UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1151

Submission information
Submission Number: 1151
Submission ID: 20351
Submission UUID: 4d81488b-6430-433a-9f8c-2202cff5340c

Created: Thu, 08/14/2025 - 08:05 PM
Completed: Thu, 08/14/2025 - 08:05 PM
Changed: Mon, 08/25/2025 - 01:24 PM

Remote IP address: 76.101.105.36
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Primary Research Mentor Name Santiago Reyes
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) sr20n@fsu.edu
Position Title Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name Sindy Chapa
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email schapa@fsu.edu
FSU College (if applicable) Communication and Information
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation Florida State University
Headshot (optional)
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above) Alessandra Noli Peschiera
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) anolipeschiera@fsu.edu
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable)
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated)
Title of the Project Defining Cultural Credibility: Consumer Perceptions of Authenticity in Brand Campaigns
Project Keywords Cultural identity, Branding, Advertising, Marketing
Are you currently looking for research assistants? Yes
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
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 In an era where brands seek cultural alignment to build trust and relevance, cultural authenticity and “credibility” has become a key component of successful branding strategies. However, while brands often borrow from multicultural aesthetics, consumers are increasingly critical of inauthentic or performative representation. The study investigates the cues that signal authenticity such as storytelling, representation, and collaboration, and how audiences distinguish between cultural appreciation and appropriation. Drawing on theories of social identity, symbolic convergence, and reception, the project aims to uncover what makes a person or campaign feel genuinely representative, and how cultural icons are constructed and validated in the eyes of the consumer.
Research Tasks Literature review, data analysis, conducting focus groups
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: familiarity with field of study, qualitative data analysis
Required: Written communication, Attention to detail
Mentoring Philosophy I believe in building a respectful, trusting relationship where mentees feel safe to learn, ask questions, and make mistakes. My approach focuses on understanding each person’s goals and strengths, encouraging ownership of their work, and providing guidance through shared experiences. I aim to inspire growth by offering both support and challenges, fostering the skills and confidence needed for long-term success.
Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable): https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=M5TkGkUAAAAJ&hl=en
Please add any additional information here (if applicable):
Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable? No
Roundtable times and Zoom links
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
Year 2025