UROP Project
Impact of Pre-sleep Alpha-Lactalbumin Supplementation on Sleep in Postmenopausal Females
Sleep, female, supplement, exercise, postmenopause
Research Mentor: Laynie Thompson, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: ajt24a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: ajt24a@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: Preferred majors include Exercise Physiology and STEM majors but open to adjacent majors as well.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-8 hours, 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: Preferred majors include Exercise Physiology and STEM majors but open to adjacent majors as well.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-8 hours, 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
We are evaluating whether consuming milk enriched with alpha-lactalbumin, a dairy protein high in the melatonin precursor tryptophan, improves sleep in postmenopausal women, a population prone to sleep dysregulation. In a 6-week randomized, double-blind crossover study, 35 postmenopausal women will complete three 7-day treatment periods testing alpha-lactalbumin enriched milk, plain skim milk, and a placebo. Using various measures like OURA Rings, sleep diaries, and continuous glucose monitors, the study measures objective and subjective sleep quality, blood tryptophan ratios, and 24-hour blood sugar.Research Tasks: Research tasks will involve primarily data collection and data analysis.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required skills include general people skills, organization, and a general understanding of how to use Excel.
Mentoring Philosophy
This mentoring philosophy centers on transforming student curiosity into scientific agency through three foundational pillars:Transparent Communication: Demystifying research by creating a judgment-free space where asking questions and admitting uncertainty are welcomed. Leading with vulnerability helps ease mentee anxiety and encourages open dialogue.
Holistic Support: Recognizing mentees as whole individuals balancing academic rigor with personal lives, employment, and extracurriculars. Checking in on their overall well-being builds trust and allows for tailored guidance.
Bridging Theory and Practice: Connecting daily laboratory protocols to the broader "why" in exercise physiology. Providing hands-on experience with step-by-step guidance builds student independence without leaving them unsupported.
Ultimately, the goal is to serve as a supportive launchpad, equipping students with the confidence, transferable skills, and self-belief needed to succeed as capable contributors in any career path—whether in the lab, clinic, or beyond.