UROP Project

Advancing Adolescent Health Using Digital Technologies

nursing, adolescence, artificial intelligence, digital health interventions, digital prototype
Schnabel_Headshot_jpeg.jpeg
Research Mentor: Dr. DJ Schnabel, Jr., he/his/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Nursing
Contact Email: djs26d@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: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8, 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: 2:00
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9879938637

Project Description

The Institute on Digital Health and Innovation at the College of Nursing was established in 2022 to advance individual and public health through collaborative and synergistic partnerships focused on the development, evaluation, and dissemination of digital health tools, technologies, and innovations.

I am seeking 1-2 students who are interested in working with me on researching and generating digital interventions that support adolescent and young adult health. My pre-doctoral dissertation work focused on exploring the use of artificial intelligence to better understand the trajectories of adolescent mental health. In my current post-doc position, I am continuing my dissertation work as well as working to develop digital interventions (e.g., mobile applications, chatbots) that can further support adolescent health. Projects may span a wide range of topics, and include puberty, physical health, mental health, sex & sexuality, and other sensitive health topics. I hope to work collaboratively with students to move these projects forward while also providing meaningful opportunities for research skill development, academic growth, and career exploration. Your specific work and goals with me will be determined collaboratively.

UROP students mentored by IDHI faculty and staff (including myself) during the 2026-2027 academic year will participate in an institute-wide cohort and have opportunities to contribute to supplemental projects aligned with their interests. Cohort members will attend a weekly virtual lab meeting via Zoom on Fridays at 1:00 PM focused on professional development and collaborative opportunities across the institute. This is in addition to our 1:1 weekly meetings to discuss your individual work progress (we will come up with a mutually-agreed time after you start). While the meeting time may offer some flexibility, preference will be given to applicants who can regularly attend a weekly Friday meeting at 1:00 p.m.


Research Tasks: Possible tasks include literature reviews and reading articles, participate in IDHI UROP training sessions (Fridays at 1pm), basic writing, basic data analysis, engage with digital health prototyping, and additional tasks that may align with your interests/career objectives.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Clear and effective communication, comfort with reading for extended periods of time, basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, foundational time management skills

Mentoring Philosophy

As an experienced pediatric critical care nurse and nursing educator, I believe that everyone learns differently. As a mentor, it is important to me that we work together for you to pursue your passions, learn about yourself and your strengths, and develop a path toward achieving your goals. I believe that maintaining effective communication is key to success, and will therefore expect mentees to be willing to meet with me weekly via Zoom. That said, I don’t believe in micro-managing work; rather, I hope to provide the guidance and support necessary for you to take on progressively more independent work. The ideal mentee match with me would be someone who feels comfortable asking questions, trying new things, being creative, and learning from inevitable mistakes along the way. For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring is seeing mentees grow in confidence, develop their skills, and move closer to achieving their goals. All of this said, I pride myself on being “down to earth,” approachable, and open-minded. I hope we can develop a professional relationship that extends beyond your time in the UROP program.

Additional Information

Before returning to graduate school, I worked for a decade as a pediatric critical care nurse and flight nurse, and I draw on this clinical experience to guide my work. You don’t need to be a nursing student to work with me, although nursing students are encouraged to apply if interested. Students pursuing any discipline with interest working with children/adolescents in their future careers would be a strong fit for working with me.

Link to Publications

https://idhi.fsu.edu/
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