UROP Project
Development and Pilot Testing of CARE-LINK: A Web-Based Intervention to Enhance Detection and Bridge Care for Family Caregiver Depression
AI based Intervention, Digital Health, Depression, Mental Health, Caregivers
Research Mentor: Dr Hye Jin Park,
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Nursing
Contact Email: hpark5@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Nursing
Contact Email: hpark5@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: Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 hours, 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: 3
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 hours, 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
This project addresses the caregiver depression crisis—affecting up to 70% of providers—by synthesizing existing digital health research and engineering personalized AI-driven interventions. In addition, the project will develope AI-based, tailored interventions designed to provide personalized support and mitigate caregiver depression.Research Tasks: You will involve conducting a systematic literature review on the efficacy of digital health solutions for managing caregiver depression.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Demonstrated proficiency in navigating multi-disciplinary databases—including PubMed, IEEE Xplore, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library—to extract high-quality clinical and technical evidence.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is built on the belief that professional mastery emerges from the intersection of technical rigor and psychological safety. In the interdisciplinary field of digital health, I view my role as a facilitator of independence, ensuring mentees move from guided support to confident ownership of their work.I begin by identifying each mentee’s unique goals and motivators, tailoring my approach to their specific talents. Our relationship is grounded in mutual respect and an interactive learning environment where I share my own experiences while encouraging mentees to challenge existing ideas. By promoting learning through inquiry, I guide them to discover solutions independently, fostering a sense of accountability and deep project ownership.
Crucial to my approach is creating a safe environment where failure is viewed as a necessary step for growth. In the complex world of AI development, setbacks are data points; I encourage mentees to embrace these challenges to evaluate and refine their understanding. I strive to balance a strong belief in their potential with actionable experience, helping them navigate the complexities of research while building the resilience needed to tackle societal crises like caregiver depression. Ultimately, my goal is to empower mentees to become ethical, innovative leaders who are as empathetic as they are technically proficient.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
***Exploring the Role of Religious Expression in Parent-Child Relationships in Families
Religion; Families; Qualitative
Research Mentor: Tyler Hall, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Human Development and Family Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: tjh23@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Human Development and Family Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: tjh23@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: 6-8, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
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: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6-8, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Friday, September 4
Start Time: 6:00
End Time: 6:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92326771138 - Day: Thursday, September 3
Start Time: 7:00
End Time: 7:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92326771138 - Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 6:00
End Time: 6:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92326771138
Project Description
My study is a qualitative study on religion in families. This project will be using and analyzing a large databank of interview transcripts with religious families to determine how shared religious values impact parent-child relationships.Research Tasks: I have already written most of the literature review, but assistants may help with some portions of it. The research assistant tasks would be primarily related to data analysis: coding interviews, synthesizing overall themes from the interviews, and writing out a final summary of our findings.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Ability to read through and analyze long passages of text. The main task we will have as a research team is reading through many hours worth of interviews to identify common themes that show up between all the interviews.
Required: Access to a computer and internet.
Required: Ability to work and collaborate with a small team.
Required: Ability to learn a new computer program (we will be using an interview analysis program designed for qualitative research).
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe mentoring is, first and foremost, about the person. It goes beyond just teaching skills or techniques (though that is important); it is characterized by an investment in the mentee’s life and well-being. I’ve been very lucky to have had warm and supportive mentors in my life – both in my professional training as a therapist, as well as in my education as a researcher. For me, the best mentors were the ones who would not only teach me, but ask about my life, my concerns, and so on. As is often said, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.My mentoring style is typically characterized by warmth and positivity, but with clear directness when it comes to feedback. I want those I mentor to feel supported while they learn and grow professionally. Growth requires feedback, but that feedback can be hard to implement if it’s vague and sugarcoated, or conversely, if it’s harsh and overly critical. As such, my mentees can expect feedback that is clear, direct, and kind.
