UROP Project
Exploring the Legacy of Honor Societies at FSU
history, education, higher education
Research Mentor: Dr. Allison Peters,
Department, College, Affiliation: Undergraduate Studies, Undergraduate Studies
Contact Email: abpeters@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Undergraduate Studies, Undergraduate Studies
Contact Email: abpeters@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: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
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: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 2:30
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3823634603 - Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 1:30
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3823634603 - Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 4:30
End Time: 5:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3823634603 - Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 2:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3823634603 - Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 3:00
End Time: 3:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3823634603
Project Description
Florida State University hosts a variety of university-wide and departmental academic and leadership honor societies. Some of these groups have been chartered at FSU for over 100 years, initially started at the Florida State College for Women. Some of these early honor societies are honored by painted society seals or shields in historic classrooms in the William Johnson Building. These paintings were maintained and restored when the building was renovated, however, little is known about many of these groups and how they evolved over time. In honor of the 100th anniversary of FSU's chapter of Phi Kappa Phi chapter (chartered in 1925), one of the organizations represented at WJB, I would like to research the history of all the societies represented in this paintings. The goal is to unearth the past to elevate the future of academic honor societies at FSU, ideally culminating in an interpretive display designed for each room and posted for the public to view.Research Tasks: literature review, collecting and reviewing artifacts in the FSU special collections, speaking with representatives at national organizations as needed, historical analysis and interpretation
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: attention to detail, ability to work independently with direction, openness to learn and receive feedback, basic computer skills (Word, Excel)
Recommended: arts or design experience, interest in developing educational content
Mentoring Philosophy
As a research mentor, I strive to create an environment where undergraduate students are actively engaged in the research process as emerging scholars. While learning research methods and disciplinary knowledge is essential, my goal is to help students connect research experiences to their personal interests, values, and future aspirations. I believe meaningful learning occurs through a combination of action and reflection, and I encourage students to learn by doing, questioning, analyzing, and critically examining the context surrounding their work.My role is to provide clear expectations, structured guidance, and opportunities for increasing independence as students grow in confidence and competence. I challenge students with high standards while offering the support necessary to help them succeed. Through regular communication, timely feedback, and collaborative problem-solving, I seek to create a mentoring relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and accountability.
I recognize that each student brings unique experiences, strengths, and goals to the research setting. By investing in individual students and fostering a supportive environment, I aim to help them develop research skills, critical thinking, professional identity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Just as research is a process of discovery, mentoring is a shared journey of growth. I seek to learn alongside my students as we explore questions, overcome challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the creation of knowledge.