UROP Project
Project Title: Bridging the Gap: A Qualitative Analysis of Perceived Risk Needs and Targeted Reintegration Strategies for Juvenile Offenders in the US and the Caribbean.
Juvenile Offenders, Recidivism, Qualitative
Research Mentor: Shanel Stephens, Ms. She/ Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Science, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: SPS25A@FSU.EDU
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Science, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: SPS25A@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: Criminal Justice, Social work or counseling field is preferable.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 hrs. Weekly, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Criminal Justice, Social work or counseling field is preferable.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 hrs. Weekly, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
To map and analyze the perceived risk-related needs of juvenile offenders transitioning from correctional facilities into the wider community and to gain insight into their lived experiences. The aim is to conduct qualitative, semi-structured interviews with juvenile offenders (ages 12-18) from the US and the Caribbean region (specifically focusing on sites with high disproportionality). We will focus on their personal perspectives on the drivers of their recidivism, including family dynamics, school disengagement, community violence, peer pressure, and lack of other support services.Research Tasks: Mainly data collection, data analysis, supporting tasks concerning IRB Submission.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Data Entry: Typing with minimal errors.
Organization: Keep files neat and safe.
Attention to Detail: Follow exact study rules.
Basic Ethics: Know participant privacy rules.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring approach centers on a strong partnership built on mutual respect, honesty, and integrity. I set an example by leading proactively and supporting my mentee through each challenge, fostering mutual development and trust. This active engagement creates a safe environment where vulnerability becomes an opportunity for learning, and failures become steps toward growth. By understanding their individual goals, I customize my advice to help them reach their full potential and build lasting professional confidence.Core Pillars:
• Mutual Trust: Clear communication keeps our relationship honest and transparent.
• Shared Growth: We grow together by learning from each success and setback.
• Actionable Insight: Practical tips turn ideas into real, tangible results.
Ultimately, I treat others the way I want to be treated, recognizing that this is a learning process in which I am also involved. I feel privileged to support and mentor someone at a different stage in their life.