UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #421

Submission information
Submission Number: 421
Submission ID: 8376
Submission UUID: f8c88334-3f81-48ce-89cc-9307c839ffe1

Created: Fri, 08/11/2023 - 03:05 PM
Completed: Fri, 08/11/2023 - 03:05 PM
Changed: Mon, 09/25/2023 - 12:10 PM

Remote IP address: 144.174.212.19
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Primary Research Mentor Name Nolan Blackford
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns He, Him
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific? Mr.
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) ndb13b@fsu.edu
Position Title Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email
FSU College (if applicable) Arts and Sciences
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation Chemistry and Biochemistry
Headshot (optional)
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above) Robert Silvers
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns He, Him
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific? Dr.
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) rsilvers@fsu.edu
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 The Structural Characterization of Lupus Antigen-Related Proteins with Solution-State NMR
Project Keywords Biochemistry, Laboratory, Chemistry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Structural Biology
Are you currently looking for research assistants? No
Number of Research Assistants Needed 2
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s) Chemistry, Biology or Biochemistry
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? ~8
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 Our research is focused on the characterization of RNA binding proteins by utilizing a variety of biochemical techniques with emphasis on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). With this project specifically, we aim to elucidate the structure and function of a series of RNA bind proteins known as the Lupus Antigen-Related proteins or LARPs. Students assisting with this project will be exposed to a multitude of biochemical techniques involved in the purification and characterization of recombinant proteins including but not limited to: bacterial transformation and expression, liquid chromatography (HPLC and FPLC), gel electrophoresis, and NMR.
Research Tasks Working with pipettes and laboratory glassware, Using machines such as centrifuges, shakers and incubators, Handling both liquid and solid chemicals. some data processing using Microsoft Excel and/or specialized software, working with and growing bacteria, learning to use specialized instruments.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Ability to calculate concentrations and pH of buffer solutions. Recommended: Basic experience with laboratory glassware (undergraduate chemistry lab courses are sufficient)
Mentoring Philosophy As a mentor, my goal is to promote creativity and problem solving skills while sharing a passion for the subject matter. Providing challenges in a supportive environment can help boost confidence as well as teach students what they are really capable of. I want students to feel welcome and comfortable, without the work becoming too mundane or stagnant. As a result, I aim to continuously provide new challenges and opportunities to learn, but at a smooth and steady pace to prevent the work from becoming too daunting or stressful. This, I feel, is the best environment for personal growth. Entering academia in the hard sciences, in my experience, can be extremally intimidating as there are so many incredibly knowledgeable and skilled people. My goal is to clear the path between undergraduate and graduate study and give mentees the skills to make the transition smoothly and with confidence.
Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable): https://silverslab.org/research
Please add any additional information here (if applicable):
Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation Yes
Materials Grant Yes
UROP Poster Presentation Yes
Faculty Advisor Confirmation
Are you interested in attending in a UROP Research Mentor Workshop Series? No
Year 2023
update url https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=XyiR5N4bKzjFzNC0G2wEvuQ5buhKYVn-OJaAWqI2qdI