UROP Project
AI Agents (Agentic AI), Ocean Search and Rescue (computer vision), AI Retrieval Augmented Generation
MLab, computer vision, AI Agents, RAG
Research Mentor: Dr. Jonathan Adams,
Department, College, Affiliation: Information, Communication and Information
Contact Email: jladams@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. Benhur Ravuri
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: bravuri@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators: Mr Odin Moja
Faculty Collaborators Email: omoja@fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Information, Communication and Information
Contact Email: jladams@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. Benhur Ravuri
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: bravuri@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators: Mr Odin Moja
Faculty Collaborators Email: omoja@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: We prefer students with some technical interest and ability or experience with coding or using a command line interface. Interest in computer systems, artificial intelligence, project planning and publishing basic research are the skills we develop in the MLab.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially 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:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: We prefer students with some technical interest and ability or experience with coding or using a command line interface. Interest in computer systems, artificial intelligence, project planning and publishing basic research are the skills we develop in the MLab.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially 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:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
The MLab has researched and developed techniques for generating synthetic media. Our research has explored various ways to create ‘deep-fakes’ of objects that are hard to photograph or more often, are not sufficient in number to train a computer vision model. The MLab can generate images, labeled and ready for training. If you decide to apply, and ultimately participate, there are a wide variety of opportunities to explore the use of synthetic media in AI training, or for projects that focus on object classification. Research also relies upon the development of AI Agents to complete some of our work, and as the topic of research..The lab hosts a variety of students (doctoral, master's and undergraduate) and because alumni of the MLab are welcome to continue working on research we also host some students who have decided to continue after UROP concludes. Interested students should understand that participating in the lab means you are a self-starter who works well in small groups of like-minded students, with graduate students and professors who can assist you with your chosen project.
Working knowledge of Python (or other language) programming language is preferred. One of the primary functions of the lab is to encourage research related to the use of Artificial Intelligence agents, and supporting students who desire to publish their works. Since the beginning of 2020, we have produced 8 student-led research papers that have been accepted by international conferences.
We are interested in coders, CS, Engineering, Statistics, and 3D artists who can model different subjects.
Research Tasks: Every student has the opportunity to plan a project of their choice. For example, MLab teams have written literature reviews, conducted technical studies with AI algorithms, conducted AI performance comparisons, and have sought to understand the relationship between AI tools and their impact on learning. We are looking for ideas as well, and are open to value-added ideas.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Experience with computer languages, statistics, math, demonstrable ability to learn programming.
Recommended: Communication skills, analytic skills, willingness to take chances.
Mentoring Philosophy
Teamwork and collaboration are fundamental to our lab's success. To illustrate this, consider the Peloton - a group of professional cyclists working in perfect coordination. In this fascinating display of teamwork, cyclists take turns leading the pack, each giving their maximum effort at the front until exhaustion sets in. When the lead rider tires, they fall back to the rear of the group, while another cyclist moves forward to take the lead position.The Peloton creates a wind vortex (draft) that benefits the entire group. As riders retreat from the lead position, they can recover while being pulled along by this draft, requiring minimal effort. This rotation continues, with each team member taking their turn at the front before falling back to recover.
This collaborative approach demonstrates why even the strongest individual cyclist cannot outperform a well-coordinated Peloton. Similarly, in the MLab, our strength lies in our collective effort. Each member contributes by alternating between leading projects and supporting others' initiatives, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaborative achievement.
As your mentor, I'm here to guide and support your journey. The MLab provides a safe environment where trial and error are not just accepted but expected. You're encouraged to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow through experience, knowing that guidance and assistance are always available.
