UROP Project

Scoping review on the community-level mechanisms that contribute to maternal health disparities among Black birthing people in the United States, and how have these mechanisms been characterized and studied in existing research.

Maternal Health, Racial Inequities

Research Mentor: Dr. Dr. Roseline Jean Louis, She/Her/Hers
Department, College, Affiliation: The Center of Population Sciences for Health Empowerment, Nursing
Contact Email: rj25i@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Eugenia Flores Millender
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: emillender@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors but need to be interested in healthcare at the least.
Project Location: Virtual meeting
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:

• Day: Tuesday, September 2
  Start Time: 12:00
  End Time: 8:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/4155781004
• Day: Thursday, September 4
  Start Time: 12:00
  End Time: 8:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/4155781004
• Day: Friday, September 5
  Start Time: 5:00
  End Time: 8:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/4155781004

Project Description

This project is a scoping review designed to systematically examine how community-level mechanisms contributing to maternal health disparities among Black birthing people in the United States have been studied and characterized in the literature. Guided by a novel theoretical framework, the review will map the breadth of existing evidence, identify common themes and methodological approaches, and highlight knowledge gaps that can inform future research and interventions. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview that advances understanding of structural and community-level contributors to maternal health inequities.

Research Tasks: This project is a scoping review designed to systematically examine how community-level mechanisms contributing to maternal health disparities among Black birthing people in the United States have been studied and characterized in the literature. Guided by a novel theoretical framework, the review will map the breadth of existing evidence, identify common themes and methodological approaches, and highlight knowledge gaps that can inform future research and interventions.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: No prior research experience is required; training will be provided.

Required:
Careful attention to detail and willingness to follow clear steps in a process
Good time management and ability to stay on task
Comfort searching for articles online or willingness to learn how to use academic databases
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work well as part of a team and take feedback

Recommended:
Familiarity with citation tools such as Zotero, EndNote, or Mendeley
Coursework or interest in public health, nursing, or social science research
Exposure to research methods or prior experience helping with a project
Basic skills in organizing data in Excel or Google Sheets
Interest in maternal health, health equity, or related topics