Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Elizabeth (Betsy) Mansfield
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: she/her
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: Dr. 
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): emansfield@fsu.edu
Position Title: Post Doc
FSU College (if applicable): Arts and Sciences
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Coastal & Marine Lab
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Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above): {Empty}
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Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: A Review of Oyster Reef Restoration Goals and Success Metrics in Florida 
Project Keywords: Oysters, Data Analysis, Literature Review, Restoration, Marine Biology
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: No
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Biology/Biological Sciences, Oceanography, Geography, Environmental Science, Natural resources/conservation

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):: Fully Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 8-10
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:
Oyster reefs are crucial foundational habitat for many coastal ecosystems throughout the world. Additionally, they provide economic, and nutritional value to many communities through fisheries harvest. However, within the last century 90% of oyster reefs have declined significantly, and as such, restoration of these reefs has become a priority in many areas. The goal of the restoration projects has varied throughout time, however, with greater understanding of the foundational importance of these species, many projects are shifting towards more comprehensive restoration goals for oyster reefs. Rather than just focusing on fisheries enhancement, these projects may also focus on recovery of ecosystem function or services. Understanding the general trends of goals and definitions of success for these restoration projects can help managers and decision-makers in developing future projects, and standardize reporting of these projects for comprehensive analysis of the oyster reef recovery. In this project students will review literature on existing oyster restoration projects that have been implemented in Florida since 2000 to aid in the understanding of how restoration goals and success metrics have shifted over time. The project will involve identifying relevant published scientific and grey literature on oyster restoration and extracting data from this literature for additional analysis on trends and shifts. This work will focus on projects within Florida, but is a part of a larger review of oyster restoration throughout the East Coast of the United States. Training will be provided in literature search and identification, data extraction, database management, and data analysis. There may be an opportunity to visit the FSU Coastal Marine Laboratory for potential field or lab experience on related oyster projects to provide students with a greater understanding of oyster restoration. 

Research Tasks:
- Literature Review : The UROP student will be trained in how search for and select relevant literature on publication databases and the broader web.
- Data Entry: Data collected from publications will be recorded and maintained in a database. Skills in data extraction and database management will be developed. 
- Data Analysis: Summary of restoration goals and metrics, and changes over time of these, will be analyzed and summarized. 


Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
- Available at least one day per week to meet with mentor for check-ins and training assistance, in-person or over Zoom. As independence is achieved schedule will be more flexible for working from home *Required*
- Proficiency in the basics of MS Excel and MS Word, Google Drive * Required*
- Foundational knowledge of statistical analysis *Recommended* 
- General interest in restoration ecology, and fisheries management *Recommended*


Mentoring Philosophy:
My goal as a UROP mentor is to foster a welcoming and encouraging learning environment, to allow students to explore their interests and grow in their scientific skills. Experience wise, I will provide training and support in industry and research relevant skills. Training will allow the student to gain experience in literature review, exposure to fishery species that is economically and ecologically important throughout the United States and the world, and training in critical thinking and data extraction and analysis that is applicable to many research fields. The student will be provided with background and foundational knowledge on the project and the importance of interdisciplinary work and social considerations in fisheries management and decision-making. The development of this project will be integrated into a broader review, yet the student will also have opportunities to adapt parts to their relative interests and future aspirations, as independence and problem-solving skills are critical components of a successful researcher. We will work collaboratively to develop the project, communicate frequently, and expectations and goals will be outlined early on to allow the student to prepare to fit work in with their busy schedule. Open and honest communication is key to a successful respect-based mentor-mentee relationship, and I will work to provide regular feedback and support throughout the project and am available for additional support as needed.  I ask that the student likewise be open and honest with regular communication on their needs, progress or concerns. This will help ensure work-life balance and project success.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: https://marinelab.fsu.edu/absi/ - This is a website to the broader oyster restoration work going on at the Coastal & Marine Lab
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
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Roundtable times and Zoom links:
Tuesday, Sept 5 4-5 pm 
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96717064563
Meeting ID: 967 1706 4563


UROP Program Elements
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Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication: Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation: Yes
Materials Grant: Yes
UROP Poster Presentation: Yes

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Year: 2023
update url: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=88zgRE5vR--rYExiwh-JM_uHxmMunxrmja_Qg9uXu1Q