UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #839

Submission information
Submission Number: 839
Submission ID: 14821
Submission UUID: df3f5a0b-99d5-48dd-af39-5525b3cbe793

Created: Sat, 08/17/2024 - 09:45 PM
Completed: Sat, 08/17/2024 - 10:56 PM
Changed: Tue, 10/08/2024 - 12:28 PM

Remote IP address: 71.220.139.87
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Primary Research Mentor Name Sthitapragya Ray
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns He/him
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) sray7@fsu.edu
Position Title Post Doc
FSU College (if applicable) N/A
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS)
Headshot (optional) njalgae_oli_2015215_lrg.jpg
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above)
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated)
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable)
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated)
Title of the Project Tracking Changes in Coastal Productivity using Satellite Observations
Project Keywords Oceanography, Climate, Satellite Observations
Are you currently looking for research assistants? No
Number of Research Assistants Needed 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s) Biochemistry, Chemical Science, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Computational Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Science and Policy, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Biomathematics, Mathematics, Meteorology, Physical Science, Physics, Statistics
Project Location: Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS) Florida State University, 2000 Levy Avenue Building A, Suite 292 Tallahassee, FL 32310
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation? Innovation Bus (https://www.talgov.com/Uploads/Public/Documents/starmetro/fsu.pdf#page=5)
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 - 7
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 Climate change is rapidly warming global oceans, disrupting marine ecosystems, and threatening the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth. These changes not only endanger countless species but also pose significant risks to human well-being, from intensifying natural disasters to compromising food security. Coastal upwelling is a fascinating ocean phenomenon where deep, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface of the ocean, creating hotspots of marine productivity. Despite covering just 1% of the ocean's surface, these upwelling zones are crucial for global food security, driving over 20% of the world's fish production and supporting millions of livelihoods. The uplifted nutrients fuel the growth of microscopic plants called phytoplankton, which serve as the base of the marine food pyramid, and also turn the ocean surface into vibrant green patches. Spectroradiometer satellites like MODIS are capable of observing these blooms from space by measuring the concentration of chlorophyll on the ocean surface, allowing scientists to monitor and study these vital ecosystems on a global scale. This UROP project will explore how these chlorophyll concentrations have changed over the last three decades. By uncovering patterns and possible reasons behind these changes, we'll gain insights into the health of our oceans and the impact of climate change on marine life and human food security. The specific goals and methodology may be adjusted based on the student's interest.

Students will receive hands-on training accessing real climate data (with a focus on satellite-based observation) and learn how to analyze it using tools like MATLAB and Python.
Research Tasks Review literature covering different aspects of Climate Science and Data Analysis.
Gaining familiarity with Ocean/ Climate observation platforms, Climate models, and datasets.
Analysis and Interpretation of Ocean and Climate Data.
Effectively Present/ communicate their findings.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
Interest in Climate Science.
Basic scientific understanding (physics, mathematics, elementary statistics).
Basic computer skills (Word, PowerPoint.)

Recommended:
Understanding of vectors.
Interest in Physical Geography
Mentoring Philosophy My mentoring philosophy is built on the belief that curiosity and effort feed into each other to drive meaningful learning and growth. By fostering an environment where questions are encouraged, and exploration is celebrated, I aim to motivate students to put in the effort needed to deepen their understanding. This effort, in turn, enriches their curiosity, creating a positive feedback loop that drives continuous development. Through hands-on experiences and guided inquiry, I challenge mentees to grow, learn from their mistakes, and develop into confident, independent thinkers.
Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable): https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Ur5mXhEAAAAJ&hl=en
Please add any additional information here (if applicable):
Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable? Yes
Roundtable times and Zoom links Tuesday, September 3: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92283556615)
Friday, September 6: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95863718558)

Recorded Zoom Session and Roundtable Slides: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1Wfk7ekrS6s6GRfXwqzH519K0gUrZRr6R
Roundtable Info
Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation Yes
Materials Grant Yes
UROP Poster Presentation Yes
Year 2024