UROP Project

IMPACT STEM Transfer Student Success in Introductory Biology

Transfer students, biology education, learning science
Research Mentor: Sierra Morandi, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Biology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: smorandi@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: Open to all majors, preference will be given to STEM and Education majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-8 hours per week, 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: 1:00
    End Time: 1:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92724828646
  • Day: Thursday, September 3
    Start Time: 12:00
    End Time: 12:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99944564237
  • Day: Thursday, September 3
    Start Time: 6:00
    End Time: 6:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91811686503?from=addon

Project Description

The IMPACT STEM research network is a national, multi-institutional group set out to improve the success of undergraduate STEM students, with a specific focus on working with and for transfer students. The FSU biology branch of this larger network is led by Dr. Underwood and Dr. McNutt, and we focus on broadening student access to STEM majors and supporting their success. We develop and test strategies to remove obstacles to student success while facilitating enduring collaborations among faculty within the institution and with a national network of two-year and four-year institutions across the US.

Research Tasks: Current work from this project has been focused on undergraduate students’ biology identities and self-recognition within the introductory course space. Other avenues for exploration from already collected data include a focus on empathy in learning, perceived student supports and challenges, and grade artifact analysis. Alternatively, this project is open to conducting a study/experiment of interest to the UROP mentee, so long as it aligns with a focus on supports or successes of transfer students in biology (i.e., exploring labs, interviewing students, etc.). Regardless of the project's focus area, students will, at a minimum, conduct a literature review, learn software skills, analyze data, and write up their findings for a broader audience.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: No skills are required; however, students will use Excel and Dedoose throughout the year, so they should be open to learning!

Mentoring Philosophy

As a mentor, I am committed to supporting and fostering students holistically as they develop and pursue their interests within the context of our project. My approach is rooted in empathy, resilience, and the understanding that everyone is doing the best they can as they figure out who they are and what they want to be. My philosophy toward mentorship uses this lens to foster effective, open communication, foster a safe learning environment, and ensure a good work-life balance. Communication is essential to the success of most things; mentees can expect weekly check-ins and biweekly (or weekly, depending on the time of semester) meetings. I treat mentees as whole people, which means that they, too, have a life outside of our context and need to be treated as such, not just an aid to the project, bringing to the table a wealth of their own experiences. I strive to create a safe and creative learning and research environment, where feedback is frequently given as support and rooted in care for the mentee and their work. Mentorship is a learning experience for both individuals and should be treated as such with grace and humility.

Additional Information


Link to Publications


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