UROP Project
What It Means to Be Latino: Exploring Identity Among U.S.-Born Gen Z Youth
Cultrual identity, Panethnicity, Intersectionality, Hispanic Latino Gen Z
Research Mentor: Santiago Reyes,
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Communication and Information
Contact Email: sr20n@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Alessandra Noli Peschiera
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: anolipeschiera@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Communication and Information
Contact Email: sr20n@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Alessandra Noli Peschiera
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: anolipeschiera@fsu.edu
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: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, 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 majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, 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
This study explores the complex construction of Latino/Hispanic identity, focusing on how U.S. born generation Z self identifying Latinos navigate identity within the multicultural landscape of the United States. It examines the historical, cultural, racial, and social factors shaping these identities, highlighting tensions between imposed categorizations and self-identification. The project analyzes generational shifts, intersectional identities (including Afro-Latinx and Indigenous perspectives), and the role of language, media representation, and social groups in identity formation. Ultimately, it seeks to understand how individuals define their Latino identity and how it is shaped by migration, cultural expression, and systemic structures.Research Tasks: Literature review and aid with qualitative data collection, coding and thematic analysis.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Qualitative Data Collection (Recommended) Conducting and transcribing interviews or focus groups.
Literature Review & Academic Research (Required): Searching scholarly databases, Organizing and summarizing literature.
Basic data management (Recommended): Organizing transcripts, audio files, and literature systematically.
Mentoring Philosophy
I view mentoring as a collaborative and supportive process centered on helping research assistants grow into independent, confident researchers. By understanding each mentee’s goals, strengths, and motivations, I aim to create a respectful environment where they feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn through inquiry.My approach emphasizes regular feedback, shared learning, and encouraging ownership of their work to promote accountability and critical thinking. I want research assistants not only to contribute to current projects but also to gain the skills and experience needed to initiate and lead their own research in the future.