UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1223 | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

Submission information

Submission Number: 1223

Submission ID: 20711

Submission UUID: 72df93e0-fa45-432e-8ab6-a8a471430cd0

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

Submission Update: /urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=4VEg2HKGiB5xNYO_5xC48VXMuDohMGGZBScfrLcxeGk

Created: Mon, 08/18/2025 - 11:36 AM

Completed: Mon, 08/18/2025 - 11:38 AM

Changed: Fri, 09/12/2025 - 12:09 PM

Remote IP address: 67.253.115.206

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 Kofi Sorkpor

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) ssorkpor@fsu.edu

Position Title Faculty

FSU College (if applicable) Nursing

FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation Setor K Sorkpor, Assistant Professor at Florida State University

Headshot (optional) {Empty}

Additional Research Mentor(s)

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) Yijiong Yang

Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns {Empty}

Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific? Dr

Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) yy22f@fsu.edu

Overall Project Details

Title of the Project Impact of Prescription Opioid Use on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Self-Rated Health in Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

Project Keywords Opioid, Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Depression, Anxiety, Self-rated health

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: remote via Zoom

If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation? No, the project is remote

Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s): Fully Remote

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 This study aims to investigate the impact of prescription opioid use on neuropsychiatric symptoms and self-rated health among older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Opioid use is common in older adults due to chronic pain management; however, its effects on behavioral symptoms, mood, cognition, and perceived health outcomes in vulnerable ADRD populations remain underexplored. By leveraging cohort data from the All of Us Research Program, this project seeks to provide evidence on whether opioid exposure contributes to worsened neuropsychiatric outcomes and declines in self-rated health. Findings will help build the foundation for future studies and may eventually inform clinical considerations for safe pain management in vulnerable populations.

Research Tasks • Conduct literature reviews on opioid use, ADRD, and neuropsychiatric outcomes
• Perform statistical analyses under supervision (e.g., regression, survival analysis)
• Assist with data visualization and interpretation of findings
• Write research abstracts and prepare presentations
• Develop research poster and present findings at student or academic conferences

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Interest in health research and a willingness to learn new skills; basic computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); attention to detail; reliability in meeting deadlines
Recommended: Curiosity about public health, nursing, psychology, biology, or aging; comfort working with numbers; good writing and communication skills; openness to learning simple data analysis and research software (training will be provided)

Mentoring Philosophy My mentoring approach emphasizes collaboration, curiosity, and professional growth. I view research assistants as active contributors to the project and encourage them to ask questions, think critically, and explore aspects of the study that align with their interests. I provide structured guidance, regular feedback, and opportunities for skill-building while fostering independence and confidence. My goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where mentees feel valued and prepared for future academic or professional opportunities.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable): {Empty}

Please add any additional information here (if applicable): {Empty}

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

Roundtable times and Zoom links {Empty}

Roundtable Info

Day: Wednesday, September 3
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99458512603
Day: Thursday, September 4
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 1:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97627027627

UROP Program Elements

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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