UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1057 | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

Submission information

Submission Number: 1057

Submission ID: 19881

Submission UUID: 2e8c1d8c-d042-4d47-bb7f-40be3fe4bf57

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

Submission Update: /urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=XgRyoI1w1kp2Bro72BglFkp1PkpnrO5QMIwGPsxHCKw

Created: Thu, 07/24/2025 - 01:53 PM

Completed: Thu, 07/24/2025 - 02:48 PM

Changed: Thu, 09/25/2025 - 12:37 PM

Remote IP address: 144.174.212.70

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 Cole Patoine

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Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) cjp23a@fsu.edu

Position Title Graduate Student

Faculty Advisor Name Ravinder Nagpal

Faculty Advisor's FSU Email rnagpal@fsu.edu

FSU College (if applicable) Education, Health, and Human Sciences

FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences

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Additional Research Mentor(s)

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Overall Project Details

Title of the Project Gut and Oral Microbiome in Human Health

Project Keywords Nutrition; exercise; health; microbiome; gut; food science; inflammation; dietetics; metabolism; aging; clinical;

Are you currently looking for research assistants? No

Number of Research Assistants Needed 2

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? 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? 5-7

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 Are you interested in how what we eat shapes our gut and oral microbiome, and how that might affect our metabolism, inflammation, mood, or even risk for chronic disease? This research opportunity explores the world of human gut and oral bacteria through the lens of clinical nutrition and diet. Our lab conducts human research on a variety of topics including how specific foods (like tomatoes, fiber, and healthy fats), dietary patterns (like the Mediterranean diet), and health conditions (such as obesity or eating disorders) influence the microbiome. As a UROP student, you may help with ongoing clinical studies or develop a small project of your own interest under guidance. You’ll gain hands-on experience with real human data, dietary assessment, and microbiome-focused research methods, while contributing to work that may impact future nutrition recommendations and health interventions. This project is Ideal for students curious about dietetics, health sciences, medicine, or research.

Research Tasks When studying human microbiome and nutrition research at FSU, UROP students can expect to be involved in a variety of research tasks including but not limited to:
1. Literature review and background research: Conducting literature reviews on diet–microbiome interactions.
2. Data collection and study support: Assisting in human participant visits, helping take dietary intake assessments (24-hour recalls), performing anthropometric measurements (height, weight, hip circumference, body composition), assisting in blood draws, and assisting in stool and saliva collections.
3. Lab based work: Aliquoting and storing biological samples. Assisting in basic microbiome sample preparation and DNA extraction.
4. Data Management and analysis: Entering and cleaning human subject data. Learning basic microbiome data interpretation.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: There are no prerequisite skills required for this lab. Basic knowledge of nutrition or biology is helpful but not essential. We are happy to train and teach any skills required of you. However, we are looking for students who possess some of the following qualities.
1. Willingness to learn and take initiative: UROP is a learning experience, so curiosity and a proactive mindset are critical.
2. Professionalism and confidentiality: Important when working with human subjects and sensitive data.
3. Time management and reliability:
4. Teamwork and adaptability: Collaborating with grad students and other undergrads is a key part of the lab culture

Mentoring Philosophy As a mentor, I prioritize two values that have deeply shaped my own journey as a student and researcher: showing up and asking questions. I firmly believe that consistency and curiosity are the foundation of growth, especially in research. Mistakes are not only expected but encouraged in the lab, as long as students continue to engage, show initiative, and demonstrate a willingness to learn. I don’t expect perfection, but I do expect presence and persistence. I also strive to create an environment where questions are welcomed and never judged. Asking questions is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of engagement. Whether a student is unsure how to pipette, interpret a paper, or understand a concept, I want them to feel supported and empowered to ask. I work to build relationships with mentees based on mutual respect and open communication. I take time to understand each student’s background, goals, and interests, and then tailor support to help them build on their strengths. I encourage ownership and accountability, involving students in meaningful tasks and giving them room to explore new ideas, make decisions, and reflect on outcomes. Through open communication, mutual respect, and collaborative problem-solving, I hope to help students gain confidence in both their technical skills and critical thinking. Ultimately, I aim to support each mentee’s individual goals while building a strong foundation for a future in science, medicine, or any field where persistence and curiosity matter.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable): https://thegutbiomelab.annescollege.fsu.edu/

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Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable? Yes

Roundtable times and Zoom links Tuesday, September 2nd at 5:00pm (zoom link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96545340981)

Wednesday, September 3rd at 5:00pm (zoom link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93113861670)

Roundtable Info

Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 5:00
End Time: 5:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96545340981
Day: Wednesday, September 3
Start Time: 5:00
End Time: 5:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93113861670

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 2025

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