As a mentor, I expect my mentees to be responsible, timely, and honest. This is especially important in a research capacity, where dishonesty or corner-cutting is unethical, and has significant consequences for both the researchers and the public. If it is discovered that mentees are lying or being dishonest in any way, the mentee-mentor relationship will not be able to continue, and other measures may need to be taken.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
Tracking Preschool Narrative Development
early childhood, narrative development, longitudinal study
Research Mentor: Yarui Chen,
Department, College, Affiliation: Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: yc24m@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: yc24m@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: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
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: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Early childhood narrative skills have been widely studies and predict later literacy skills and academic achievement. Despite this, few study has traced the narrative competence trajectories at preschool age over time. Therefore, the present study aim to investigate the development of preschool children’s narrative competences, both macrostructure and microstructure skills, in children with and without language delay. The study specifically explore developmental trajectories and groups different in narrative skills over time.Research Tasks: Data coding
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Mentoring Philosophy
Every mentee is different. Grounded in educational psychology, my philosophy centers on motivation–action pairing: I begin by understanding each mentee’s needs, motivations, and context, then we co-design roles and milestones. I move mentees from scaffolded practice to independent stewardship by calibrating support and challenge so they can work at the edge of their competence as it grows. I practice culturally responsive, inclusive mentoring, recognizing how background, identity, and lived experience shape aspirations and needs. As an international scholar studying children’s language development, I attend closely to linguistic, cultural, and institutional contexts. Using a flexible, customized approach, I adapt strategies to honor and leverage this diversity, ensuring each mentee feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.Moreover, I view mentorship as a reciprocal learning dialogue. I share my own reasoning and experiences openly and invite critique to model curiosity and reflective practices. Through open communication and constructive feedback, I aim to create a safe and respectful space where challenges are shared, ideas are refined, and growth is continuous. Feedback is not one-directional but a collaborative process that supports critical thinking, reflection, and professional identity development.
My ultimate goal as a mentor is to empower mentees to build their research aligns with their interest, strengthen their critical-thinking skills, and develop into confident, ethical and independent scholars or educators prepared for careers in education.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
HealthMpowerment Media Lab: Turning Health Information Into Digital Experiences
Health communication, global health, creative storytelling, digital platform, youth empowerment
Research Mentor: Ms. Aimee Rochelle, She/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: IDHI, Nursing
Contact Email: arochelle@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ms. Aijha Phillips She/her/hers
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: aphillips5@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: IDHI, Nursing
Contact Email: arochelle@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ms. Aijha Phillips She/her/hers
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: aphillips5@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Public Health, Nursing, Communications, Multimedia Journalism, Digital Media or Media Studies, Film, Video Production, Marketing, UX Design, Writing or Human Centered Design, Creative Writing
Project Location: Remote
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Public Health, Nursing, Communications, Multimedia Journalism, Digital Media or Media Studies, Film, Video Production, Marketing, UX Design, Writing or Human Centered Design, Creative Writing
Project Location: Remote
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
In this project, students will creatively transform text-based health content in a mobile health research app into videos, audio, visuals, stories, and interactive activities to be used by real study participants.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. HealthMpowerment (HMP) is a mobile health research platform created by Lisa Hightow-Weidman (Director of the Institute) that provides health and wellness information, resources and tools through a smartphone app. The platform is adapted for different populations and health issues around the globe, with content on topics such as physical and mental health, relationships, identity, sexual health, stress, nutrition, education, careers, advocacy, and other life skills.
This project is open to undergraduate or graduate students who are interested in both public health and creative media. The students will help adapt existing HealthMpowerment text-based content into new formats such as short videos, audio clips or podcast‑style pieces, visual explainers, or interactive activities. They may also help develop new content ideas as part of this work. The focus is not on marketing or promotion, but on improving how health information is experienced and understood within the app, making it clearer, more engaging, and easier for users to interact with in meaningful ways.
Some weeks will lean more heavily on creative work like drafting scripts, outlining a video concept, or reworking how a topic is presented across different formats. Other weeks will include more routine but necessary tasks such as formatting content, uploading it into the app’s content management system, and doing quality checks to make sure everything is clear, appropriate, and ready for users.
