UROP Project

Disentangling mobility, cognitive function, and digital behaviors to understand social isolation and dementia risk

Cognitive decline; social isolation; digital phenotyping; GPS tracking; spatial behavior
Research Mentor: Amber DeJohn, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Geography, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: amber.dejohn@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: 3
Relevant Majors: Computer science; information technology; social sciences (geography, sociology, etc), social work
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-7 hours a week, more if there's a data collection event. , Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
  • Day: Tuesday, September 1
    Start Time: 3:00
    End Time: 5:00
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94404614934

Project Description

This is an NIH-funded study exploring how spatial-digital behaviors are associated with social isolation and cognitive function. We will be using passive tracking and traditional surveys to monitor how and where older adults spend their time, ultimately sequencing and clustering these behaviors using machine learning tactics.

Research Tasks: Depending on the student's major, they will assist with data collection, input, and/or analysis. Data collection tasks might include conducting cognitive screenings, helping participants install applications on their phones, monitoring AWS backend (for those with required skillset), etc. Students may also assist with inputting or cleaning collected data. Analysis may include preliminary mapping or more advanced analysis.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: comfortable talking on the phone or in-person with older adults
Required: experience using excel
Recommended: any and all coding experience (e.g., python) is welcome and appreciated, but not expected.

Mentoring Philosophy

My goal as a mentor is to help undergraduate students develop the skills and confidence to become independent researchers. I provide hands-on guidance as students learn new methods and research practices, while encouraging increasing independence as they gain experience. Students in my lab work collaboratively with me and other members of the research team on projects at the intersection of geography, public health, aging, technology, and the built environment. Depending on their role, students may gain experience with GIS and spatial analysis, programming, data visualization, qualitative or quantitative research methods, literature reviews, and scientific writing. I value curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to learn above all else. I strive to create a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, contributing ideas, and developing professionally. I hope to provide a meaningful experience that builds both practical skills and a deeper appreciation for the research process.

Additional Information

Some students may be invited to join me in the field for data collection. This would require an overnight trip to Atlanta, GA. All travel expenses and meals will be covered.

Link to Publications

https://www.amberddejohn.com/
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