Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Marcos Muller Vasconcelos
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Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): m.vasconcelos@fsu.edu
Position Title: Faculty
FSU College (if applicable): FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering 
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/9301/marcos.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Novel models and simulation of bacterial networks and their collective behavior
Project Keywords: Quorum sensing, bacterial colonies, systems biology, networks, decision-making, game theory
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:: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
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):: Partially Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 10 hours/week
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:
Bacteria are among the simplest life forms on Earth. Each bacterial cell possesses minimal sensing and actuation capabilities. Nevertheless, they can perform incredibly complex tasks as if operating in unison, akin to the formation of multicellular organisms. Behind this intriguing phenomenon lies a mechanism known as Quorum Sensing. In this project, students will delve into understanding how Quorum Sensing operates, learn the art of mathematically modeling it, and engage in computer simulations. Additionally, they will gain proficiency in using Cello, a programming language designed for creating computational circuits within living cells.

Research Tasks:
Literature review
Learn mathematical modeling of inter and intra species bacterial quorum sensing
Perform Matlab and/or Python simulations
Learn how to use the language Cello to design DNA code for decision-making bacteria



Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Knowledge of Matlab or equivalent (recommended, but not required)
Interest in synthetic biology (strongly recommended)



Mentoring Philosophy:
My mentoring philosophy is based on helping students gain confidence in their ideas and developing their creativity. I strongly believe that there is no limit to what the human mind can accomplish, and that the world of ideas has an infinite number of 'low hanging fruits'; we just need to learn how to look at problems from different angles. I am committed to sharing my experience and providing a safe and nurturing environment for students who have a genuine interest in science and a passion for developing new ideas.

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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=x8UxVZ4hSbT3VKtRQ_aH3MLk-ps6UEWhEWZGR_-A-Ms