UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1345

Submission information
Submission Number: 1345
Submission ID: 21321
Submission UUID: 0b338a4d-1a90-471c-883f-9db47a6bee99

Created: Sun, 08/24/2025 - 04:34 PM
Completed: Sun, 08/24/2025 - 05:40 PM
Changed: Fri, 09/05/2025 - 01:52 PM

Remote IP address: 71.209.66.130
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No

Research Mentor Information

Qunfang Wu
She/Her/Hers
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qunfang.wu@fsu.edu
Faculty
Communication and Information
School of Information
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Additional Research Mentor(s)

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Overall Project Details

Enhancing Algorithmic Literacy and Transparency through Interventions for Personalized Recommendation Systems
algorithm literacy, Human-AI Interaction, system design, Responsible AI
Yes
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Open to all majors. However, preference for one position will be those with programming or UX design skills, such as those majoring in Computer Science, Information Science, Data Science, Human-Centered Design, or related fields.
On FSU Main Campus
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In-person
8-10 hours per week
During business hours
This project explores how people perceive and interact with personalized recommendation systems (e.g., TikTok, Instagram) powered by artificial intelligence (AI). We investigate users’ understanding of algorithmic decision-making, identify challenges in making sense of AI-driven recommendations, and examine strategies to improve transparency and accountability in these systems. The research involves designing and evaluating interactive tools and interventions that empower users to make inferences about how recommendation algorithms work. By combining user studies, system audits, and interface prototyping, the project aims to enhance algorithmic literacy and support more informed, equitable, and responsible engagement with AI-powered platforms.
Undergraduate research assistants will have opportunities to contribute to different stages of the project. They are not expected to work on all tasks and may focus on specific areas based on their interests and skills. Potential tasks include:
• Supporting the design and evaluation of interactive interventions (e.g., interfaces, tools) that improve users’ understanding of AI-driven recommendations.
• Collecting and organizing user data through interviews, surveys, and lab experiments.
• Performing qualitative and quantitative data analysis to examine user perceptions and behaviors.
• Contributing to writing research papers intended for publication in top-tier conferences (optional; students may participate if interested).
• Participating in team meetings to discuss findings and brainstorm design ideas.
Required:
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new research methods.
• Basic knowledge of AI, algorithms, or personalized recommendation systems.
Recommended (not required):
• Experience with user studies, usability testing, or qualitative coding.
• Interest in human-computer interaction, algorithmic transparency, or AI ethics.
• Knowledge with system programming or user experience (UX) design.
My mentoring philosophy centers on supporting undergraduate students as they develop their research skills, confidence, and independence. I strive to create an open, respectful, and collaborative environment where students feel encouraged to explore their interests and take ownership of their work.

While students will contribute to the proposed research project, I also encourage them to identify and pursue their own research interests within this broader context. I help mentees connect their personal goals with the project’s objectives. By providing this flexibility, I aim to create meaningful opportunities for students to align the project’s scope with their academic and professional aspirations.

I have learned that it is best to begin with a more hands-on style of supervision, particularly when mentoring undergraduate students. Early in the process, I provide detailed guidance, theoretical frameworks, and methodological tools to help students learn essential research practices such as study design, data collection, analysis, and academic writing. As students gain more experience and confidence, I gradually give them greater autonomy to pursue their ideas and shape their contributions to the project.

I view mentoring as a reciprocal process, where students learn from my expertise while I also learn from their perspectives and creativity. I encourage mentees to set personal goals and reflect on the skills or experiences they want to gain, supporting them in achieving these objectives. I also aim to foster a safe space for learning, where students feel comfortable asking questions, experimenting with new ideas, and even making mistakes as part of their growth.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=8m1Q-voAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
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Roundtable Zoom recordings:
https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/XQfLLKqammfc--zMkgwiRyUckish4QY0K2Le1R2R_YCPS7LWD0E4C17WUhyhRbuN.oFauGdHTgk_xMzWc
https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/UU0CLg6T1aktZnFAh91HiC-MpQtQEphfFpIT88N6NrwqeBiWY8fYddDFfZIuPINx.YF4WHiRj_Tlcn6N2
  • Day: Tuesday, September 2
    Start Time: 2:00
    End Time: 2:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95044424625
  • Day: Tuesday, September 2
    Start Time: 5:00
    End Time: 5:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96692686344
  • Day: Friday, September 5
    Start Time: 1:00
    End Time: 1:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98311301360

UROP Program Elements

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2025
https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?element_parents=elements/research_mentor_information/headshot_optional_&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=rnUR_ptvbaUb-cP-4AW3ySPe236gSQT6OVrVDwZGgk0