s): Biomedical Engineering
Minor(s): Chemistry
Graduation Semester and Year (ex: Fall, 2022): Spring, 2024
What is your current research focus?:
My current research focus involves behaviorally characterizing the effects of engineered extracellular vesicles throughout the process of neural healing after experiencing a stroke. 

Are there any other research related activities you participate(d) in?:
I participated in UROP from fall 2020 to spring 2021. Since then, I have worked in research at the College of Medicine and the College of Engineering. At the College of Medicine, I assisted in research that looked into behavioral effects of Ketamine. At the College of Engineering, I assisted in research involving modifying extracellular vesicles (EVs). During summer 2023, I participated in the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Research Experience for Undergraduates (MagLab REU), where I continued my current research focus of behaviorally characterizing the effects of EVs after experiencing a stroke. 

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 was the foundation of my ongoing journey as an undergraduate researcher. Through this program, I gained the valuable skills needed to successfully participate in the research field, such as communication, public speaking, time management, and professionalism. These acquired skills have allowed me to successfully participate in 3 other labs and I could not be more grateful. With each research achievement I have accomplished, I have UROP to thank. This program has also given me the opportunity to help pass down the knowledge that was given to me to the younger and future undergraduates of Florida State University. 


Please list any other hobbies or interests you would like to share:
Throughout my time at FSU, I have been a part of the Medical Response Unit, a volunteer based program where EMR certified students respond to calls on campus during weekly shifts and other events, such as football tailgates, baseball games, circus programs, and more. In addition, I am Volunteer Coordinator for Brain Exercise Initiative. This is a club where members make weekly trips to retirement homes to complete worksheets with residents filled with brain exercises to delay the onset of Alzheimers/dementia.

Headshot: https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_leaders_information/7601/UROP_headshot.jpeg
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2025Year2025: 2023
Approved: Yes
Update URL UROP Leaders: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=HJjn9GwkUcuIoJYDvVbJTRYO5UOKo13U7cmbOwZ1fX4
Years as a UROP Leader: 2023-2024