UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1241 | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

Submission information

Submission Number: 1241

Submission ID: 20801

Submission UUID: e520908f-5eb3-411e-941b-f3196ee8ff12

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

Submission Update: /urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=8nZFCF2-CRnvdEQd64BFiA7jQVqNwdvxuk-1lM4LYaw

Created: Mon, 08/18/2025 - 01:07 PM

Completed: Mon, 08/18/2025 - 02:09 PM

Changed: Tue, 09/02/2025 - 01:56 PM

Remote IP address: 144.174.214.39

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 Maria Paula McIntyre Nwenyi

Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns {Empty}

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

Position Title FSU Staff/Campus Partner

FSU College (if applicable) N/A

FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation Center for Leadership & Service

Headshot (optional) MPMN Prof Photo.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)

Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above) {Empty}

Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns {Empty}

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Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) {Empty}

Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable) Joi N. Phillips, Ph.D.

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Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific? Dr.

Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) jnphillips@admin.fsu.edu

Overall Project Details

Title of the Project Unseen Hurdles: Exploring Barriers to Student Efficacy Development

Project Keywords Student efficacy, higher education, community-based learning, leadership development, institutional barriers, student voice, relationship building

Are you currently looking for research assistants? Yes

Number of Research Assistants Needed 1

Relevant Research Assistant Major(s) • Higher Education and Student Affairs
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Education Policy and Evaluation
• Public Administration
• Social Work
• Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
• Communication
• Political Science

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): Partially Remote

Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work? An average of 8 hours per week

Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work? During business hours

Overall Research Project Description Student efficacy—the belief in one's ability to influence events and outcomes in personal, academic, and civic life—is a critical factor in effective student leadership and long-term civic engagement. At institutions like Florida State University, student development initiatives often aim to build efficacy through leadership programs, community-based learning, and self-reflection. However, many students face invisible or unacknowledged barriers that inhibit their sense of efficacy.
This research project seeks to explore and analyze the personal, structural, and additional social barriers that impede student efficacy development at FSU. It will employ a mixed-methods design, combining survey research, focus groups, and institutional data analysis. By investigating these barriers—ranging from federal funding to gaps in mentorship, institutional policies, or student program design—this project will inform more comprehensive and effective leadership development frameworks.
The ultimate goal is to produce a set of actionable recommendations for FSU’s Division of Student Affairs and related departments to reduce barriers and foster greater student efficacy for all students.

Research Tasks Research Assistants (RAs) will have the opportunity to contribute to all phases of the research process, including:
1. Literature Review
o Conduct reviews of scholarly literature on student efficacy, leadership development, and the history of higher education.
o Synthesize findings into thematic briefs.
2. Instrument Design and IRB Preparation
o Assist in designing interview protocols, focus group guides, and survey instruments.
o Help prepare IRB submission materials.
3. Data Collection
o Co-facilitate focus groups with students from various FSU communities (e.g., student organizations, residence halls, social groups).
o Distribute and monitor student surveys.
4. Data Analysis
o Transcribe and code qualitative data using tools such as NVivo.
o Conduct basic quantitative analysis using SPSS or Excel.
5. Dissemination
o Prepare a poster presentation and other small reports as needed.
o Co-author content for university-wide presentations.
6. Stakeholder Engagement
o Engage with campus partners, student leaders, and staff through interviews and collaborative sessions.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: The following skills are recommended, but none are strictly required—training and mentorship will be provided:
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Interest in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
• Cultural humility and an openness to learning from diverse perspectives
• Familiarity with FSU’s student life and engagement structures
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Mentoring Philosophy My mentoring philosophy is grounded in critical pedagogy, relational leadership, and mutual learning. I believe research is both a method of inquiry and a method of empowerment. As such, I see my role not only as a guide through academic and technical processes, but as a co-learner who creates space for the personal and professional growth of each research assistant.
I aim to foster a mentoring environment that:
• Encourages curiosity and critical thinking
• Validates each student’s lived experience as a source of knowledge
• Challenges power structures within formalized relationships
• Provides practical skills for future academic, civic, and career pursuits
• Prioritizes wellness, balance, and the holistic development of students
I will hold regular one-on-one check-ins, provide clear feedback, and offer opportunities for leadership and co-authorship. My ultimate goal is to prepare students to not only participate in research but to shape it—and, by extension, shape the institutions and communities they care about.

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

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

Roundtable times and Zoom links Tuesday, September 2, from 1:00pm-1:30pm
Recording: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/IXPyl4V892CwNgCQmMwy2Xd3SY07V_59WIxmoNK3P1lxwLynY4smCKp60phdKK5N.s8lSjuZbM7V5hWjJ?startTime=1756832518000

Roundtable Info

Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 1:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/IXPyl4V892CwNgCQmMwy2Xd3SY07V_59WIxmoNK3P1lxwLynY4smCKp60phdKK5N.s8lSjuZbM7V5hWjJ?startTime=1756832518000

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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