UROP Project
Research on adolescent sexual health, mental health, and technology use.
Program Development, Sexual Health, Mental Health, Adolescents, Digital Technology
Research Mentor: Dr. Jordyn McCrimmon, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Nursing
Contact Email: jm26bq@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Laura Widman She/Her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: lwidman@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Nursing
Contact Email: jm26bq@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Laura Widman She/Her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: lwidman@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Nursing, Psychology, Communication Theory and Research, Social Work preferred, but open to all majors with relevant skills.
Project Location: Remote
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, 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: 3
Relevant Majors: Nursing, Psychology, Communication Theory and Research, Social Work preferred, but open to all majors with relevant skills.
Project Location: Remote
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, 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 seeking undergraduate students to join the Teen Health Lab at FSU. Students will contribute to several research projects focused on promoting adolescent sexual health, mental health, and the healthy use of digital technology. The Teen Health Lab is run by Dr. Laura Widman (Psychologist and Professor of Nursing) and Dr. Jordyn McCrimmon (Postdoc). Our lab is located within the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation (IDHI), an institute that advances individual and public health through collaborative partnerships focused on the development, evaluation, and dissemination of digital health tools, technologies, and innovations.Students will have the opportunity to work on two ongoing research projects, and others that may start throughout the year. The two ongoing projects are:
1) Let's Talk, a family-based digital intervention designed to help parents and early adolescents (ages 10–13) have important conversations about sexual health in a way that is easy, evidence-based, and approachable. Students will help develop new content for this program and assist with a pilot evaluation project. Learn more about the program at www.lets-talk-families.com.
2) LIFT (Longitudinal Investigation of Families and Technology). This study is launching in the fall. We will recruit 500 parents and teens (age 12-15) to examine how adolescents' use of AI chatbots and social media relates to their relationships with parents, friends, and romantic partners. We will also explore family conversations around digital media, mental health, and sexual health.
In addition to these projects, students will participate in an IDHI institute-wide research cohort with UROP students working with other faculty and staff in the institute. We imagine the cohort might include about 10-15 students total. All IDHI students will have opportunities to contribute to additional projects that align with their interests and career goals. Students will also attend a weekly virtual IDHI meeting on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom, which focuses on professional development, research skills, and collaboration across the institute. While the meeting time may offer some flexibility, preference will be given to applicants who can regularly attend the Friday 1:00 p.m. meeting.
In addition to the IDHI institute-wide meetings, students will meet weekly with Dr. Widman and Dr. McCrimmon, to discuss project progress, receive training, and review individual research tasks. Meeting times will be determined based on student availability.
Research Tasks: Offer feedback on current Let’s Talk content; create new program content as needed (e.g., infographics, short video clips, family communication activities); create social media posts related to adolescent sexual health and parent-child communication; assist with recruitment and data collection for Let’s Talk and LIFT; conduct literature reviews when needed; prepare study materials; present findings of this project; attend research team meetings
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required skills in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, PowerPoint), clear and responsive written and verbal communication, collaboration; highly reliable; detail oriented
Recommended skills: creativity; familiarity with Canva and/or Vyond animation software (instruction will be provided if you're not familiar); interest in pursuing a graduate degree in nursing, psychology, or other health sciences.
Mentoring Philosophy
We view mentorship as an opportunity to create a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and take an active role in their own development. We believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom, and we strive to help mentees recognize how the skills they develop through research, scholarship, and professional experiences can be applied throughout their academic and career journeys. Our goal is to foster curiosity, build confidence, and encourage students to continue asking questions as they grow into independent researchers and practitioners.Mentoring is also a collaborative process in which students should have agency to explore their interests while receiving the guidance and support needed to achieve their goals. We aim to create a space where mentees feel safe to share ideas, ask for help, and learn from challenges. By maintaining open communication, encouraging thoughtful reflection, and adapting my mentorship to each student's interests and needs, we hope to empower students to develop the confidence, critical thinking skills, and independence necessary for long-term success.