Additional Information
Interviews are by appointment only. Pease use the following link to set up your time:https://calendly.com/jladams-fsu/urop-mlab-meetings-clone
Roundtable times and Zoom links All Zoom meetings use the following:
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92291767534
Monday (9/8) 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00
Wednesday (9/10) 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00
Friday (9/12) 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00
Link to Publications
https://mlab.create.fsu.edu/research/Neighborhood STEM Fair Project - connecting low-income community with free STEM enrichment programs
Education, Community Outreach, STEM education, Stem Education for All, Summer Camps
Research Mentor: Ilya Litvak, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: Magnet Lab, N/A
Contact Email: litvak@magnet.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Malathy Elumalai
Faculty Collaborators Email: melumalai@magnet.fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Magnet Lab, N/A
Contact Email: litvak@magnet.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Malathy Elumalai
Faculty Collaborators Email: melumalai@magnet.fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors. The following majors are especially encouraged to apply:
FSU Teach, FSU-Teach, Secondary Science or Mathematics Teaching,
Biochemistry, Biological Science, Biomathematics, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, Chemical Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering,
Environmental Science, Geology, Meteorology, Physical Science, Physics,
Medical Sciences, Nursing, Public Health, Social Work
Project Location: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Dogwood, Live Oak; Innovation Remote or In-person: Partially 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:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors. The following majors are especially encouraged to apply:
FSU Teach, FSU-Teach, Secondary Science or Mathematics Teaching,
Biochemistry, Biological Science, Biomathematics, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, Chemical Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering,
Environmental Science, Geology, Meteorology, Physical Science, Physics,
Medical Sciences, Nursing, Public Health, Social Work
Project Location: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Dogwood, Live Oak; Innovation Remote or In-person: Partially 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:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Neigborhood Camp Fair project aims to connect K-12 population from low-income areas of Tallahassee with free STEM education opportunities. Launched in 2018, the project has seenover 450 K-12 students attend our annual community events where public can find free or subsidized summer camp programs. 60-70% of attendees come from local Title I schools.
The intern will join our small team which organizes Neighborhood Camp Fair events.
This project is operated in collaboration with the Tallahassee Scientific Society.
Research Tasks: 1. Propose, implement, and evaluate strategies to engage with target community
2. Publicize the project and its benefits to local residents through social media, flyers, direct engagement, and other means
3. Publicize the project and its benefits to STEM program providers
4. Study the impact of the camp fairs on STEM awareness among K-12 students
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
1. Organizational skills
2. Presentation skills
3. Written and oral communication skills including writing articles, emails, making phone calls, etc.
It may significantly benefit the project if the applicant had exposure to challenges faced by target communities through their work- or volunteer-related, or personal experience.
Mentoring Philosophy
The Neighborhood Camp Fair project predominantly operates on volunteer power and intuition. Each participant is part of the team and contributes their best effort and best judgement.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://tallysci.wptallahassee.com/2025-share-your-story-video-grant-challenge/Improvements of the field quality for resistive and resistive-superconductive hybrid magnets
NMR, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Ultra-High Magnetic Field, Field Homogeneits, Passive shims
Research Mentor: Ilya Litvak,
Department, College, Affiliation: Magnet Lab, N/A
Contact Email: litvak@magnet.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Magnet Lab, N/A
Contact Email: litvak@magnet.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: Physical Sciences, Engineering, including but not limited to: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics,
Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Project Location: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Dogwood, Live Oak; Innovation Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Physical Sciences, Engineering, including but not limited to: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics,
Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Project Location: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Dogwood, Live Oak; Innovation Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory houses seven world-record magnets at its Tallahassee location. Some applications, such as NMR and MRI require high uniformity of the magnetic field across the sample, in addition to high field. A student with a strong interest in scientific instrumentation will work with a team at NHMFL to support and improve user operations. The student will help develop, build, and test various designs, and develop techniques to improve the field quality of the world record 36 tesla high-resolution magnet. The project will involve using specialized equipment and techniques to map and correct the field of the magnet.Research Tasks: The student will help develop, build, and test various designs, and develop techniques to improve the field quality of the world record 36 tesla high-resolution magnet. The project will involve using specialized equipment and techniques to map and correct the field of the magnet. The project may also involve performing calculations of magnetic field for different patterns, and coding for data processing. Part of the work will be performed around strong magnetic fields.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Adherence to safety
Recommended: comfortable with Excel, math background
Mentoring Philosophy
In research projects, students are our essential contributors. I see and treat students as collaborators in pursuit of the goals we aim to achieve together.Additional Information
https://nationalmaglab.org/news-events/news/national-maglab-racks-up-another-recordhttps://nationalmaglab.org/magnet-development/magnet-science-technology/publicationsmst/ highlightsmst/
world-first-1-5-ghz-nmr-magnet
https://nationalmaglab.org/userfacilities/ dc-field/instrumentsdcfield/hybrid-magnets/36-tesla-series-connected-hybrid
Link to Publications
Learning from paper wasp: 3D printing woody biomass
Biomimetics; biomass; cellulose; 3D printing; material processing
Research Mentor: Yimin Mao, Prof.
