UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #844

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Keshav J Raja
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: Dr.
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): kraja@fsu.edu
Position Title: Faculty
FSU College (if applicable): Arts and Sciences
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS)
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/14846/20240819_141823.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: How do surface winds induce mixing in the ocean interior?
Project Keywords: Ocean, Oceanography, Ocean physics, Wind, Waves, Modelling
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Open to all majors (see the 'skills that may be needed' below).

Project Location:: Research Foundation Building A (Innovation park), 2000 Levy Ave #292, Tallahassee, FL 32310
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: Innovation buses
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:
Mixing in the ocean's interior plays a crucial role in regulating global climate by distributing heat from the surface to deeper layers, thereby influencing surface temperatures and large-scale circulations. This process also brings deep-sea nutrients to the surface, fueling the growth of phytoplankton, which form the foundation of marine ecosystems and fisheries.

A key driver of ocean mixing is the energy from winds blowing over the ocean surface. But how does this wind energy reach the deep ocean? In this project, we will explore the intriguing phenomenon of wind-generated underwater wave motions, known as “internal waves,” that act as channels for transferring energy from the ocean’s surface to its depths, where it drives essential mixing processes.

Utilizing a state-of-the-art, high-resolution global ocean model (developed and used by the US Navy), we will track the injection of wind energy at the ocean surface, follow its path through the water column, and quantify how much of it contributes to deep ocean mixing. Our research will map the global distribution of wind energy input into internal waves and investigate the factors that influence its vertical transmission. By identifying where this energy dissipates and induces mixing, we aim to uncover the hidden dynamics that shape our planet’s oceans.

Research Tasks:
In this project, the research student will gain foundational knowledge in physical oceanography, including introduction to different scales of oceanic motion, energy pathways in the ocean, and their contributions to global climate. The student will analyze data from existing global ocean model simulations and create global maps of key physical quantities, such as wind power, internal wave energy, and fluxes. Data analysis and visualization will be conducted using MATLAB, which has a gentle learning curve for first-time users. Throughout the project, the student will also have the opportunity to interact with other researchers at the Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS) and present their findings.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
If you are genuinely interested in the topic, the project can be tailored to fit your skills and aspirations.
Preferred skills:
- Basic Math Skills (familiarity with vectors and basic calculus).
- Basic Computer Skills (comfortable working with a PC/Mac and using Microsoft Office or Google Suite).
- An eagerness to learn new concepts, a willingness to acquire new skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Desired skills:
- Introductory knowledge of differential equations
- Basic knowledge of computer programming


Mentoring Philosophy:
I view research collaboration as a dynamic process driven by open dialogue, much like a Socratic seminar, where questioning and discussion are central to exploring and understanding new concepts. This dialogic approach helps identify the boundaries of our knowledge and highlights areas where deeper learning is needed. I believe that this should be followed by independent experimentation—taking actions and analyzing results to gain fresh insights, a method commonly called as 'action learning.' The insights gained from these experiments can then be brought back into discussions, creating a continuous cycle of learning and improvement.

For this approach to be effective, it’s essential to establish a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas without fear of judgment. Encouraging lively discussions allows students to critically explore the strengths and weaknesses of their ideas, which is a powerful motivator for deeper learning. Additionally, I believe that one of the most effective ways to learn new concepts and techniques is through hands-on experimentation. By facilitating and encouraging these experimental approaches in research, students can gradually build their knowledge and skills, making their learning experience both engaging and meaningful.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: https://rajakeshav.wordpress.com/
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
I describe this position as 'partially remote,' meaning the student can negotiate their time between working remotely or at COAPS, where office space is available. Regardless of the chosen arrangement, I would still appreciate the student’s presence at regular in-person meetings throughout the project.


Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable?: Yes
Roundtable times and Zoom links:
Tuesday, September 3, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9206782375)
Wednesday, September 4, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9206782375)
Wednesday, September 5, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9206782375)

Those who missed the roundtables, check out the project presentation slides here: 
https://fsu-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/kjr22c_fsu_edu/EciPk3IiH_9JuD9QxINa2jkBeS1vu6fl2-ZrV2FZURxdFQ?e=PhPShw

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

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Year: 2024
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