UROP Project

Transgender, Diversity, Healthcare, Psychology, Qualitative
Research Mentor: Lyndon Sherman, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: College of Education, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: ls21@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Laura Reid Marks
Faculty Collaborators Email: laura.reidmarks@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Interested in students from the following majors: Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, English, Education, Criminology, Health and Human Science, Neuroscience, Physical Science, Editing Writing and Media, Political Science, or majors adjacent to those listed.

MUST KNOW APA FORMATTING!
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

I am completing my dissertation which is a phenomenological qualitative research which focuses on the experience of gender euphoria in healthcare settings as experienced by transgender adults. Data will be collected through 90-minute semi-structured interview. The purpose of the study to add the term "gender euphoria" to the literature. Gender euphoria is a term popularized by the transgender community which aims to focus on the positive experiences associated with an individual being affirmed in their gender either externally or internally. Specifically, the described study aims to assess if access to healthcare can increase gender euphoria. Furthermore, key action items will be made for psychologists and other mental health professionals on how they can best aid transgender individuals in their desired transitional journey.


Research Tasks: Once approved by my doctoral committee I will be completing the IRB process which will begin approximately in October. Once IRB is approved, I will begin recruiting for the project and conducting interviews. The following tasks will be required from UROP students.
- Reading chapters 1-3 of my prospectus to increase knowledge and understanding on the topic
- Assistance with reviewing IRB and Qualtrics survey prior to their submission/activation
- Completing CITI trainings and multicultural trainings to ensure competency
- Advertising for the study through flyer postage and online forums
- Emailing potential participants
- Transcribing from Zoom's transcription and cleaning the qualitative data
- Coding and completing data analysis
- Weekly individual/team meetings
- Completing journal entry's on positionality to ensure transparency of the research

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: REQUIRED:
- Student's must know APA formatting including citations
- Writing skills
- Microsoft skills
- Organizational skills
- Prioritize and complete provided tasks in a timely manner
- Cultural humility

RECOMMENDED:
- Completion of at least two years of university classes (currently a junior, will accept applicatants who have not completed two years of university)
- Previous qualitative experiences or familiarity with qualitative studies through reviewing the literature
- Familiarity with diversity related topics particularly around intersectionality and LGBTQ issues
- Familiarity with aspects of research

Mentoring Philosophy

I aim for a collaborative working relationship with my mentees. I aim to support students in their academic goals while providing structure. I will set clear expectations and goals for the project, ensuring that students understand their roles and responsibilities. We will have regular meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and plan next steps. These meetings will provide a consistent structure and allow for ongoing feedback and support. I will conduct trainings on qualitative research methods, including thematic analysis and coding, to equip students to gain hands-on qualitative analysis experiences. I encourage open communication and will create a safe space where students will work together as a team, fostering a collaborative environment. I am committed to supporting my mentees beyond the scope of this project, offering guidance on academic and career opportunities, such as conference presentations. I have a conference for SAIGE in October in Denver, CO that I am providing a 50-minute presentation on. If interested, UROP students may be a co-presenter on this project. I will also ensure that our research practices are inclusive and respectful of the diverse experiences of transgender adults. Given the sensitive nature of the research topic, I will provide resources and support to address concerns that may arise during the project. I aim to create a positive and enriching research experience for my mentees, helping them develop valuable skills and achieve their academic and professional goals.

Additional Information


Link to Publications


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