UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #763

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Dee Selmore 
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: Ms. 
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): dselmore@fsu.edu
Position Title: Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name: Dr. Elizabeth Osborne
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email: bosborne@fsu.edu
FSU College (if applicable): Fine Arts
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: School of Theatre
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/14441/image000002.jpeg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above): {Empty}
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Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): {Empty}
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable): {Empty}
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: The Black Artist's Way
Project Keywords:  qualitative, dramaturgy, theatre
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: No
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 2
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Though this project is open to all majors, the preferred majors are Theatre, English/Literature, History, African American Studies, Cultural Studies, Communications/Media Studies, Education, Film, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Creative Writing, and related fields.

Project Location:: On FSU Main Campus
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: {Empty}
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s):: Partially Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 5-10
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work?: Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Overall Research Project Description:
This project involves exploring the psychological and emotional impact of embodying traumatic characters on Black actors.  Using a production of August Wilson's Fences, the project aims to provide comprehensive research support to the director, cast, and production team, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the play’s cultural, historical, and thematic elements. Additionally, the research will delve into how performances that engage with historical and contemporary racial and gender-based trauma affect the mental health and well-being of Black actors. Through a mixed-methods approach, the study will examine factors such as stress, emotional exhaustion, and identity disruption among actors who have portrayed roles involving trauma. 
The research will involve a diverse sample of professional and amateur Black actors, with data collected over six months. Research assistants will play a critical role in conducting interviews, administering assessments, and managing the data. Alongside the psychological study, the project will assist in creating audience engagement materials and material for talkbacks to enhance understanding of the play and the research findings. By combining dramaturgical research with an in-depth study of performance psychology, this project will contribute to the literature on Black studies and performance, offering insights into the challenges faced by Black actors and informing strategies to support their mental health in the performing arts industry.


Research Tasks:
Literature review, dramaturg tasks, develop a research portfolio, data collection, administering assessments, data analysis, data management, content creation, among other tasks.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Strong reading and literary analysis skills required 
Content creation recommended
Interviewing skills recommended 
Assessment administration recommended
Data analysis (qualitative) recommended
Knowledge of performance psychology (desired but not required)
Understanding of racial trauma and its impacts recommended
Project management (desired but not required)
Video production and editing (desired but not required)
Ethical research practices required
Data management and security recommended 
Statistical software proficiency (e.g., SPSS, R) (desired but not required)
Strong communication skills required
Cultural sensitivity and awareness recommended 
Time management required 
Critical thinking and problem-solving required



Mentoring Philosophy:
My approach to mentoring is rooted in the belief that research is not just a pursuit of knowledge but a transformative experience that shapes critical thinking, creativity, and professional growth. I am committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where undergraduate researchers can thrive, learn, and contribute meaningfully to their fields of study. I prioritize each student's individual growth and development.  I encourage students to take ownership of their projects and develop a sense of agency in their academic journey.

Research is a collaborative endeavor, and I firmly believe in fostering a partnership between mentors and students. I encourage open communication, active participation, and the exchange of ideas to ensure students feel not just valued, but integral to the research process.  I emphasize academic rigor and ethical research practices, striving to create a mentoring relationship based on trust, respect, and encouragement.  I am committed to being approachable, offering continuous support, and addressing any challenges students may encounter during their research.

 Mentoring does not end with the completion of a research project. I am dedicated to providing long-term mentorship and offering guidance and support as students navigate their academic and professional paths. Overall, I aim to inspire a passion for research in my students and empower them to achieve their full potential as scholars and professionals.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: {Empty}
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
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Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable?: No
Roundtable times and Zoom links:
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UROP Program Elements
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Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication: Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation: Yes
Materials Grant: Yes
UROP Poster Presentation: Yes
Faculty Advisor Confirmation: Yes

Are you interested in attending in a UROP Research Mentor Workshop Series?: Yes
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Year: 2024
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