UROP students mentored by IDHI faculty and staff 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. 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: • Review existing HealthMpowerment content including articles, activities, and discussion prompts to understand the platform and audience
• Help identify content that could be strengthened or refreshed through new formats such as video, audio, visual explainers, or interactive activities
• Adapt existing written content into new, more engaging formats while maintaining accuracy and appropriate tone
• Brainstorm and propose new content ideas that align with public health goals and user needs
• Draft scripts, outlines, storyboards, or activity concepts for new or adapted content
• Tailor content for different age groups such as youth, adults, and older populations by adjusting tone, format, and pacing
• Assist with basic content production tasks as appropriate, such as recording audio, editing short videos, or creating simple visuals
• Upload, format, and organize content within the HealthMpowerment platform’s content management system
• Conduct quality checks to ensure content is clear, accessible, and ready for users
• Collaborate with the HealthMpowerment team through regular check ins and feedback cycles
• Balance creative work with routine but important operational tasks required to keep the platform updated
• On camera appearance is not required. The focus is on scripting, editing, and production using voice over, visuals, animation, or AI generated assets
• Students may use tools they already know. Licenses for advanced software can be provided if needed
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: This is a good fit for a student who likes creative work but is also comfortable with detail‑oriented follow‑through. The student should be curious about how health information is communicated through digital tools and apps, who enjoys thinking in new and creative ways about how content can be presented, and who is motivated by the opportunity to create content that is used by real people outside of a classroom setting.
Required skills
(Not all skills need to be fully developed at the start)
• Interest in public health, health communication, digital media, or related topics
• Strong written communication skills and comfort rewriting or adapting content
• Ability to think creatively about how information can be presented in different formats
• Some prior experience with video, audio, or multimedia creation
• Familiarity with tools like Canva, simple video editors, audio recording tools, or similar software
• Comfortable with basic video and audio editing and adding captions or subtitles using tools such as iMovie, Clipchamp, CapCut, Canva, Audacity, GarageBand, Descript, or similar
• Comfort working independently and managing small tasks with guidance
• Attention to detail, especially when formatting or uploading content
• Willingness to do both creative and routine work as part of a real product workflow
• Basic organizational skills and reliability with weekly time commitments
• Openness to feedback and iteration on content
Recommended or nice-to-have skills
• Interest in writing scripts, storytelling, or narrative based content
• Awareness of how content needs differ for youth versus adult audiences
• Experience using or thinking critically about apps, social media, or digital products
• Basic understanding of accessibility, inclusive language, or human-centered design
• Experience balancing creative thinking with structured or detail oriented tasks
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring approach is grounded in collaboration, trust, and initiative. I work with students as collaborators rather than traditional direct reports, giving them real ownership over their content work while being available for guidance and questions. I value students who are willing to run with assignments, try things out, and take responsibility for their work, and I try to match tasks to each student’s strengths so they can grow skills that feel useful and relevant.I aim to create a supportive, approachable environment where asking questions and sharing draft work is encouraged. Early on, especially for undergraduates, I provide more structure and hands-on guidance, then gradually step back as confidence and independence grow. Iteration and revision are a normal part of creative work, and feedback is meant to support learning, not perfection. My goal is for students to leave this project with practical experience, confidence in their skills, and content they are genuinely proud to have worked on.
