UROP Project
Building an Evidence-Based Framework for STEM Outreach in Title I Communities
Outreach, STEM research
Research Mentor: me09e@fsu.edu Malathy Elumalai,
Department, College, Affiliation: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, N/A
Contact Email: me09e@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, N/A
Contact Email: me09e@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: 1
Relevant Majors: Education, Psychology , Sociology, Public Health , Engineering, Biological Science, Physics , Chemistry
Project Location: 1800 E Paul Dirac Drive, Tallahassee, Florida- 32310.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Live Oak and Dogwood Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, 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: 1
Relevant Majors: Education, Psychology , Sociology, Public Health , Engineering, Biological Science, Physics , Chemistry
Project Location: 1800 E Paul Dirac Drive, Tallahassee, Florida- 32310.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Live Oak and Dogwood Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, 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
Community organizations, schools, universities, and student groups invest significant time in STEM outreach activities, but it is often unclear which approaches are most effective at engaging students and families. This project will study community-based STEM outreach programs in Tallahassee, including STEM nights, camp fairs, and hands-on STEM activities, with a focus on understanding what attracts and engages K–12 students, particularly those from underserved communities.Undergraduate researchers will actively participate in outreach events by leading STEM activities, interacting with K–12 students and families, and helping organize hands-on learning experiences. While supporting these activities, students will also collect and analyze data on participation, engagement, and parent involvement. The goal is to develop practical tools for evaluating STEM outreach and identifying effective approaches that can be used by schools, community organizations, and student groups. Students will gain experience in STEM outreach, research methods, science communication, and community engagement.
Research Tasks: Lead hands-on STEM activities for K–12 students and families at community outreach events.
Collect data through observations, brief surveys, and activity tracking.
Analyze student and family engagement in STEM activities.
Organize and summarize research data using quantitative and qualitative methods.
Present findings through research posters, reports, and presentations.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Strong communication skills.
Interest in STEM education and outreach.
Ability to work with children and families.
Attention to detail and reliability.
Willingness to learn basic research and data analysis methods.
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe that meaningful STEM outreach goes beyond sharing information about science. It is about creating experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students see themselves as future scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, and innovators. My goal is to mentor undergraduate students to become effective STEM ambassadors who can communicate scientific concepts in ways that are engaging, accessible, and relevant to K-12 students and their families. Through participation in community outreach activities, students will develop both technical and interpersonal skills while making a positive impact in underserved communities.As a mentor, I encourage students to take ownership of outreach activities while providing guidance and support throughout the process. Undergraduate researchers will gain experience in planning and leading STEM activities, interacting with diverse audiences, collecting and analyzing data, and reflecting on ways to improve community engagement. I hope students leave the project with stronger communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, as well as an appreciation for the role that outreach and service play in broadening participation in STEM. Success for me is seeing students grow into confident leaders who can effectively connect science with the communities they serve.