Research Symposium

BIO

Raneem Abdulrahim is a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Sciences. She is a member of the Honors Program, where she engages in opportunities that support her intellectual growth. As part of her academic development, Raneem recently began her first undergraduate research experience through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), where she is gaining experience in research design, data collection, and scientific communication.

Her academic interests lie at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and interdisciplinary scientific approaches, which support her goal of pursuing a career in the medical field. Through her coursework and research involvement, she is gaining a deeper understanding of how scientific research can contribute to improving health and education outcomes.

Raneem plans to continue engaging in undergraduate research opportunities throughout her studies while preparing for future professional training in healthcare.

Paraprofessionals Supporting Early Literacy

Abstract

Paraprofessionals are trained staff members who assist and provide specialized support in classrooms, often working closely with students with special needs. However, many paraprofessionals receive limited preparation or professional training in early literacy strategies, which may affect their confidence and effectiveness in supporting children’s language and literacy development. This qualitative study explores how paraprofessionals perceive their roles and responsibilities in promoting emergent literacy among preschool children in Tallahassee. Participants will complete surveys and interviews about their classroom experiences and how they view their role in supporting early literacy. This project will also examine the challenges paraprofessionals encounter when implementing early reading and language-building practices, as well as the types of training and experiences that help them feel prepared in their work.

Keywords: Paraprofessionals, Emergent Literacy, Early Childhood Education