Additional Information
https://idhi.fsu.edu/Link to Publications
https://healthmpowerment.org/The History of FSU and the Seminole Tribe
History, Native American, University, Tallahassee
Research Mentor: Dr. Andrew K. Frank, he/him/his
Department, College, Affiliation: Native American and Indigenous Studies Center and Department of History, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: afrank@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Native American and Indigenous Studies Center and Department of History, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: afrank@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: 5
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, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 5
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, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Thursday, September 3
Start Time: 1:30
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/akfrank
Project Description
This UROP project will explore how the relationship between Florida State University and the Seminole Tribe of Florida developed in the 1970s. When FSU first chose the name Seminole, it did so without consulting the Florida Seminoles. Today, the university and tribe have a partnership and friendship that is quite different and reflects decades of conversations and subtle and not-so-subtle changes. This project focuses on the 1970s, a time when the Red Power movement and changing mores in the US convinced many universities to move away from their use of Indigenous names. Florida State was different. During the 1970s, FSU leaned into the use of the Seminole name. It introduced of the Osceola/Renegade tradition, included Tribe members at various public events, and abandoned the use of headdresses in the homecoming court. Student researchers will look closer at these relatively well-known events and/or other more under-explored moments in order to rewrite this history. In particular, students will explore the role that the Seminole Tribe had in the transformation. In the process, students will grapple with issues related to tribal sovereignty and cultural appropriation.Research Tasks: original archival research, historical writing, and historical analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: required: strong writing skills; recommended: some independent research experience in any field
Mentoring Philosophy
My goal as a mentor is to teach early career researchers to draw upon their interests and expertise, follow the sources to wherever they lead, explore the unexpected, and ultimately develop original and thoughtful insights. Each student will be provided with a general framework of the history of FSU and the Seminoles (the conventional wisdom) so that they can begin their work, but this framework is simply a way of helping students ask their first and often overly-broad set of questions from an equally broad range of sources. Rather than starting with a specific topic that I chose, I hope that students find their topics in an open ended and organic way. I want my students to learn how to pivot when they face roadblocks, find alternate paths to discover sources that are often hidden, and to allow the sources themselves to reframe the questions that are posed.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Children's Engagement in Domestic Violence Research: A Scoping Review
Domestic violence, children and adolescents, child welfare, social work, research ethics, vulnerable populations, trauma, qualitative research, quantitative research, scoping review, methodology, safeguarding, informed consent
Research Mentor: Oluwaseun Jegede, She/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW), Florida State University, College of Social Work, Social Work
Contact Email: ojegede@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW), Florida State University, College of Social Work, Social Work
Contact Email: ojegede@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.
Students with backgrounds in Public Health, Social Work, Law, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Human Development and Family Science, or related fields are especially encouraged to apply.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors.
Students with backgrounds in Public Health, Social Work, Law, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Human Development and Family Science, or related fields are especially encouraged to apply.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 1:30
End Time: 5:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97778651131 - Day: Friday, September 4
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 3:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97778651131 - Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 4:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97778651131
Project Description
This project is a rigorous scoping review that examines how children are engaged as participants in domestic violence research. The study focuses on empirical work conducted in the United States and systematically analyzes how researchers recruit, consent, and safeguard children within studies on domestic violence. Particular attention is given to ethical procedures, including assent and consent processes, protections for children’s emotional well-being, and the ways researchers manage risk before, during, and after participation. The project is conducted in collaboration with FSU university librarians and a faculty supervisor, and it follows a structured, transparent review process to identify patterns, gaps, and best practices in the field.Students who join this project will gain meaningful exposure to the foundations of research. They will learn how to search and identify high-quality academic studies, critically read and evaluate empirical work, and understand the ethical and methodological decisions that shape research involving vulnerable populations. This experience is especially valuable for students considering graduate school or careers in research, public health, social work, law, or related fields. Students will develop confidence in engaging with scholarly literature, contribute to a real and ongoing research project, and build skills that extend beyond the classroom into professional and academic pathways.
Research Tasks: Conduct structured literature searches in collaboration with librarians
Screen and select relevant empirical articles based on study criteria
Read and extract key information from selected studies
Support data organization and management (e.g., coding tables, tracking decisions)
Contribute to identifying patterns in research methods and ethical practices
Participate in team discussions on study selection and interpretation
Assist with summarizing findings and drafting sections of the review
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Strong attention to detail
Basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, or similar tools)
Ability to read and engage with academic articles
Organization and time management skills
Willingness to learn and ask questions
Clear communication skills
Interest in research, domestic violence, or child welfare (recommended, not required)
Mentoring Philosophy
I center my mentoring on identifying mentees’ goals, strengthening their existing capacities, and fostering ownership of their work. I begin by understanding each mentee’s interests, motivations, and long-term goals. This process allows us to co-develop a structured and meaningful plan that aligns with both their aspirations and the demands of research and professional development.I approach mentees as individuals who already possess strengths and emerging talents. My role is to recognize these capacities, refine them, and extend them through intentional guidance. I work with mentees to identify what they do well, where they seek growth, and how those areas can be strengthened through deliberate practice, feedback, and exposure to research processes.
