UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #908

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Tian Luo
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Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): tluo@fsu.edu
Position Title: Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name: Xue Gao
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email: xg23d@fsu.edu
FSU College (if applicable): Social Sciences and Public Policy
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Askew School of Public Administration
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Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Collaboration as a Catalyst: Evaluating the Impact of Academic-Practitioner Collaboration on Practitioners' Engagement with Smart Initiatives
Project Keywords: Collaboration, Practitioners’ Engagement, Smart Cities
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Public Administration and Policy; Statistics

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):: Fully Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 6 hours
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:
Many studies have analyzed the challenges and benefits  of collaborations between social science scholars and practitioners across various sectors, including government, non-profits, and businesses. As technology and society become increasingly intertwined, the need for more effective collaborations between scientific and engineering researchers and practitioners grows. However, there is still a significant gap in understanding how these collaborations can effectively connect technology and social aspects to benefit communities.

To address these research challenges, this study evaluates whether and how collaborations between scientific and engineering researchers and practitioners in the NSF Smart and Connected Communities (S&CC) program stimulate smart technology-related activities among practitioners. It investigates the extent of influence the S&CC program has on practitioners’ engagement with smart technologies. The study focuses on the impact of  S&CC program participation on both NGOs, assessing their activities in learning, adopting, and promoting smart technologies, and government agencies, evaluating the potential increase in smart technology initiatives, policies, and collaborations. The emphasis is on tangible actions that demonstrate an active engagement in smart technology integration and advocacy.

This study employs event study analysis to assess changes in smart technology activities among NGOs and government agencies before and after joining the S&CC program. It also identifies  factors influencing the program's effectiveness in enhancing smart technology efforts in non-academic institutions. The findings will  provide insights into the program's role in smart technology engagement, smart city development, public sector technology integration, and  will inform academic researchers, practitioners, and funding agencies on designing collaborations that effectively connect science, technology, and society.

Research Tasks:
Conducting Text Analysis and Basic Data Analysis


Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
The research assistant is required to thoroughly review each program's abstract and identify key information. This information will be systematically coded into Excel tables. If possible, the research assistant is recommended to perform some basic regression analyses in R programme.

Mentoring Philosophy:
In my role as a mentor, I aim to cultivate an environment that encourages curiosity, independence, and collaborative learning. My research focuses on bridging the gap between academia and practice, and I apply this same philosophy to mentoring. I believe in identifying and building upon each mentee’s unique strengths, guiding them to take ownership of their work, and promoting accountability. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, I encourage mentees to explore complex problems, ask critical questions, and learn from their experiences, including mistakes. I emphasize the importance of connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application, and I am committed to creating a supportive space where mentees feel empowered to engage deeply with their work, contributing to both their personal growth and the advancement of smart technologies in real-world contexts.

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?: No
Roundtable times and Zoom links:
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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
update url: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=KuOjdREnzLL4HAUzEYObfyt-zE6MIhNj8pJ6pPpDuu0