UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #868

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Jacey Darrah
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): jdarrah@fsu.edu
Position Title: FSU Staff/Campus Partner
FSU College (if applicable): Undergraduate Studies
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Alumni Association
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/14966/jacey-darrah-social.jpg

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}
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Evaluating the Impact of Alumni Engagement on Student Success 
Project Keywords: Alumni, Mentors, Speakers, Professional Development, Student Success 
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: No
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 1
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?: FSU Seminole Express
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 hours. 
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work?: During business hours
Overall Research Project Description:
This research project aims to assess how alumni engagement initiatives influence the academic and professional success of current students. By analyzing various engagement activities and their outcomes, the project seeks to provide actionable insights to enhance the effectiveness of alumni relations programs.

Research Tasks:
Data Collection: Gather data through surveys, interviews, and focus groups with students and alumni.
Data Analysis: Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends and correlations.
Event Evaluation: Attend alumni speaking events to analyze the event and conduct research.
Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing research on alumni engagement and student success.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Recommended: Strong analytical skills, proficiency in data analysis software (e.g. Excel), and excellent communication abilities.

Mentoring Philosophy:
My professional mentorship philosophy encompasses integrity, humility, and empowerment. I believe that effective mentorship is built on a foundation of mutual respect and a commitment to the growth and development of the mentee. I strive to create an environment where the mentee feels heard and can enhance their current strengths. Here are the key principles that guide my approach:

1. Identifying Mentees' Goals: Understanding the unique aspirations of the mentee is crucial to the mentorship experience to be able to evaluate the mentee, measure their success, and help them research effectively. Mentees are encouraged to use their talents to enhance the research project and develop new ways of collecting data. 

2. Giving Mentees Ownership: Empowering mentees to take the lead inspires responsibility and accountability. I will strive to empower the mentee to develop independence and confidence when researching the project. 

3. Encouraging Growth and Promoting Learning: I believe in the effectiveness of building strong leaders through mentorship, encouraging them to take risks and make mistakes as it leads to the success of the mentee and project. I motivate the mentees to reach new heights and develop new skills to foster their growth as a leader. 

4. Sharing My Experience: I encourage the mentees to ask me questions, learn more about my role, and use my experience to help them with their research. I will share the good, the bad, and the random experiences that have happened during my career that shaped the outline of this research project.

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?: Yes
Roundtable times and Zoom links:
Tuesday, September 3rd from 12pm - 12:30pm
Wednesday, September 4th from 4:30pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday, September 5th from 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97022052373


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
update url: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?element_parents=elements/research_mentor_information/headshot_optional_&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=ZC1AVaSNbrrncNHGT8AYfYLOh9aKdevWM6cnJwmMp9c