UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #925 | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

Submission information

Submission Number: 925

Submission ID: 15251

Submission UUID: d45d9841-146b-42ac-8b73-b55e3d5fce54

Submission URI: /urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal

Submission Update: /urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=SFZ3mGQZ6Wm6VxYY1r-9H45fCGXpFRcFi4Z9onWieY8

Created: Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:43 PM

Completed: Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:43 PM

Changed: Mon, 08/26/2024 - 02:15 PM

Remote IP address: 131.106.53.118

Submitted by: Anonymous

Language: English

Is draft: No

Webform: UROP Project Proposal Portal

Submitted to: UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal

Research Mentor Information

Primary Research Mentor Name Niall Whalen

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Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) nwhalen@fsu.edu

Position Title Graduate Student

Faculty Advisor Name Dr. Gregory Erickson

Faculty Advisor's FSU Email gerickson@bio.fsu.edu

FSU College (if applicable) Arts and Sciences

FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation Biological Sciences

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Additional Research Mentor(s)

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Overall Project Details

Title of the Project An Evolutionary Survey of Seed Plant Phytolith Form

Project Keywords Plants, Biology, Evolution, Microscope

Are you currently looking for research assistants? Yes

Number of Research Assistants Needed 1

Relevant Research Assistant Major(s) Biology
Anthroplogy

Project Location: On FSU Main Campus

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Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s): In-person

Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work? 5

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 Phytoliths are microscopic silica deposits that form within the tissues of plants. Different plant taxa deposit these phytoliths in different cellular regions, resulting in distinct phytolith shapes and forms that can be directly identified with the source plant. In this graduate research thesis project, characteristic phytolith shapes are actively being described from taxonomic families within the seed plants (spermatophyta), the group including the evergreen gymnosperms and the flowering angiosperms. The result will be a catalog of phytolith shapes typical of each family, from which evolutionary trends in phytolith development and morphology can be investigated. Phytolith research is an exciting and emerging field of study carrying applications to disciplines as diverse as ecology, geology, anthropology, and environmental science. This catalog will also open up possible avenues of inquiry into these fields. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Research Tasks Preparing phytolith samples using a laboratory centrifuge
Observing phytoliths under the microscope
Cataloging specimens

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: No specific skills required, but the ideal candidate will be:
Conscientious
Detail-oriented
Well-organized

Mentoring Philosophy I believe in fostering a balance between independent learning and supportive guidance. I hold that the most valuable and lasting knowledge comes from the student’s own discoveries and problem-solving efforts, as these experiences are not only more memorable but can also lead to new research insights. However, I also recognize the importance of being an accessible and dependable resource. My role as a mentor is to be present, ready to provide clarity, direction, and encouragement whenever challenges arise, ensuring that the student feels supported and confident in their journey of exploration and growth. Through this approach, I aim to nurture a learning environment that empowers the student to develop critical thinking skills and intellectual curiosity while knowing they have a reliable mentor to turn to whenever needed.

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Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable? No

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UROP Program Elements

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? No

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Year 2024

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