Department, College, Affiliation: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: yimin.mao@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Sharma, Anamika Prof.
Faculty Collaborators Email: anamika.sharma@famu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: yimin.mao@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Sharma, Anamika Prof.
Faculty Collaborators Email: anamika.sharma@famu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Sciences and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Bioengineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: School shuttle Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8, 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: Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Sciences and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Bioengineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: School shuttle Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8, 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
Cellulose is one of the major components in plant cell walls, primarily in that of wood, playing a critical role analogous to scaffolding steels in concrete, maintaining plant cells’ mechanical properties. Human beings have been utilizing wood since the primary stage of civilization, however, until now our ways of using wood materials are not much different from our ancestors, mostly relying on macroscopic materials processing, such as cutting, drilling, lathing, and assembling, etc. The fundamental difficulty lies in that cellulose cannot be melted as can be done for metals and dissolved as for synthetic polymers, which significantly limits its processability.Paper wasps are nature-born masters of material engineering and architecture. They use wood to build their nests in a completely different way: paper wasps peel off wood fibers using their mouthparts; chew the fibers with the presence of saliva, and bit by bit build their nests with the pulp. The entire process resembles 3D printing in modern technology, apart from the fact that the starting material is wood, which has never been processed in such a creative way.
We will employ the principle of biomimetics, aiming at learning from how paper wasps make nests; examining hierarchical structures of their nest material (from macroscopic down to atomic scale); developing eutectic mixture solvents mimicking paper wasp saliva; and printing 3D objects using cellulose pulp. This is interdisciplinary research combining chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, and entomology. Close collaboration with entomologist at FAMU will be conducted throughout the project.
Research Tasks: A) Materials characterization of paper wasp nest
- Optical microscopy
- Tensile stress measurement
B) Sample preparation: 1) cellulose pulp; 2) 3D printing
C) Data analysis and presentation
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Motivation is THE most critical skill. General lab operation skills are recommended but not required. Students will be trained with the needed skills during the project.
Mentoring Philosophy
A) Task Modularization. Mentor and the student will discuss to understand the nature of the problem and divide a "big" problem into small pieces each manageable and with foreseeable boundary, allowing the student to see progress throughout the project. Students will feel achieved during the course and will have a presentable package when wrapping up the project.B) Working smart. The students will NOT be asked to conduct matrix experiments with multiple control parameters varying; rather, mentor will discuss with the student, identifying the key question that needs to be addressed, and performing critical experiments to attack.
C) Learning by doing. The students will be encouraged to perform educated trial experiments to help understand the nature of the problem or test their hypothesis. Discussion with mentor is always encouraged, to avoid students “overthink”.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://eng.famu.fsu.edu/cbe/people/maoEncapsulating healthy fats: toward better oil preservation, delivery, and absorption
Encapsulation; healthy fats; Pickering emulsion; plant protein; nanocellulose
Research Mentor: Yimin Mao, Prof.
Department, College, Affiliation: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: yimin.mao@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Zi Teng Dr.
Faculty Collaborators Email: zi.teng@usda.gov
Department, College, Affiliation: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: yimin.mao@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Zi Teng Dr.
Faculty Collaborators Email: zi.teng@usda.gov
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Chemical Engineering; biomedical engineering; chemistry; mechanical engineering; materials science and engineering; food science
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: campus shuttle Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, 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: Chemical Engineering; biomedical engineering; chemistry; mechanical engineering; materials science and engineering; food science
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: campus shuttle Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, 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
Many polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as Omega-3 fatty acid, play a pivotal role in human health. Convincing evidence has shown that lack of these PUFAs is often associated with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, etc. However, PUFAs belong to the type of ‘fragile oil’; and as the name suggested, they are prone to becoming rancid due to various oxidation processes. Thus, it is critical to protect the oils so that the chances of being exposed to oxidative species are reduced. This is the reason why commercially available fish oil supplements are often sold in the form of capsules.When developing materials and methods for PUFA encapsulation, one also needs to consider delivery efficiency and oil absorption by the human body. It’s known that fats need to be emulsified into small droplets in digestive tracts to allow enzymes to efficiently break them down for us to absorb. Therefore, compared with macro-encapsulation (e.g., supplement capsules), micron-sized (in the order of 10^-6 m) nutrient droplets are much easier for human digestion.
