Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: (Hannah) Noel Robinson
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: Ms. 
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): HNR22@fsu.edu
Position Title: Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name: {Empty}
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email: {Empty}
FSU College (if applicable): Arts and Sciences
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Biology (Ecology and Evolution)
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/8571/Headshot.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above): Dr. Joel Trexler
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?: Dr. 
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): jtrexler@fsu.edu
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
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Title of the Project: Exploring the Indirect Effects of Burn Management on Emergent Aquatic Insect Quantity and Quality 
Project Keywords: wetland, biological monitoring, aquatic macroinvertebrates
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 2
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Open to all majors, with a preference for people interested in field biology. 

Project Location:: 3618 US-98, St Teresa, FL 32358
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: Yes
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?: 5-10
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:
I aim to document the impacts of burn management on terrestrial consumers in marshes, such as insectivorous marsh birds, through assessment of their aquatic and emergent prey. I will do this by evaluating burn management effects on the prey community composition and their quality as food assessed by fatty acid and methylmercury (MeHg) analysis. Samples will be collected from wetlands across a salinity gradient. If biologically relevant differences are found between burn and non-burn plots in this descriptive study, it could indicate that burn management has indirect impacts across the ecotonal food web, either positive through enhancing availability of high-quality prey or negative by increasing risk from MeHg contamination. 

Research Tasks:
Field collection of aquatic macroinvertebrates, emergent insects, floc, periphyton, and adult Odonata from local wetlands. This will require a combination of biogeochemical techniques and biological monitoring techniques. Preliminary sample collection will start late Summer 2023 and resolve sometime mid-Fall 2023. Between all sample collections, lab processing will be required. Primary data collection for my study will start during the Fall semester where protocols will be well established and available before field visits. We will always meet at main campus (King Building) or at the marine lab before starting our field visits. Expect that field days will start very early with the goal of ending before the day reaches max temperatures. Lab days will be laxer and have time flexibility. You will still be expected to plan time for lab work each week and provide availability ahead of time. I will make sure to have the lab open for you, and I will be available for questions, leadership, and direction whenever you are at the lab. If you grow comfortable with your lab duties, we can adjust to your comfort level. Despite the requests I have stated, I am open to the idea of a student who does mostly remote work, with weekly Zoom meetings, if they can provide superior literature review work.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Required: The willingness to try new things, withstand potentially long days in the field, and follow safety protocols in the wetlands.  

Recommended: Experience with dichotomous keys and experience in Florida wetlands. 


Mentoring Philosophy:
As a mentor, I expect my mentees to work independently with confidence once they have mastered the required skills. I expect professionalism in the lab and field. The samples we collect are for adding meaningful information to the scientific community and shortcuts should not be taken in the collection or analytical process. However, as a lab we will still have fun as we navigate the scientific process and experience a variety of events that can happen in the field. As a mentee, you should be self-motivated with an interest in the study. I can help you develop your ideas and options for your end of semester presentation. The complexity is up to you as long as it is within and doesn’t interfere with my study or your assistance in it. The quality of your project and poster will be determined by your effort. I will offer direction as you wish, but will not insist on being over-your-shoulder unless that is what you communicate that you require. Your work as a mentee should benefit both your own growth and the lab's needs. I want to establish an open line of communication where you are free to give feedback and thoughts at all times, so long as the relationship is both respectful and professional. I am looking for someone who is not only dedicated and excited about the science, but also is flexible and independently motivated. 

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)::
I will need students who operate well with flexibility. I will try to provide consistent work, but some weeks will vary depending on need and weather. However, I will always be willing to be flexible with your schedule too. I will always give as much of a warning on reschedules, cancellations, and what our goals are for the next couple of weeks. Despite the requests I have stated, I am open to the idea of a student who does mostly remote work, with weekly Zoom meetings, if they can provide superior literature review work.  


UROP Program Elements
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Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication: Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation: Yes
Materials Grant: Yes
UROP Poster Presentation: Yes
Faculty Advisor Confirmation: {Empty}

Are you interested in attending in a UROP Research Mentor Workshop Series?: Yes
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Year: 2023
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