UROP Project
Chatbot for Psychoeducation
chatbot, NIH, psychoeducation, pain, depression
Research Mentor: Dr. Hallie D Evans,
Department, College, Affiliation: MTSA, Nursing
Contact Email: hjd5267@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: MTSA, Nursing
Contact Email: hjd5267@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 but engineering, technology, and computer science a plus
Project Location: Online
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all but engineering, technology, and computer science a plus
Project Location: Online
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Study Purpose:This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a conversational chatbot in (1) delivering accessible, evidence-based mental health information to populations affected by stigma, and (2) reducing self-reported mental health stigma after interacting with the chatbot.
Background and Rationale:
Populations experiencing stigma around mental health often avoid care due to fear of judgment, lack of culturally sensitive resources, or misinformation. Chatbots offer a private, scalable tool for disseminating accurate mental health information and encouraging help-seeking behaviors. This study tests whether a well-designed chatbot can measurably decrease internalized stigma and increase openness to mental health care.
Study Design:
A mixed-methods pre-post design will be used. Participants will first complete a baseline survey assessing mental health stigma, attitudes toward care, and perceived mental health literacy. They will then interact with the chatbot over a defined period (e.g., one or two sessions). A follow-up survey will be administered to measure changes in the same domains. Optional open-ended questions will capture user perceptions of the chatbot’s helpfulness and cultural relevance.
Research Tasks: literature review, data collection, data analysis, conducting interviews,
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Strong computer skills, effective time management
Mentoring Philosophy
I see mentoring as a partnership built on trust, respect, and mutual growth. At its core, it’s about helping someone unlock their potential—not by telling them what to do, but by asking the right questions, listening closely, and offering honest feedback. My goal as a mentor is to create a safe space where mentees can think out loud, make mistakes, challenge themselves, and grow with support.I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice. Everyone brings a different background, perspective, and set of goals. That’s why I try to meet people where they are, understand what drives them, and support them in building confidence, skills, and clarity. I also aim to be real about the challenges they might face, whether that’s dealing with uncertainty, navigating difficult decisions, or managing self-doubt.
Mentoring is a two-way street. I learn just as much from the people I mentor as they do from me. Staying curious, open, and honest helps keep the relationship dynamic and meaningful. I also think it’s important to model what it looks like to keep growing—professionally and personally.
In the end, mentoring isn’t about perfection or having all the answers. It’s about progress. It’s about helping someone take the next step with more purpose, perspective, and self-awareness.