This project concerns developing Pickering emulsion for PUFA encapsulation, with the ultimate goal being to extend PUFAs’ shelf life, facilitate delivery and absorption. For Pickering emulsions, oil droplets are dispersed in the water phase, stabilized by solid particles attached to the interface between oil and water. We will use two types of solid particles to create Pickering emulsion: 1) plant proteins extracted from soybean, sunflower, or silflower seeds, mimicking the oleosome structure of those oilseeds; and 2) cellulose nanocrystals (nano particles extracted from wood cell wall). These two stabilizing particles are “all natural”. Omega-3 fatty acids (rich in fish oils) will be used as a model compound. In addition, we will apply similar methods to encapsulate squalene, a polyunsaturated oil with significant benefits to cardiovascular and skin health. Emulsion morphology, texture, and stability will be examined.
This is a collaborative work with Dr. Zi Teng at USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research; Selected students will have chance to interact with USDA scientists in various aspects of agriculture, food and nutrition, and how they are associated with human well-being.
Research Tasks: A) Preparing Pickering emulsion
B) Emulsion characterization: structure and stability
C) Data presentation
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Motivation is THE most critical skill. General lab operation skills are recommended but not required. Students will be trained with the needed skills during the project.
Mentoring Philosophy
A) Task Modularization. Mentor and the student will discuss to understand the nature of the problem and divide a "big" problem into small pieces each manageable and with foreseeable boundary, allowing the student to see progress throughout the project. Students will feel achieved during the course and will have a presentable package when wrapping up the project.B) Working smart. The students will NOT be asked to conduct matrix experiments with multiple control parameters varying; rather, mentor will discuss with the student, identifying the key question that needs to be addressed, and performing critical experiments to attack.
C) Learning by doing. The students will be encouraged to perform educated trial experiments to help understand the nature of the problem or test their hypothesis. Discussion with mentor is always encouraged, to avoid students “overthink”.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://eng.famu.fsu.edu/cbe/people/maoFood is the best medicine: developing artificial starch with controlled digestion profile
Starch; structure; crystallization; digestion
Research Mentor: Yimin Mao, Prof.
Department, College, Affiliation: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: yimin.mao@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Zi Teng Dr.
Faculty Collaborators Email: zi.teng@usda.gov
Department, College, Affiliation: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: yimin.mao@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Zi Teng Dr.
Faculty Collaborators Email: zi.teng@usda.gov
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Chemical Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Materials Science and Engineering; Chemistry; Mechanical Engineering; Food Science
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Campus shuttle Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, 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: Chemical Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Materials Science and Engineering; Chemistry; Mechanical Engineering; Food Science
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Campus shuttle Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, 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
Starch is one of the cornerstones of the source of food energy for human beings. Not all starches are created equal: some can be quickly digested and provide fuel for cells, others may be passed from small intestine to larger intestine where they are decomposed by bacteria, releasing beneficial small molecules such as short fatty acids, hence termed resistant starch (RS). There is growing interest in understanding the relationships between digestion of starch and its effect on human health, particularly diet-related disorders such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Such knowledge will help researchers develop artificial starches that can be digested by human beings, following optimal digestion profiles tuned for individuals.This project consists of two tasks: 1) characterizing microstructures of starches of different botanic origin, and 2) creating artificial starches by re-crystallizing starch molecules with varied morphology and compare their digestive properties. Collaborating with Dr. Zi Teng at USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, we will prepare starch samples from waxy rice, navy beans, pinto beans, lentil, and sorghum. Artificial starch will be created by using purified amylopectin and amylose, two types of starch molecules, via hydrothermal treatment followed by re-crystallization. Digestive properties of native and artificial starches will be compared, and the structure-property relationship established.
This project is interdisciplinary by nature. Selected students will have opportunities to interact with chemical engineers, materials scientists, as well as food scientists.
Research Tasks: A) Lab work: sample preparation
B) Material Characterization
C) Data analysis and presentation
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Motivation is THE most critical skill. General lab operation skills are recommended but not required. Students will be trained with the needed skills during the project.
Mentoring Philosophy
A) Task Modularization. Mentor and the student will discuss to understand the nature of the problem and divide a "big" problem into small pieces each manageable and with foreseeable boundary, allowing the student to see progress throughout the project. Students will feel achieved during the course and will have a presentable package when wrapping up the project.B) Working smart. The students will NOT be asked to conduct matrix experiments with multiple control parameters varying; rather, mentor will discuss with the student, identifying the key question that needs to be addressed, and performing critical experiments to attack.
