serial: '341'
sid: '7951'
uuid: 575be44d-a525-453d-b166-6f8bdb148971
uri: /urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal
created: '1687524771'
completed: '1687524771'
changed: '1696516279'
in_draft: '0'
current_page: ''
remote_addr: 144.174.212.113
uid: '0'
langcode: en
webform_id: urop_project_proposal_portal
entity_type: node
entity_id: '1116'
locked: '0'
sticky: '0'
notes: ''
data:
  approximately_how_many_hours_a_week_would_the_research_assistant: 8-10
  are_you_currently_looking_for_students_: 'No'
  confirmation_1: '1'
  contact_email_fsu_email: ghw22@fsu.edu
  contact_email_fsu_email2: dd22bj@fsu.edu
  contact_email_fsu_email_if_affiliated_: tstewartmerrill@fsu.edu
  fsu_college: 'Arts and Sciences'
  fsu_department_if_applicable_: 'FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory'
  headshot_optional_: ''
  if_the_project_location_is_off_campus_does_the_student_need_to_p: 'Yes'
  mentoring_philosophy: |
    We believe the mentor-mentee relationship should be one of collaboration and we value fostering an environment where students can develop their identities as scientists. Scientifically, we will provide training in experimental design, oyster husbandry, and critical thinking necessary for data analysis/interpretation. We understand that the UROP program can be challenging, and we will work with students to develop project and time management skills to meet realistic goals.  We believe the most important aspect of collaboration is active and honest communication. Therefore, we ask that our students communicate with us throughout the project to ensure a positive work- life balance and allow us to best support them in their scientific journey.
  mentor_handbook_and_faqs: '1'
  name_of_other_faculty_collaborator_if_applicable_: 'David DuBose'
  number_of_assistants_needed_faculty_postdoc_max_6_graduate_stude: '1'
  other_faculty_collaborator_s_preferred_pronouns: he/him
  overall_research_project_description: 'The Stewart Merrill laboratory focuses on understanding the causes and consequences of parasitism and infectious disease in aquatic ecosystems. By looking at the impacts of disease on existing oyster populations in Apalachicola Bay, we aim to inform future restoration and management efforts following the 2012 ecosystem collapse. Current efforts in the Stewart Merrill lab involve rigorous disease monitoring and laboratory experiments to understand interactions between oyster hosts, parasites, and the environment. Our current methodology to monitor oyster disease involves lethal sampling, limiting our ability to assess changes in infection over time (i.e. disease recovery or progression). This UROP project will focus on testing and optimizing a non-lethal sampling method to extract oyster hemolymph and perform disease assays. Students will work with graduate students and laboratory technicians to design and execute a pilot study. This project will involve field work, microscope work, and oyster husbandry.  Additionally, there will be opportunities to assist in various projects at the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory and in Apalachicola Bay.'
  please_add_any_additional_information_here: 'FSU CML Website: https://marinelab.fsu.edu/'
  please_provide_a_link_to_your_publications_a_video_clip_or_a_web: 'https://tarastewartecology.weebly.com/'
  please_select_the_choice_that_most_accurately_describes_your_exp: In-person
  please_select_the_location_of_your_project_: '3618 US-98, St Teresa, FL 32358'
  position_availability_for_student_research: 'During Business Hours'
  position_title: Faculty
  primary_research_mentor_name: 'Tara Stewart Merrill'
  project_keywords: 'Biology, Oysters, Disease, Aquaculture, Marine'
  relevant_student_major_s_: 'Biology/Biological Sciences, Oceanography, Environmental Science, Natural Resources/Conservation'
  research_mentor_preferred_pronoun2: She/they
  research_mentor_pronouns: she/her
  research_mentor_supervisor_if_different_from_above_: 'Grace Westphal'
  research_tasks_for_student_research_assistant_s_: |
    a.	Field Sampling: Kayaking to oyster reefs and obtaining experimental oysters
    b.	Oyster Husbandry: Feeding oysters, maintaining water quality, general aquarium maintenance
    c.	Lab Bench Skills: Using a centrifuge, pipettes, balances, and shucking oysters
    d.	Microscope work: Quantifying disease using a compound scope
    e.	Data Entry / Analysis: Use excel to input data, opportunity to analyze data in RStudio (prior knowledge NOT expected)  
  roundtable_times_and_zoom_links: ''
  skills_that_research_assistants_may_need_: |
    a.	Available at least one day per week to meet with mentor for check-ins and training assistance. *Required*
    b.	Available to work at FSU Coastal and Marine Lab 1 – 2 days per week (there is a 1 hour commute from Tallahassee) *Required*
    c.	Proficiency in the basics of MS Excel and MS Word *Required*
    d.	Open to physical tasks like kayaking and dissection of oysters *Required*
    e.	Foundational knowledge of experimental design *Recommended*
    f.	Foundational knowledge of statistical analysis *Recommended* 
  title_of_the_project: 'Utilizing a non-lethal sampling method for detecting oyster parasites'
  update_url: 'https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=2DsVcRMlUB14RGt08LLRxwNCQ75Bs58DcGUROd5x31k'
  urop_performance_evaluation: '1'
  urop_poster_presentation: '1'
  when_potential_research_assistants_are_reaching_out_via_email_2: ''
  when_potential_research_assistants_are_reaching_out_via_email_wh: ''
  when_students_are_reaching_out_via_email_what_is_your_preferreda: Dr.
  would_you_like_to_participate_in_the_urop_research_mentor_roundt: ''
  year: '2023'