UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1272

Submission information
Submission Number: 1272
Submission ID: 20956
Submission UUID: 5a546b04-c506-49bc-8fa7-ffcfee833f71

Created: Mon, 08/18/2025 - 06:44 PM
Completed: Mon, 08/18/2025 - 06:44 PM
Changed: Mon, 08/25/2025 - 11:51 AM

Remote IP address: 174.227.244.198
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Primary Research Mentor Name Daniel Betancourt
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) db03d@fsu.edu
Position Title Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name Dr. Robert J. Tomko Jr.
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email robert.tomko@med.fsu.edu
FSU College (if applicable) Medicine
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation Biomedical Sciences
Headshot (optional)
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above)
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated)
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 Unraveling the Temporal and Spatial Regulation of Proteasome Biogenesis
Project Keywords multi-subunit complex assembly, molecular kinetics, fluorescence microscopy
Are you currently looking for research assistants? Maybe one more
Number of Research Assistants Needed 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s) Biochemistry, bioengineering, biology,
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?
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? 10
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 The 26S proteasome is an unusually large ATP-dependent self-compartmentalized protease responsible for most intracellular protein degradation in eukaryotes. As the terminal component of the ubiquitin proteasome system, it plays a pivotal role in regulating essential cellular processes, including cell cycle progression and gene expression. Formation of proteasomes requires the precise interactions of ~66 individual proteins that must rapidly assemble in the dense cellular milieu. Efforts to understand the assembly process have thus been inferred from static snapshots of presumed assembly intermediates, leading to the proposal of conflicting assembly pathways and uncertainty regarding the timing and kinetics of the process. To address this, we have adapted a non-radioactive pulse-chase system to dynamically track subunit incorporation and the localization of assembly events in living cells. The trainee work directly with the graduate research assistant to generate a comprehensive kinetic model of proteasome biogenesis, and help to elucidate WHERE in the cell these assembly steps occur. This innovative integrated and quantitative approach will provide new insights into assembly of multi-subunit complexes in general, and will inform efforts to prevent or reverse proteasome insufficiency in human diseases. Importantly, this knowledge can be impactful to a host of human diseases associated with dysregulated homeostasis, including cancer, musculoskeletal diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Research Tasks The student will be required to assist in various tasks in the laboratory and virtually. In the lab, the student will be assisting with steps in preparation and of analytical gels (SDS PAGE), sample preparation, assist with yeast cultures, mount samples to microscope slides and stain for immunofluorescence microscopy, fluorescence microscopy analysis, image processing for localization analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Attention to detail, ability to follow directions and repeat tasks from protocols or self-prepared notes, ability to adapt to shifting priorities
Mentoring Philosophy My mentoring philosophy is to pay forward the guidance and knowledge I received, creating a supportive environment for trainees to grow. A strong mentoring relationship, in my view, is built on trust, support, and a gradual transition toward independence.
I begin by being directly involved, providing answers to establish a sense of psychological safety. As a trainee’s confidence grows, I shift to asking more questions, encouraging them to think critically. My goal is to empower them to become independent thinkers and practitioners. Through this process, I hope to instill a genuine excitement for scientific research, balanced with a respectful skepticism toward existing work. I provide practical knowledge, from technical skills to professional conduct, and teach them how to ask effective questions.
Beyond specific tasks, I aim to build my trainees' confidence and equip them with essential skills like critical thinking and problem-solving that will serve them throughout their careers. By creating a trusting relationship, discussions can naturally extend to career development and personal growth.
Ultimately, my goal is to help mentees not only succeed in the present but also to develop the mindset and skills they need for a successful and fulfilling future.
Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):
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? No
Year 2025
update url https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=rjMe8e7foT3y00L3tvE6CKV1i2SxhFEt6rH8zLzTuJU