UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1389 | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

Submission information

Submission Number: 1389

Submission ID: 22361

Submission UUID: bb3b0be2-d8ad-497f-9e77-ea6073d1759f

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

Created: Thu, 05/21/2026 - 03:37 AM

Completed: Thu, 05/21/2026 - 03:51 AM

Changed: Thu, 05/21/2026 - 03:51 AM

Remote IP address: 2601:4c3:200:3da0:25c7:ee9:c7d5:784b

Submitted by: Anonymous

Language: English

Is draft: No

Submitted to: UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal

Research Mentor Information

Primary Research Mentor Name Siyu Zhang

Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns she/her

When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific? Siyu

Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) sz23h@fsu.edu

Position Title Graduate Student

Are you and FSU employee? No

Faculty Advisor Name Jeff broome

Faculty Advisor's FSU Email jbroome@fsu.edu

FSU College (if applicable) Fine Arts

FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation art education

Headshot (optional) siyu z.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)

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

Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns {Empty}

Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific? {Empty}

Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) {Empty}

Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable) {Empty}

Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns {Empty}

Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific? {Empty}

Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) {Empty}

Overall Project Details

Title of the Project Material Culture, Identity, and Belonging: Exploring Everyday Objects Through Art

Project Keywords everyday objects, artmaking, belonging, art based research

Are you currently looking for research assistants? Yes

Number of Research Assistants Needed 2

Relevant Research Assistant Major(s) Open to all majors

Project Location: On FSU Main Campus

If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation? No, the project is remote

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? 5-8hours

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 This project explores how everyday objects can carry meanings related to identity, culture, and belonging. Students will engage in object-based artmaking, using materials from their daily lives to create artworks that reflect their lived experiences.
Through a combination of creative practice and guided reflection, students will investigate how ordinary materials can tell stories about personal identity, cultural background, and social context. The project emphasizes process-based learning, encouraging experimentation, exploration, and meaning-making rather than technical skill.
Students will meet with the mentor every two weeks for conversations that support idea development, reflection, and connection between personal experience and broader themes. Also, the mentor will work with students on art making (no advanced artistic skills are required; creative activities will be accessible and approachable for individuals with all levels of experience).By the end of the project, students will produce a small body of artwork and a research poster for presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Research Tasks Collect and select everyday objects for artistic exploration
Create artworks using object-based and mixed media approaches (e.g., collage, assemblage, installation, drawing etc.)
Maintain a visual and written reflection journal
Participate in biweekly discussions and feedback sessions
Document artistic process and analyze emerging themes
Prepare a poster presentation for the Undergraduate Research Symposium

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
Interest in art, creativity, or personal expression
Willingness to participate in discussions and reflection
Recommended:
Basic familiarity with artmaking (any level is welcome)
Openness to exploring identity, culture, and personal experiences
Comfort with experimenting and trying new ideas

Mentoring Philosophy My mentoring approach is rooted in creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable exploring ideas, taking creative risks, and learning through both success and challenge. I value each student's unique background and encourage them to draw from their own lived experiences as meaningful sources of knowledge and inquiry.
In this project, I emphasize process over perfection, guiding students to develop their ideas through exploration, reflection, and dialogue. I meet regularly with students to provide feedback, ask questions, and support their growth, while also encouraging them to take ownership of their creative and research work.
I aim to build a relationship based on mutual respect, open communication, and trust. Students are encouraged to share their thoughts, experiment with materials, and connect personal experiences with broader social and cultural themes. Through this process, they not only develop creative skills but also gain confidence in their ability to think critically and express themselves.
Ultimately, my goal is to support students in discovering their own voice and understanding how creative practices can be used as a form of inquiry and reflection.

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

Please add any additional information here (if applicable): No prior art experience is required. Students from all majors are welcome. This project is especially suitable for students interested in creativity, identity, storytelling, or exploring personal experiences through hands-on practice.

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

Roundtable times and Zoom links {Empty}

UROP Program Elements

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 2026