I also prioritize ownership and accountability. I encourage mentees to take responsibility for their work, decisions, and development. This ownership builds confidence, independence, and scholarly identity. I support this process by creating a structured yet flexible environment, where mentees are challenged, supported, and connected to broader academic and professional networks within Florida State University.
Additional Information
I bring an interdisciplinary and international perspective to mentoring, grounded in both practice and research. I am a trained mental health counselor, registered psychologist, and social worker, with a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees in social work and psychology, completed across the United Kingdom and multiple European contexts. My training spans diverse systems in Europe, Africa, and the United States, which allows me to effectively support students from varied cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds. I am currently a PhD student and a graduate research assistant at the Florida Institute for Child Welfare, where I engage in applied and policy-relevant research. Students who work with me will gain exposure not only to this project but also to broader research environments, collaborative work, and the practical realities of research that informs child welfare and mental health systems.I mentor with both structure and flexibility. While this project focuses on a scoping review of children’s engagement in domestic violence research, I support students in developing their own research interests alongside the project. Students who wish to pursue independent ideas, including empirical studies or secondary data analysis, will be guided in shaping and advancing those projects. I provide support in research design, academic writing, and quantitative analysis, including the use of SPSS and other statistical tools. I believe this approach allows students to build technical competence while also developing ownership of their work. I am particularly interested in students from social sciences and health-related fields, as this creates a strong foundation for collaboration, but I remain open to motivated students from all backgrounds who are ready to engage, learn, and grow.
Link to Publications
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Oluwaseun-Jegede?ev=hdr_xprfUndergraduate Introduction to Experimental Economics Research
Economics, Experiments
Research Mentor: Prof. Mark Isaac,
Department, College, Affiliation: Economics, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: misaac@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Prof. Tony Kwasnica
Faculty Collaborators Email: amk23p@fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Economics, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: misaac@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Prof. Tony Kwasnica
Faculty Collaborators Email: amk23p@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Economics, Computer Science, Philosophy
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Economics, Computer Science, Philosophy
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
The student will learn the methodological underpinnings of experimental economics research and the principles of human subjects protection. The student will develop a poster exploring the potential for new research in an are of interest to the student. Depending upon the total number of successful applicants and their individual strengths, they will assist the wider experimental social sciences laboratory by among the following: recruitment of subjects, helping in the logistics of an important June 2027 conference on social dilemmas, or helping to update lab-adjacent web pages.Research Tasks: Certification in human subjects protection, recruitment of subjects, literature reviews, website improvement, logistical assistance in conference planning.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Ability to think logically (required); webpage development skills (recommended but not required for all successful applicants).
Mentoring Philosophy
Last year I had four UROP students. On the one hand, I expected them to work cooperatively with other UROP students in general lab support projects (subject recruitment, assistance in lab presentations, etc.). On the other hand, I expected them to work with me to understand the methodology of experimental economics and to develop a project of their own based upon extensive literature reviews plus critical thinking and mentoring with me. IN addition, we are anticipating this year that we may have a bi-monthly colloquim for all of the lab UROP students.Additional Information
Link to Publications
myweb.fsu.edu/misaacExpression and Characterization of Recombinant Human Immunity-Related GTPase M (IRGM)
Host-Pathogen Interactions; Antimicrobial; Innate Immunity; Recombinant Protein; GTPase
Research Mentor: Taiwo Scholes Adewole, he/his/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: tsa23@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: tsa23@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: Biology
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10 hours a week, 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: Biology
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10 hours a week, 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
Expression and Characterization of Recombinant Human Immunity-Related GTPase M (IRGM)Background
Human immunity-related GTPase M (IRGM) is a key regulator of innate immunity, linking autophagy, inflammation, and cellular homeostasis(Goswami et al., 2022; Singh et al., 2006). This interferon-inducible dynamin-like GTPase has garnered interest for its multifunctional role in controlling immune responses, tumorigenesis, and host-pathogen interactions, and its deficiency is associated with multiple inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (Chauhan et al., 2015; Tan et al., 2021; Xia et al., 2016). It serves as a molecular regulator orchestrating autophagic processes that clear intracellular pathogens and regulate inflammation, which emphasizes its importance in defending against infectious diseases and maintaining immune balance (Dockterman & Coers, 2022). Originally characterized for its mitochondrial localization and affinity, IRGM has more recently been implicated in viral infection. Studies indicate that it facilitates autophagy associated with Golgi fragmentation induced by the Hepatitis C virus, highlighting its role in viral pathogenesis and in the remodeling of host intracellular membranes (Hansen et al., 2017; Singh et al., 2010).
