UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #786

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Dorota Kossowska-Kuhn
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Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): kuhn@psy.fsu.edu
Position Title: Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name: Richard Wagner
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email: rwagner@psy.fsu.edu
FSU College (if applicable): Arts and Sciences
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Psychology
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/14556/moje_zdje%CC%A8cie.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Cognitive Skills Model for Predicting Alzheimer's Disease
Project Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, statistics, dementia, neurodegeneration, memory
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: No
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 2
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Open to all majors.

Project Location:: remote
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: No, the project is remote
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s):: Fully Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 7-10
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:
The proportion of individuals aged 65 and over is expected to nearly double by 2050, reaching 1.6 billion people. Consequently, the prevalence of dementia, primarily driven by aging, is anticipated to rise sharply. Dementia, currently the 7th leading cause of death globally, significantly contributes to disability and dependency among older adults. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form, comprising 60-80% of dementia cases. Early diagnosis allows patients and their families to understand the challenges ahead and develop strategies for managing current and future issues. With emerging medical treatments, early and accurate diagnosis is increasingly critical. 
Spatial navigation tests have shown promise in diagnosing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition that often precedes AD, predicting the risk of conversion from MCI to dementia, and monitoring AD progression. Our meta-analysis on spatial navigation skills in individuals with MCI revealed significant differences between this group and cognitively healthy older adults at the level of standardized mean difference Hedges g = 0.88 (Kossowska-Kuhn et al., in prep). We plan to take the next step towards conducting a model-based meta-analysis that will allow us to compare the effectiveness of various potential predictors of Alzheimer's disease in predicting its presence, as well as identify which of these predictors make independent contributions to the prediction.

Research Tasks:
- data collection
- data analysis
- literature review

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
All motivated and hardworking students are welcome.

Mentoring Philosophy:
My mentoring philosophy revolves around empowering undergraduate students to excel in their project work through a combination of ownership, accountability, shared experience, and interactive learning. I believe in fostering an environment that nurtures their growth and encourages independent thinking.
I emphasize giving mentees ownership of their work by involving them in project decisions, from goal setting to execution. This not only bolsters their confidence but also instills a sense of responsibility for their outcomes. I promote accountability by setting clear expectations and milestones, enabling them to track their progress and take pride in their achievements.
Drawing from my own experience, I share stories of challenges and successes, illustrating the real-world applications of their efforts. This bridges the gap between theory and practice, enhancing their understanding and motivation. I also encourage open dialogue, where questions and ideas are welcomed, creating an interactive platform for collaborative learning.
I understand that each student is unique, with varying skills and aspirations. To accommodate this, I tailor my guidance, offering guidance that aligns with their interests and goals. I provide resources, recommend reading materials, and suggest relevant workshops, fostering holistic development.
In conclusion, my approach to mentoring undergraduates centers on nurturing their autonomy, cultivating responsibility, leveraging shared experiences, and fostering an interactive learning ecosystem. By doing so, I aim to not only support their immediate project objectives but also to equip them with lifelong skills for success.


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Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable?: Yes
Roundtable times and Zoom links:
Tuesday, Sept. 3,: 3-3:30, 3:30-4
Wednesday, Sept. 4:  1-1:30, 1:30-2
Thursday, Sept. 5: 1-1:30, 1:30-2
Zoom link for all meetings: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/2290878150
Meeting ID: 229 087 8150

Roundtable Info:
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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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