UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #860

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Choeeta Chakrabarti
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: cchakrabarti@fsu.edu
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): cchakrabarti@fsu.edu
Position Title: Faculty
FSU College (if applicable): Arts and Sciences
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Anthropology
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/14926/356118317_744836510773806_2460251658137496651_n.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: ***Examining Discrimination and Alcoholism Among Manual Scavengers (Septic Tank Cleaners) in India 
Project Keywords: inequality, discrimination, alcoholism, lived experience, depression, anxiety, India, violence, health disparities
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 4
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Open to all majors 

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?: 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 aims to document the health outcomes and lived experiences of male manual scavengers—individuals forced to clean, handle, and dispose of human excrement from septic tanks, open drains, and other sewage systems. These scavengers typically belong to the lowest rung of India’s caste hierarchy, the Dalits (formerly known as 'Untouchables'), a group historically relegated to this stigmatized, caste-based occupation for generations. Despite the legal prohibition of manual scavenging in India, the practice persists in impoverished communities, where these individuals face compounded discrimination: one based on their caste, and another tied to the degrading nature of their work. Many men resort to alcohol as a coping mechanism for the severe social isolation and harsh working conditions.

This project is the result of three months of fieldwork conducted in Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, in Mumbai. It is divided into qualitative and quantitative components. The qualitative section will explore the experiences of discrimination, structural barriers, and health consequences faced by male manual scavengers. The quantitative section will assess their health outcomes by measuring cortisol levels (from both hair and saliva) and correlating these with psychometric test results for depression, stress, loneliness, and alcoholism. Additional health indicators, such as BMI and blood pressure, will also be analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the physical and psychological toll on this marginalized population.

Research Tasks:
Literature review, qualitative coding, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, synthesizing results, lab work (if interested)  

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Required: For the rest of the spots, I am looking for students who have quantitative data analysis skills to analyze survey data (through a software package like SPSS, SAS, STAT, R etc.)


Mentoring Philosophy:
My approach to mentoring is grounded in fostering relationships that prioritize mutual respect, personal growth, and the professional development of my mentees. To me, mentorship is not limited to advising on research projects but involves guiding students as they navigate their academic, career, and personal paths. The following principles guide my mentorship philosophy: 
1. Identifying and Supporting Goals
I work closely with mentees to understand their individual academic, professional, and personal goals, helping them explore career options and growth opportunities. Open dialogue ensures these goals remain central to our relationship.
2. Fostering Mutual Respect and Collaboration
I create an environment of mutual respect where mentees can comfortably share challenges and motivations. Through honest feedback and collaboration, I encourage my mentees to take ownership of their academic journey and make informed decisions.
Sharing Experience and Encouraging Growth
I draw on my own experiences and guide mentees through the complexities of academia, sharing both my successes and failures. I help them develop research skills and critical thinking through these practical examples.
Open Communication 
Ultimately, mentorship is a two-way relationship built on trust. I prioritize open communication and a safe space for feedback. Regular evaluations of progress and a clear structure of expectations help my mentees stay on track and foster continuous growth.


Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: {Empty}
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Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable?: Yes
Roundtable times and Zoom links:
Availability: 
Tuesday, Sept 3: 
10-11am, and 2-4pm 
Thursday , Sept 5: 
10-4pm 
Preferred: 
Sept 3 and Sept 5: 11-11:30am 

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