UROP Project
Effects of Novel Respiratory Muscle Training on Cerebrovascular and Immune Function in adults with Obesity
Obesity, Respiratory, Cerebrovascular health
Research Mentor: Mr. Tom Bissen,
Department, College, Affiliation: Health, Nutrition, & Food Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: tgb23@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Health, Nutrition, & Food Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: tgb23@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: Exercise physiology, Biology, Health sciences, Athletic training; we will also consider any major if student is on a pre-health track (pre-med, pre-PT, pre-PA, pre-OT,etc.)
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours a week, During business hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Exercise physiology, Biology, Health sciences, Athletic training; we will also consider any major if student is on a pre-health track (pre-med, pre-PT, pre-PA, pre-OT,etc.)
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours a week, During business hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
This research is highly relevant to public health as it seeks to address the knowledge gap regarding the directimpact of obesity on cerebrovascular function in younger adults without comorbidities or the effects of aging,
which is crucial for understanding stroke risk and prevention strategies. Additionally, it explores the potential of
Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training as a time-efficient and cost-effective intervention to improve
cerebrovascular function and mitigate inflammation-related immune dysfunction in adults with obesity, potentially
enhancing healthspan and lifespan. These findings could inform public health initiatives targeting approximately
40% of American adults with obesity, improving overall cerebrovascular function in the short term for adults with
obesity and reducing stroke incidence later in life.
Research Tasks: Help perform literature reviews, recruit research participants, help generate/manage recruitment approaches, schedule/coordinate with study participants, help with data collection, help with exercise testing and other research procedures, provide data management support, data analysis, assist with IRB, help with equipment maintenance, perform equipment calibration, and/or other study-related tasks.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Values: Diligence, ambition, curiosity, and integrity; Abilities: Effective and timely oral/written/etc. communication. Skills: Teamwork, professionalism.
Mentoring Philosophy
As a mentor, my primary goal is to help my mentee develop their skills and abilities to get to the next professional stage. Ideally, with enough training, they become productive members in the laboratory. Networking will help mentees find their next mentor and get them engaged with the profession. I also have personal strength with networking and would like to use that to help foster mentees' feelings of belonging within our respective scientific communities.In addition to this, I will prioritize communication and cultivate safe spaces. I will be considerate in how I ask questions and mindful of giving opportunities to mentees. I think personally, when it comes to the psychosocial parts of a mentor/mentee relationship, it is a priority I have for my mentee that they are in a good place psychosocially.
I expect my mentees to be open and honest with me about professional topics, and if they are comfortable, I do think I will lean towards being a nurturing mentor. I also expect mentees to always put their best foot forward and try new things. I think this goes with cultivating a safe place where mentees can try things or write things they are not sure about, and feel comfortable having their mentor provide feedback. I strive for my mentoring relationship to allow for the growth of the mentee, but also create a laboratory that is productive to keep funding and training mentees.