Understanding IRGM’s biochemical properties through recombinant expression and subsequent functional studies will illuminate its largely undefined mechanisms in human immunity and disease. Using a bacterial expression system, this project aims to produce recombinant human IRGM, purify, and characterize the recombinant IRGM protein, giving students exposure to modern molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques.
Objectives
The project focuses on transforming plasmids carrying the IRGM gene into Escherichia coli, optimizing bacterial growth and protein induction, purifying the expressed recombinant protein, and, conditions permitting, applying fundamental biochemical assays to assess its activity. This work will train students in essential laboratory techniques relevant to biomedical research.
Methodology
1. Plasmid Transformation: Competent E. coli cells will be transformed with plasmids encoding human IRGM. The standard heat shock method will be used for optimized gene delivery.
2. Cell Growth and Protein Induction: Transformed colonies will be selected and expanded through standard bacterial culture techniques. Optimization of growth conditions will be used to ensure efficient cell proliferation prior to protein expression. Protein expressions will be induced with Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) under the control of a bacterial T7 promoter.
3. Protein Purification: Following induction, cells will be harvested and lysed to release intracellular proteins. Recombinant IRGM will then be purified using affinity chromatography, such as nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) purification for His-tagged constructs. Additional purification steps, including size-exclusion chromatography, may be employed to enhance protein purity. Protein quality will be assessed using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).
4. Biochemical Characterization (optional): If time permits, students will conduct basic biochemical assays to characterize IRGM function. These may include GTP-binding or hydrolysis assays, as well as preliminary studies of protein stability, oligomerization, and membrane-binding. Such analyses will provide foundational insights into the enzymatic and structural properties of IRGM, contributing to a deeper understanding of its role in immunity.
Learning Outcomes
By completing this project, students will:
• Master essential molecular biology techniques, including plasmid transformation and bacterial culture.
• Develop skills in recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Learn to analyze protein purity by SDS-PAGE.
• Gain introductory experience in biochemical assays to characterize protein function.
• Enhance problem-solving, experimental design, and critical thinking applicable to immunology and protein biochemistry research.
This hands-on training offers comprehensive experience at the intersection of molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry, preparing students for advanced research in disease-related protein function.
