UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1031

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Ilya Litvak
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
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Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): litvak@magnet.fsu.edu
Position Title: Faculty
FSU College (if applicable): N/A
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Magnet Lab
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/19751/NeighborhoodCampFair_March_01_2025.png

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above): {Empty}
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): {Empty}
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable): Malathy Elumalai
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): melumalai@magnet.fsu.edu

Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Neighborhood STEM Fair Project - connecting low-income community with free STEM enrichment programs
Project Keywords: Education, Community Outreach, STEM education, Stem Education for All, Summer Camps
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 2
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Open to all majors. The following majors are especially encouraged to apply:
FSU Teach, FSU-Teach, Secondary Science or Mathematics Teaching,
Biochemistry, Biological Science, Biomathematics, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, Chemical Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering,
Environmental Science, Geology, Meteorology, Physical Science, Physics,
Medical Sciences, Nursing, Public Health, Social Work

Project Location:: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr.
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: Dogwood, Live Oak; Innovation
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?: 8
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:
Neigborhood Camp Fair project aims to connect K-12 population from low-income areas of Tallahassee with free STEM education opportunities. Launched in 2018, the project has seen
over 450 K-12 students attend our annual community events where public can find free or subsidized summer camp programs. 60-70% of attendees come from local Title I schools.
The intern will join our small team which organizes Neighborhood Camp Fair events.

This project is operated in collaboration with the Tallahassee Scientific Society.

Research Tasks:
1. Propose, implement, and evaluate strategies to engage with target community
2. Publicize the project and its benefits to local residents through social media, flyers, direct engagement, and other means
3. Publicize the project and its benefits to STEM program providers
4. Study the impact of the camp fairs on STEM awareness among K-12 students

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Required:
1. Organizational skills
2. Presentation skills
3. Written and oral communication skills including writing articles, emails, making phone calls, etc.
It may significantly benefit the project if the applicant had exposure to challenges faced by target communities through their work- or volunteer-related, or personal experience.

Mentoring Philosophy:
The Neighborhood Camp Fair project predominantly operates on volunteer power and intuition. Each participant is part of the team and contributes their best effort and best judgement.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: https://tallysci.wptallahassee.com/2025-share-your-story-video-grant-challenge/
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:
Friday September 5, 11 AM
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96256993844

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: 2025
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