UROP Project

Examining how changes in the gut microbiome impact cardiometabolic health & wellbeing

nutrition; gut microbiome; inflammation; clinical; health; metabolism

Research Mentor: Kingston Wong,
Department, College, Affiliation: Health, nutrition, and food sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: kw26bc@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
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-7, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

• Day: Monday, August 31
  Start Time: 4:00
  End Time: 6:00
  Zoom Link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/9338763864?pwd=UkFQYTd4bUs2MWp5dTBmMGlPbUJzQT09
• Day: Tuesday, September 1
  Start Time: 4:00
  End Time: 6:00
  Zoom Link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/9338763864?pwd=UkFQYTd4bUs2MWp5dTBmMGlPbUJzQT09
• Day: Wednesday, September 2
  Start Time: 4:00
  End Time: 6:00
  Zoom Link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/9338763864?pwd=UkFQYTd4bUs2MWp5dTBmMGlPbUJzQT09
• Day: Friday, September 4
  Start Time: 3:00
  End Time: 5:00
  Zoom Link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/9338763864?pwd=UkFQYTd4bUs2MWp5dTBmMGlPbUJzQT09

Project Description

Our lab conducts clinical and preclinical studies examining the impact of altering the gut microbiome, either through specific foods (Almonds, nuts, lentils), or dietary patterns (Mediterranean) on whole body health including cardiometabolic health and emotional and cognitive wellbeing. As a UROP student, you will have the opportunity to assist with ongoing clinical studies or develop a small project of your own interest under guidance. You will gain hands on experience with gathering and assessing data from the community, and microbiome based research methods that may impact future nutrition recommendations. This position is ideal for students who are curious about nutrition, health sciences, and neurosciences research.

Research Tasks: 1. Study participant intake, administering questionnaires, collecting data throughout participant visit.
2. Developing a novel data collection method for study measures using an Ipad/tablet.
3. In-person assessments and measurements: including anthropometric measures (height, weight, hip circumference, body composition), assist in blood draw, stool and saliva collection.
4. Wet-lab tasks: Aliquoting and storing biological samples. Assisting in basic microbiome sample preparation and DNA extraction.
5. Data management and analysis: Entering and cleaning human subject data. Acquiring basic microbiome data interpretation.


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: All the skills required for performing the research tasks can and will be taught. However, we are looking for students who possess some of the following qualities.
1. Willingness to learn and take initiative: UROP is a learning experience, so curiosity and a proactive mindset are critical.
2. Professionalism and confidentiality: This study involves handling of sensitive datasets.
3. Time management and reliability: We would like students to show up on time and be proactive in communicating if timelines change.
4. Collaborating with other UROP students and other lab members involved in the project is highly preferred and will enhance the overall experience of everyone involved in the project.