References
Chauhan, S., Mandell, M., cell, V. D.-M., & 2015, undefined. (2015). IRGM governs the core autophagy machinery to conduct antimicrobial defense. Cell.ComS Chauhan, MA Mandell, V DereticMolecular Cell, 2015•cell.Com. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2015.03.020
Dockterman, J., & Coers, J. (2022). How did we get here? Insights into mechanisms of immunity-related GTPase targeting to intracellular pathogens. Current Opinion in Microbiology, 69, 102189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mib.2022.102189
Goswami, A. B., Karadarević, D., & Castaño-Rodríguez, N. (2022). Immunity-related GTPase IRGM at the intersection of autophagy, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. Inflammation Research, 71(7–8), 785–795. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-022-01595-x
Hansen, M. D., Johnsen, I. B., Stiberg, K. A., Sherstova, T., Wakita, T., Richard, G. M., Kandasamy, R. K., Meurs, E. F., & Anthonsen, M. W. (2017). Hepatitis C virus triggers Golgi fragmentation and autophagy through the immunity-related GTPase M. Pnas.OrgMD Hansen, IB Johnsen, KA Stiberg, T Sherstova, T Wakita, GM Richard, RK KandasamyProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2017•pnas.Org, 114(17), E3462–E3471. https://doi.org/10.1073/PNAS.1616683114
Singh, S. B., Davis, A. S., Taylor, G. A., & Deretic, V. (2006). Human IRGM Induces Autophagy to Eliminate Intracellular Mycobacteria. Science, 313(5792), 1438–1441. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1129577
Singh, S. B., Ornatowski, W., Vergne, I., Naylor, J., Delgado, M., Roberts, E., Ponpuak, M., Master, S., Pilli, M., White, E., Komatsu, M., & Deretic, V. (2010). Human IRGM regulates autophagy and cell-autonomous immunity functions through mitochondria. Nature Cell Biology, 12(12), 1154–1165. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb2119
Tan, Y. Q., Wang, F., Ma, R. J., Zhang, J., & Zhou, G. (2021). Interferon-γ activated T-cell IRGM–autophagy axis in oral lichen planus. International Immunopharmacology, 94, 107478. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.INTIMP.2021.107478
Xia, Q., Wang, M., Yang, X., Li, X., Zhang, X., Xu, S., Shuai, Z., Xu, J., Fan, D., Ding, C., & Pan, F. (2016). Autophagy-related IRGM genes confer susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis in a Chinese female population: a case–control study. Genes & Immunity 2017 18:1, 18(1), 42–47. https://doi.org/10.1038/gene.2016.48
Research Tasks: 1. Prepare and handle competent E. coli cells for plasmid transformation
2. Perform plasmid transformation using heat shock and plate transformed cells
3. Select colonies and maintain bacterial cultures under appropriate antibiotic conditions
4. Monitor bacterial growth and optimize culture conditions (temperature, time, media)
5. Induce recombinant IRGM protein expression using IPTG
6. Harvest bacterial cells and perform cell lysis to extract proteins
7. Carry out affinity purification (e.g., His-tag/Ni-NTA chromatography)
8. Perform additional purification steps if needed (e.g., size-exclusion chromatography)
9. Prepare and run SDS-PAGE gels to assess protein expression and purity
10. Calculate concentrations, prepare buffers, and perform solution dilutions
11. Record experimental procedures and results in a lab notebook
12. Assist in basic biochemical assays (e.g., GTP-binding or hydrolysis, if applicable)
13. Help troubleshoot issues in expression or purification (low yield, contamination, etc.)
14. Maintain lab cleanliness, organize materials, and follow safety protocols
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required
1. Basic laboratory skills: safe handling of reagents, pipetting, measuring volumes, following protocols
2. Attention to detail: accurate measurements, careful observation, minimizing contamination
3. Data recording and organization: maintaining clear lab notes, documenting procedures and results
4. Basic quantitative skills: simple calculations (concentrations, dilutions, yields)
5. Lab safety awareness: proper use of PPE, understanding safety guidelines and waste disposal
6. Willingness to learn technical methods: protein expression, purification, gel electrophoresis
Recommended
7. Understanding of core biology concepts: cell structure, DNA/RNA, proteins, gene expression
8. Introductory chemistry knowledge: solutions, buffers, pH, molecular interactions
9. Microbiology fundamentals: aseptic technique, bacterial growth, culture handling
10. Critical thinking: interpreting results, troubleshooting experimental issues
11. Time management: planning experiments, meeting lab schedules and deadlines
12. Teamwork and communication: collaborating with peers, reporting findings clearly
Mentoring Philosophy
1. Emphasize learning through hands-on practice, allowing students to build confidence by actively performing experimental techniques.2. Foster a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, and mistakes are treated as opportunities for growth and understanding.
3. Prioritize strong foundational knowledge while gradually introducing advanced concepts relevant to ongoing research.
4. Promote critical thinking by guiding students to interpret their own data and propose explanations rather than providing immediate answers.
