UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1255
Submission information
Submission Number: 1255
Submission ID: 20871
Submission UUID: cca99b47-7767-4a7f-a27c-46fd9833996b
Submission URI: /urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal
Submission Update: /urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=hRnymIMzNjsCuVrJVPhXJCaULSVDmZvK-q4kG8XtDdY
Created: Mon, 08/18/2025 - 03:51 PM
Completed: Mon, 08/18/2025 - 03:51 PM
Changed: Thu, 09/18/2025 - 01:51 PM
Remote IP address: 155.133.4.9
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Webform: UROP Project Proposal Portal
Submitted to: UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal
Research Mentor Information
Adam Goodman
He/Him
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Graduate Student
Andrew Rassweiler
Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences
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Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Overall Project Details
3D Modeling coral reef structures
Coral reef, ecology, marine, algae, 3D model
No
2
Ecology, biology with ecology focus
On FSU Main Campus
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In-person
8
Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Coral reefs provide numerous benefits to local communities, including provision of food through reef fisheries, tourism revenue, and storm protection. Coral and macroalgae compete for space on the reef, and there has been a documented shift from reefs dominated by corals to those dominated by algae. Reefs dominated by algae might support different fish communities, and many of the services provided by corals could be lost.
Our lab has been studying the transition of reefs from coral to algae, with a long term project monitoring reef communities in Moorea, French Polynesia. My work is focused on understanding how the types of macroalgae seen on the reef are changing around the lagoon of Moorea. In July 2025 we surveyed reef structures called “bommies” in the lagoon of Moorea. Using a GoPro, we took a few thousand photos of each bommie. The main goal is to create detailed 3 dimensional models of each bommie using Agisoft metashape in order to study how benthic community and especially macroalgae communities differ across a variety of microhabitats. Understanding how reef structure influences benthic communities can inform management and conservation.
Our lab has been studying the transition of reefs from coral to algae, with a long term project monitoring reef communities in Moorea, French Polynesia. My work is focused on understanding how the types of macroalgae seen on the reef are changing around the lagoon of Moorea. In July 2025 we surveyed reef structures called “bommies” in the lagoon of Moorea. Using a GoPro, we took a few thousand photos of each bommie. The main goal is to create detailed 3 dimensional models of each bommie using Agisoft metashape in order to study how benthic community and especially macroalgae communities differ across a variety of microhabitats. Understanding how reef structure influences benthic communities can inform management and conservation.
Student research assistants will be primarily tasked with assisting the team in data collection by building 3 dimensional models using Agisoft Metashape. The end goal is to match benthic cover (coral genera, algae genera, etc) with microhabitats and structures on the reef to have a data set that will be analyzed to study the relationship between community composition and structure. This is a new project, so students will have the opportunity to help in developing methods. Students will be overseen and trained by the mentor on using Agisoft Metashape, and will work closely with other undergraduate students that will be working on the same or similar projects.
All training in software used will be provided. This work will need to be conducted in person on lab computers, and weekly in-person meetings are prioritized so that the team can remain connected and collaborative.
All training in software used will be provided. This work will need to be conducted in person on lab computers, and weekly in-person meetings are prioritized so that the team can remain connected and collaborative.
No prior experience is expected. All training will be provided by the lab and we will work closely to build confidence and competence in these skills.
An interest in coral reef ecology and/or conservation is preferred.
An interest in coral reef ecology and/or conservation is preferred.
My mentoring philosophy is centered around identifying my mentee’s goals and promoting confidence and independence. I meet with each student to learn what they hope to get out of each experience, the skills they hope to develop, and their strengths and weaknesses. I then try to tailor the experience to best fit these goals. I also value developing my mentee’s confidence in their scientific abilities through fostering independence and ownership over the work. I hope students leave the program having felt challenged but supported. To achieve these goals, I work to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and problem-solving without fear of judgment.
http://rassweiler-lab.com/
We emphasize collaboration and community within our lab. We expect that student research assistants will work together and that we will meet regularly as a team to address questions, issues, concerns as well as to read papers, think critically, and learn from each other.
Yes
Tuesday Sep 2 , 12-12:30 , https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91474700626
Wednesday Sep 3, 13-13:30, https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91086773702
Wednesday Sep 3, 13-13:30, https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91086773702
- Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91474700626 - Day: Wednesday, September 3
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 1:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91086773702
UROP Program Elements
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
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2025
https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=hRnymIMzNjsCuVrJVPhXJCaULSVDmZvK-q4kG8XtDdY