UROP Project

Recovery, Substance use, Addiction, Qualitative
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Research Mentor: Mr. Nicholas Reese, He/Him/His
Department, College, Affiliation: The Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness (CHAW), N/A
Contact Email: nhr21@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. John Shinn He/Him/His
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: jws23b@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators: Ms. Maria Gualtieri
Faculty Collaborators Email: mgualtieri@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Thursday September 5th 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94374776345)

Project Description

This program self-study project will utilize focus group and in-depth interview based exploratory investigation to analyze potential barriers and service needs of current students who utilize (attend events, utilize designated space, garner membership, etc.) the FSU collegiate recovery program (CRP) entitled LIFT. The study objectives would be to explore recovery support service and resource needs within participants to garner student recommendations for CRP improvements/changes (structure, programming, physical resources) for the program by collecting data about potential barriers to involvement and factors encouraging utilization of a collegiate recovery program. Data collection would include a short demographic screener along with a series of open-ended questions created to capture the aforementioned study objectives. For data analysis, thematic analysis would be used, including chunking and coding of recorded in-depth interviews/focus group transcriptions to derive common themes between participants found from notable statements in the conversational transcripts. The results would be produced by presenting the overarching themes found from the data analysis, which would then be expounded upon and contextualized through extant empirical research within the field of substance use recovery. Recommendations would then be produced for possible methods and interventions to strengthen resources and address the barriers found in the study for collegiate recovery programs and university students whom identify as in recovery.

Research Tasks: Literature reviews, conducting interviews, data analysis, participant recruitment, etc.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Literature Review Skills (search empirical databases, review peer-reviewed articles, identify research questions)
Recommended: Research Design Skills (familiarity with qualitative research designs)

Mentoring Philosophy

Mentoring is not just a role. It is a dynamic partnership that empowers individuals to flourish academically, personally, and professionally. My mentoring philosophy centers around the concept of unwavering support. I believe consistent positive support is the cornerstone of nurturing potential and inspiring meaningful progress between a mentor and mentee. My approach aims to create a safe and inclusive space where mentees can explore their research interests, navigate challenges, and cultivate their future trajectories. My approach includes three primary tenets:

1. Building Trust and Rapport: Central to effective mentoring is the establishment of trust and rapport. I prioritize open communication and active listening to understand the unique goals, aspirations, and concerns of each mentee. By creating a nonjudgmental environment, I encourage mentees to share their thoughts and experiences honestly.
2. Tailored Guidance: Every mentee is on a distinct journey, and my role is to offer personalized guidance. I work closely with mentees to identify their strengths, areas of growth, and learning preferences. Together, we co-create a roadmap that aligns with their ambitions, ensuring that the guidance provided is relevant and meaningful.
3. Nurturing Confidence: I view my role as a mentor as that of a steadfast cheerleader. I help mentees recognize their potential and encourage them to step out of their comfort zones. Through constructive feedback and affirmations, I aim to instill confidence in their abilities and empower them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Additional Information


Link to Publications

https://chaw.fsu.edu/lift