5. Encourage independence by progressively giving students ownership of tasks and decision-making in experiments.
6. Model scientific integrity through accurate data recording, honest reporting, and adherence to ethical research practices.
7. Adapt mentoring approaches to individual learning styles, backgrounds, and pacing needs.
8. Reinforce the importance of organization and consistency in maintaining lab notebooks and following protocols.
9. Cultivate collaboration and communication skills through teamwork, discussions, and presentation of results.
10. Connect laboratory work to broader scientific questions and real-world applications to sustain motivation and curiosity
11. Identifying mentee’s goal
12. Developing a relationship founded on mutual respect
13. Giving mentees ownership pf their work and promoting accountability
14. Creating an interactive environment for learning
15. Encouraging growth through challenge
16. Creating a safe environment in which mentees feel that is acceptable to fail and learn from their mistakes
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://www.bio.fsu.edu/faculty.php?faculty-id=yinUsing AI to accelerate multiphase flow predictions
Multiphase flows, artificial intelligence, deforming boundary problems
Research Mentor: Mark Sussman,
Department, College, Affiliation: Mathematics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: msussman@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Mathematics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: msussman@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: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7.5, 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: open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7.5, 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
Multiphase flows, and multiphase flow simulations have many applications: nuclear power (cooling), fuel tanks in rockets, atomization and spray in internal compbustion engines (e.g. rotating detonation engine), arc-dwelling phenomena in electric engines, phase change in heat management devices, gas hydrates for fuel, structure fatigue and breakdown in hypersonic vehicles, shock wave lithotripsy, flash boiling atomization, raceway pond for biodiesel production, gear lubrication breakdown (geared turbofan), hurricane and tornado dynamics, etc.At the same time, anything that can accelerate the simulation process is a good thing; this project addresses the use of Artificial Intelligence for achieving some kind of speed up.
Research Tasks: The research tasks involve computer programming, mathematics (e.g. statistics, linear algebra, differential equations, calculus), and writing (e.g. the poster). I have no problem assuming that the student starts at level "zero" in any of these topics. In other words, the research tasks depend on the student background and all students are different.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: The research tasks involve computer progamming, mathematics, and writing. That being said, I have no prerequisites and the goal is to tailor the projects' activities as close to the students' individual objectives as possible.
Mentoring Philosophy
"creating a safe environment in which mentees feel that it is acceptable to fail and learn from their mistakes"Personally, I consider it a victory when I learn what not to do, and I have taken many bad paths along the way.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8238-4295The Pitted Floor: Comparative Analysis of Gig Workers Under Algorithmic Control
Labor, Precarity, Technology, Emotions, Inequality
Research Mentor: Bennett S. LaBree, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Sociology, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: bsl25b@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Sociology, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: bsl25b@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, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
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, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Friday, September 4
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 1:00
Zoom Link: VIDEO RECORDING https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/2k_qrRDOvSwaFGKlarPwYgH6I49vPauZl6805BuhHIlmiViVKvELQJAzetPC3JZ0.FrUBHt25LSpF1ahY?startTime=1788539083000
Project Description
This project evaluates how different types of gig workers, rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and food delivery (DoorDash, UberEats, etc.), internalize their experiences and adapt their behavior to the technological algorithms which mediate their working relationship to clients. Their status and evaluation is instantaneous and done without human input, solely based on data collected through client rating and logistic/efficiency metrics. This project studies how socially mediated feedback, and its level of importance/intensity in different positions, changes the worker relationship and resistance practices. We will also include discussions of driver safety, gendered experiences, and racial inequities among respondents.Research Tasks: - Learn how to conduct qualitative coding and interview transcript evaluation
- Small scale literature review
- Potential for conducting interview data collection if other tasks completed well
- Attend meetings every week or two (determined by size of current task)
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: - Basic understanding of Google Suite Applications (Google Sheets, Docs, etc)
- Ability to be detail-oriented and learn the setup of the study
- Ability to synthesize and analyze information
- Good communication about your own level of understanding and ability (you don't need to become an expert to help on this project!)