UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1042

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Julia Sheffler
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: Dr.
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): julia.sheffler@med.fsu.edu
Position Title: Faculty
FSU College (if applicable): Medicine
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: BSSM, Center for Translational Behavioral Science
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/19806/Sheffler%2C%20Julia_3.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}
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): {Empty}
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable): {Empty}
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Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): {Empty}

Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Lifestyle and Behavioral interventions for Healthy Cognitive Aging
Project Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Mild Cognitive Impairment; diet; sleep; physical activity; Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training; Adherence
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: No
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 2
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Pre-Med, Nutrition/exercise-related majors

Project Location:: Innovation Park, Research Building B
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: Yes
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?: 8-12
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:
There are two clinical trials that may be running over the next year. One focuses on a nutrition and lifestyle adherence program for reducing dementia risk and a new pilot will look at the use of inspiratory muscle strength training as an intervention for dementia risk. Student projects can potentially use work from either of these trials. 

Research Tasks:
developing research question/hypothesis, literature review, completing assessments with participants, data entry/double-checking, phlebotomy (if interested), conducting interviews, administering measures

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Ability to work well on a team; good communication skills; Strong interest in graduate school or medical school

Mentoring Philosophy:
I view mentoring as a dynamic, collaborative relationship grounded in mutual respect, empathy, and a shared commitment to growth. At the heart of my approach is a belief that individuals thrive when they are both supported and challenged. I strive to create an environment where mentees feel heard, valued, and empowered to pursue their goals with confidence. I am deeply committed to understanding each mentee’s unique background, strengths, and aspirations. By fostering open communication and psychological safety, I encourage honest dialogue about obstacles, feedback, and opportunities for development. This understanding allows me to tailor guidance in ways that respect individual experiences while promoting resilience and self-efficacy.

Collaboration is central to my mentoring philosophy. I encourage a spirit of co-learning, where the mentor-mentee relationship is enriched by shared exploration, diverse perspectives, and mutual growth. I also believe in transparency and goal-setting to ensure that expectations are clear, progress is measurable, and accomplishments are celebrated. At the same time, I hold myself and my mentees to high standards of excellence, integrity, and accountability. I believe that true mentorship involves not only encouragement but also the willingness to ask difficult questions, push for rigor, and support mentees in rising to their full potential—even when the path is challenging.

Ultimately, I see mentorship as a long-term investment in people—one that is most successful when built on trust, guided by empathy, and committed to excellence.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: https://ctbs.fsu.edu/programs/integrative-science-healthy-aging-ctbscience
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
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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

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Year: 2025
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=0pJGXmZeO7WSjh6TCnFEEuJZw9zsMNe_Fc9ATALPhT0