UROP Project

Quantitative Sensory Testing for Pain Research

pain, sensory, migraine, imaging
Research Mentor: Dr. Simona Nikolova,
Department, College, Affiliation: Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: snikolova@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: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
  • Day: Wednesday, September 2
    Start Time: 2:00
    End Time: 2:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95216716068

Project Description

The overall goal of this research project is to learn how a MEDOC thermode is used for quantitative sensory testing and to collect and analyze sensory data from human participants. Students will become familiar with relevant pain research literature, learn the principles and operation of thermode-based sensory testing, and analyze thermode data to better understand individual differences in pain perception and sensory responses.

Research Tasks: data collection and analysis, literature review

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended
- Basic understanding of research methods and experimental procedures
- Ability to follow standardized protocols for quantitative sensory testing (QST)
- Comfortable interacting with and providing instructions to human participants
- Basic understanding of pain and sensory processing
- Attention to detail and ability to accurately collect and document experimental data
- Basic data management and organization skills
- Basic statistical and data analysis skills
- Familiarity with Excel or similar spreadsheet software
- Ability to learn and use research software for data analysis
- Ability to read and summarize scientific literature
- Good communication skills and ability to work independently
- Prior experience with QST, MEDOC thermodes, or programming/data analysis is helpful but not required.

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy is centered on independence, ownership, and accountability. I prefer to give students the freedom to explore ideas, solve problems, and take ownership of their projects rather than providing step-by-step direction. I provide guidance and feedback when needed and make myself available when students encounter challenges, while encouraging them to develop the confidence and skills to work independently. I believe this approach helps students become self-directed researchers and prepares them for continued success in their academic and professional careers.

Additional Information


Link to Publications


Return to Project Database