C) Learning by doing. The students will be encouraged to perform educated trial experiments to help understand the nature of the problem or test their hypothesis. Discussion with mentor is always encouraged, to avoid students “overthink”.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://eng.famu.fsu.edu/cbe/people/maoResearch Assistant; Editorial Assistant--Ancient Judaism
Hebrew Bible; Dead Sea Scrolls; Ancient Judaism
Research Mentor: Prof. Matthew Goff, he; him
Department, College, Affiliation: Religion, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mgoff@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Religion, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mgoff@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: Religion
Classics
English
History
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: Religion
Classics
English
History
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 3
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/5797451817?omn=99672917971 - Day: Wednesday, September 3
Start Time: 2:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/5797451817?omn=97215714924
Project Description
I need a research assistant. I am a professor in the Religion Department. My research is primarily on ancient Judaism; I do a lot of work on the Dead Sea Scrolls. I am the editor of a journal, the Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha. I publish a lot. I am also writing a book on demons in ancient Judaism. I need help with work as it comes in--reviewing proofs of articles for the journal, editing proofs of my own articles as they come in; it would also help to get editing assistance with articles and chapters while I am working on them. Key for the position is that you are a proofreader extraordinaire--the ability to find errors, both small and large, in written work. The link below to a podcast I did recently will give you a sense of the kind of work I do. Ideally the person should be interested in biblical studies and the study of antiquity more generally. Knowing some Hebrew or Greek would be wonderful.Research Tasks: editing articles at the proof stage
giving feedback on written work
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Editorial skills
proofreading
Mentoring Philosophy
I regularly mentor graduate students--typically doctoral students who want a career in academia. I give them feedback on their written work and help them figure out their own professionalization process, by helping them give papers at conferences and get articles published. That shapes how I approach the UROP program. If you are thinking about graduate school in religious studies, classics or some other field in the humanities, this opportunity can benefit you. It will demystify the publication process. You'll see how it works. I will meet with UROP students to ensure they are learning that. I am committed to training and helping students become scholars.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIzWffvv7HEWhat It Means to Be Latino: Exploring Identity Among U.S.-Born Gen Z Youth
Cultrual identity, Panethnicity, Intersectionality, Hispanic Latino Gen Z
Research Mentor: Santiago Reyes,
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Communication and Information
Contact Email: sr20n@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Alessandra Noli Peschiera
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: anolipeschiera@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Communication and Information
Contact Email: sr20n@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Alessandra Noli Peschiera
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: anolipeschiera@fsu.edu
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: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 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: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 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
This study explores the complex construction of Latino/Hispanic identity, focusing on how U.S. born generation Z self identifying Latinos navigate identity within the multicultural landscape of the United States. It examines the historical, cultural, racial, and social factors shaping these identities, highlighting tensions between imposed categorizations and self-identification. The project analyzes generational shifts, intersectional identities (including Afro-Latinx and Indigenous perspectives), and the role of language, media representation, and social groups in identity formation. Ultimately, it seeks to understand how individuals define their Latino identity and how it is shaped by migration, cultural expression, and systemic structures.Research Tasks: Literature review and aid with qualitative data collection, coding and thematic analysis.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Qualitative Data Collection (Recommended) Conducting and transcribing interviews or focus groups.
Literature Review & Academic Research (Required): Searching scholarly databases, Organizing and summarizing literature.
Basic data management (Recommended): Organizing transcripts, audio files, and literature systematically.
Mentoring Philosophy
I view mentoring as a collaborative and supportive process centered on helping research assistants grow into independent, confident researchers. By understanding each mentee’s goals, strengths, and motivations, I aim to create a respectful environment where they feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn through inquiry.My approach emphasizes regular feedback, shared learning, and encouraging ownership of their work to promote accountability and critical thinking. I want research assistants not only to contribute to current projects but also to gain the skills and experience needed to initiate and lead their own research in the future.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=M5TkGkUAAAAJ&hl=enUnderstanding microstructures of fibrous materials via advanced data analysis
Fiber; fibrous materials; diffraction; computer simulation
Research Mentor: Yimin Mao, Prof.
