UROP Project
Building a Digital Fashion Archive: AI-Assisted Documentation of Historic Garments and Accessories
Costume Collections, Virtual Museums, Creative Technologies, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship
Research Mentor: Dr. Changhyun (Lyon) Nam, Lyon
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
Contact Email: cn12@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
Contact Email: cn12@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 majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 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 majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 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
The Jim Moran Historic Textiles and Costume Collection contains thousands of historic garments and textile artifacts that support teaching, research, and public engagement. However, many cultural collections face challenges related to storage, preservation, and accessibility. This interdisciplinary research project explores how artificial intelligence, 3D digitization, and virtual exhibition technologies can support the preservation and sharing of historical collections. Using selected garments from FSU's historic costume collection, students will assist with artifact documentation, digital record creation, AI-assisted 3D reconstruction, and virtual exhibition development.This project aims to develop and evaluate digital approaches for documenting, preserving, and sharing historic garments and textile artifacts using platforms such as Artsteps, Spatial.io, and Kunstmatrix. The project brings together perspectives from entrepreneurship, digital humanities, art, and cultural heritage preservation. Students will gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies while contributing to research relevant to museums, archives, and cultural institutions.
No prior research experience is required. Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Research Tasks: • Photographing and documenting historic garments and textile artifacts
• Organizing and cataloging archival materials
• Conducting literature reviews on digital heritage and museum technologies
• Testing AI-assisted image analysis and 3D reconstruction tools
• Supporting virtual exhibition development
• Evaluating user experience and digital accessibility
• Creating visual presentations and project materials
• Contributing to conference posters and other research communication activities
Research activities will be tailored to students' interests, experience levels, and project needs.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: • Curiosity and willingness to learn
• Dependability and professionalism
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Interest in cultural heritage, museums, archives, or digital technologies
• Familiarity with photography, image editing, or social media content creation
Experience with AI tools, design software, or digital content creation is welcome but not required.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is grounded in collaboration, mutual respect, and student growth. I view undergraduate research as a shared learning experience in which students actively contribute to the research process while developing the skills and confidence needed to become independent learners.I work closely with students to understand their interests, strengths, and goals, and I seek to create opportunities that connect those interests with meaningful research experiences. Students are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and take ownership of their work. As their skills develop, I provide increasing opportunities for independence while remaining available for guidance and support.
Because many undergraduate researchers are new to research, I emphasize clear communication, realistic expectations, and a supportive environment where mistakes are viewed as part of the learning process. I believe that curiosity, effort, and a willingness to learn are more important than prior experience. My goal is to help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and research skills while fostering confidence in their ability to contribute to collaborative research projects and pursue future academic or professional opportunities.