UROP Project
Ecological Momentary Assessment Study to Identify Real-Time Predictors of Physical Activity among Older People Living with HIV
Ecological Momentary Assessment; survey; digital health; HIV
Research Mentor: Dan Song,
Department, College, Affiliation: Nursing, Nursing
Contact Email: ds23bm@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Nursing, Nursing
Contact Email: ds23bm@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: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
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: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Older people living with HIV (PLWH) often face a disproportionate burden of aging-related conditions. Despite the crucial role of regular physical activity (PA) in promoting overall well-being, many older PLWH lead sedentary lifestyles. Current research on PA correlates primarily relies on cross-sectional designs or longitudinal studies, which may not capture how daily experiences impact PA levels among this population. This study aims to fill this gap by utilizing an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) design.This EMA study involves bursts of mobile-based surveys with older PLWH, administered four times a day over two consecutive weeks. To develop the EMA survey, we will initially identify potential time-varying predictors of PA through literature review and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior (COM-B) framework. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with older PLWH to gauge the relevance of these items to their experiences.
Once the EMA survey is developed, participants will receive text messages containing the survey link, and informed consent will be obtained from each participant. Qualitative data from interviews will be independently analyzed by two researchers using directed content analysis. For quantitative data, the effects of within-person survey variables on PA measures will be tested using within-person multilevel models in SPSS (version 27, IBM Corp).
This study aims to shed light on the real-time predictors of PA among older PLWH, facilitating the development of personalized behavioral support interventions to promote PA and improve overall health outcomes in this population.
Research Tasks: Data collection and literature review
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Good communication skills are required.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is shaped by my own journey and the incredible mentors who have guided and empowered me throughout my career. Their influence taught me the transformative power of mentorship and inspired my commitment to providing the same for others.1.Personalized Guidance. Every student and mentee brings unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. I tailor my mentoring to meet each individual’s needs, drawing from my own experiences of receiving mentorship that was customized to my goals. For example, early in my career, a mentor took the time to understand my interests and encouraged me to pursue research that aligned with my passions. I aim to offer this same level of care and attention, helping mentees identify resources, navigate challenges, and build on their strengths to achieve their goals.
2. Mutual Respect and Empowerment. Mentorship is a two-way relationship built on mutual respect. My mentors created environments where I felt heard, valued, and supported—a model I emulate in my own mentoring. I listen attentively to my mentees’ perspectives, encourage autonomy, and provide constructive feedback that empowers them to take ownership of their learning and decision-making. My goal is to help them build the confidence and resilience needed to thrive in their careers and beyond.
3. Growth Through Collaboration. Collaboration has been central to my development as a scholar, and I emphasize this value in my mentoring. I view mentorship as a partnership where both mentor and mentee contribute and grow together.