UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1229

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Georgia Clement
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: She/her
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Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): gc23h@fsu.edu
Position Title: Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name: Jeffery Keesecker
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email: jkeesecker@fsu.edu
FSU College (if applicable): Music
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: College of Music
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/20741/headshot.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: An Experiment Determining the Impacts of a Bassoon Reed’s Shape
Project Keywords: Bassoon, Reed, Shape, Music, Cane, Performance
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Music Performance Major with a focus on bassoon. I have a student in mind who is interested in this project.

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?: 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:
In addition to being a classical musician, a professional bassoonist is a carpenter. Unique to our instrument, we are responsible for making the reed that we play on. The process begins as a tube of bamboo, and the finished reed changes drastically between bassoonists. 
While there are many independent variables when making a reed, there are just as many dependent variables. This has created confusion and subjective reed making processes for bassoonists. In order to create stability and objectivity, each independent variable must be explored to determine the effects on the reed’s performance. In this experiment, the reed’s shape will be analyzed; the other independent variables will be kept constant: including the cane type, soaking duration, gouge, profile, forming process, and wire placement. With approximately 6 different shapes, we will aim to create working reeds. The function and sound quality will be determined with a recorded playing test. Once passing the test, we will measure the reed with a micrometer and ruler to determine the differences in the scrape and length, respectively. These reeds will be played on a Fox 240 bassoon, as well as a 9000 series Heckel bassoon.
Prior to starting the experiment, we will create a data research guide on successful reed making styles with varying shapes. Integrating external data will help guide our experiment by identifying different predictable patterns in reed making. The guide will also contain a terminology bank to help define specific qualities of the reed.
Our end goal is to objectively identify how the reed’s shape affects the scrape, length, and overall sound quality of the reed.


Research Tasks:
Data Collection: researching different reed making processes
Experiment: making lots of reeds:
- creating the GSP cane
- forming the reed
- scraping the reed
-breaking the reed in
- testing the reed
- measuring the reed
- describing the reed's qualities
Data Analysis

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Bassoonist proficient in reed making (required)

Mentoring Philosophy:
 While my academic career has been non-traditional, I have had the opportunity to study with exceptional mentors. Seeing me as a whole individual, they intentionally cultivated an empowering environment that stimulated a growth mindset. 
 Changing roles from proficient mentee to novice mentor, I hope to replicate this setting for the prospective mentee. Outside of my previous mentors, inspiration for my mentor philosophy mostly derives from the Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. In his pursuit of the truth, Socrates fostered intellectual curiosity, encouraging his mentees to actively question their own beliefs. This rendered abstract ideas and pushed both Socrates’ and his mentees past their comfort zone. In addition, I aim to foster a safe environment where the mentee is considered a whole person, beyond just their academic career; their identity, background, interests, goals, and strengths will be prioritized. In order to stimulate growth, I plan to encourage the mentee to be an active participant in their own learning while we limit the assumptions of our own beliefs.


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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
Faculty Advisor Confirmation: Yes

Are you interested in attending in a UROP Research Mentor Workshop Series?: Yes
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Year: 2025
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