Department, College, Affiliation: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: yimin.mao@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: yimin.mao@eng.famu.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: Computer science; computer engineering; scientific computing
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, 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: Computer science; computer engineering; scientific computing
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, 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
Fibrous materials are ubiquitous in our daily life as well as playing a critical role in scientific discoveries. Clothes, ropes, fish lines, to list but a few, are made of fibrous materials. Of biological relevance muscles, hair, collagen are all fibrous materials. The fundamental units of fibrous materials are often polymers that can be imagined as a string of small molecules connected by covalent bonds; and the microstructures determine their properties, e.g., their mechanical strength, optical behavior, etc. Diffraction is a powerful tool for resolving these microstructures: by shining an X-ray or neutron beam on a piece of fiber, packing of atoms can be resolved by analyzing its diffraction pattern (the tiny fiber can diffract X-ray or neutron, and the diffracted waves are registered by a 2D detector, forming a diffraction pattern). One of the most influential breakthroughs in science history, the determination of the famous double helix structure of DNA, is based on this principle.The goal of this proposed project is to develop a user-friendly toolkit for the analysis of 2D diffraction data of fibrous materials. Although the theory of data analysis has matured, currently there is no efficient, easy-to-use, graphic user interface (GUI)-based software for the community: scientists rely on home-brewed codes that are often outdated and cannot take advantage of modern computation power. Inclusion of expertise in computer science (or engineering), and driven by the need for high-speed data reduction and analysis, this project is an ideal one of interdisciplinary nature. In the long term, we hope to promote research collaboration between computer scientists/engineers and materials scientists, chemical/biological engineers, chemists and physicists, etc.
We will use data collected at major national laboratories hosting neutron sources (Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) or National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)) and synchrotron X-ray sources (e.g., Argonne National Lab (ANL) or Brookhaven National Lab (BNL)). In particular, since FSU is one of the even partner universities of ORNL, the recruited students will be promoted to interact with ORNL scientists, and use their knowledge to solve real-world scientific and engineering problems.
Research Tasks: Programming for data analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: C++ programming.
Recommended: GUI development.
Mentoring Philosophy
A) Task Modularization. Mentor and the student will discuss to understand the nature of the problem and divide a "big" problem into small pieces each manageable and with foreseeable boundary, allowing the student to see progress throughout the project. Students will feel achieved during the course and will have a presentable package when wrapping up the project.B) Project management plasticity. Apart from set objectives mentor will leave rooms for students to explore their own ideas. Mentor will assess the efforts and feasibility, and control the pace, so that the students may be trained to appreciate good taste as well as rigorous methodology of research.
Additional Information
The project is crafted not to fulfill a rigid goal, but with the hope that the students can develop good research habits and are willing to engage interdisciplinary collaborations, so that follow-up research may be conducted in the long run, using modern ideas of computer science to solve the real world problems during their career development.Prospective students are encouraged to email mentor to inquire or discuss.
Link to Publications
https://eng.famu.fsu.edu/cbe/people/mao***Educational Privatization and School Choice: The Case of Innovative Financing Mechanisms
qualitative research, academic databases, educational privatization, social impact bonds, development impact bonds
Research Mentor: Dr. Wajeeha Hazoor, she/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Office of Research, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: wb24a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Office of Research, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: wb24a@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: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6 to 8, 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: 5
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 to 8, 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
Innovative Financing Mechanisms are an iteration of the New Public Management transformation that put performance at the centre of social development sector programming. These mechanisms in essence, focus on resolving the mismatchin priorities of the principal- agent dynamic; here, principals (funders) ensure the alignment of interests with agents (implementing agencies) in the achievement of results by withholding project payments, in case results the principals seek
are not attained (Pearson, 2011; Mitnick, 2006). These market solutions have special relevance to the educational sector, as by minimizing risks to investors, they promise to incentivize the achievement of project results while spurring non-traditional funding resources. The latter is being increasingly are touted as one of the means to overcome the financing challenges affecting the educational sector. In this project, students will extract and analyze the impacts of innovative financing mechanisms on the educational sector in the United States, Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. As this is an emerging field, students will creatively identify limitations and strengths of these opportunities as they peruse the literature.
Research Tasks: 1) Conduct a keyword search on key academic databases.
2) Organize relevant journal articles according to themes aligning with the research questions.
3) Analyze and summarize relevant journal articles.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: Journal article analysis
Recommended: Journal article summarization
Recommended: Analytical thinking and ability to draw connections between seemingly disparate concepts