UROP Project

social networks, higher education, network analysis
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Research Mentor: Dr. Vanessa Dennen, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: vdennen@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday Sept 3 / 12-12:30
Wednesday Sept 4 / 2:30-3

Apologies - I had to cancel the Friday sessions that I had previously planned BUT I have made a recording:
https://bit.ly/UROP2024

Project Description

In this project we will be working from an existing data set showing relationships among different people in cohorts. We will be using social network analysis to depict and better understand these relationships among individuals as well as between individuals and shared ideas or interests.

Research Tasks: The research team will be engaged in literature review, data transformation and analysis using social network analysis (SNA), and data visualization. SNA is a useful approach for researchers in the social sciences and professional fields who are interested in how people and ideas are connected.
There may be an opportunity for engaging in a new data collection effort in the spring semester.

All necessary skills and software will be taught.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Attention to detail is important.

All necessary skills and software will be taught.

Mentoring Philosophy

UROP offers a great opportunity for students to have early research experiences. I apply the cognitive apprenticeship model in my research teams, in which my UROP mentees are full members of the research team. As cognitive apprentices, you get to see all parts of the research process, contribute your own insights along the way, and gradually gain responsibilities as you learn how to perform different research tasks. I have high expectations for our research outcomes, and will train and support you to meet them. I will also seek ways to help you work toward your long-term educational and professional goals.

Above all else, I believe in kindness, respect, and lifelong learning, and aim to foster a research environment that supports these ideals.

I have worked with many UROP students over the years. Several have become collaborators on presentations at national conferences and some have published with me. The opportunity is there for you if you seek it. :)

Additional Information


Link to Publications