UROP Project | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

Building the 'Library in a Box': Collaborative Learning, Literacy, Technology, and Cultural Exploration – A Call for Undergraduate Innovators

Literacy, Libraries, Access, Equity, Library,

Research Mentor: Mrs. Vashalice Kaaba , She/Her/Hers
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Information , Communication and Information
Contact Email: voh09@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Primary Majors: Information Technology, English Literature, Sociology, Education, Library and Information Science, Literature, Media, and Culture

Secondary Majors: Graphic Design, Open to all majors, but overall must have a love for literature, especially children's literature for multicultural populations.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Fully 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: First Time Slot: Sep 5-8, 2023 (Daily); 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EST; Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0kfuGurTkvH9DJW9gOHtnfo0AN6j8Abywq

Second Time Slot: Sep 5-8, 2023 (Daily); 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM EST; Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUod-GgrTsqGdZtOmhC1wQQONeWwzpQYjGC

Project Description

The "Library in a Box" initiative is an ambitious research project aimed at redefining the conventional library system by integrating digital and physical resources into compact, portable libraries. Targeting underserved communities with limited access to traditional library resources, it seeks to provide an innovative solution to educational accessibility, literacy enhancement, and community empowerment.

Objectives:
Accessibility: To make educational resources available to remote and underserved communities lacking consistent internet or physical libraries.
Customization: To empower local communities to curate and adapt their own library content, encouraging ownership and contextual relevance.
Digital Literacy: To introduce and promote digital literacy, using low-tech solutions that are accessible to communities with limited digital resources.
Community Engagement: To foster collaboration and creativity within communities, utilizing a participatory approach to library development and maintenance.
Sustainability: To design a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable model that can be replicated and scaled across various contexts and regions.
Impact Evaluation: To assess the initiative's effectiveness in improving literacy rates, community engagement, and overall educational attainment.
Methodology:
The project employs a multi-disciplinary approach, integrating insights from library science, technology, education, sociology, and other relevant fields. The methodology includes:

Needs Assessment: Identifying specific needs and preferences of target communities through surveys, interviews, and participatory workshops.
Design and Development: Collaborating with technology experts, educators, and local stakeholders to design and create the portable library boxes, including both physical books and digital content accessible through low-tech devices.
Implementation: Rolling out the libraries to selected communities, with training and support to ensure effective utilization.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously monitoring usage, conducting regular feedback sessions with community members, and evaluating the impact through both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Dissemination and Scaling: Sharing the findings, methodologies, and best practices with relevant stakeholders and exploring possibilities for scaling the initiative to other regions.
Collaboration:
This research project actively seeks collaboration with local communities, educational institutions, governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and private-sector partners. It also involves engaging undergraduate assistants from various academic disciplines, as highlighted earlier.

Stories from the Field:
Integrating personal experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer, the project will include a unique "Stories from the Field" section. This section will feature anecdotal evidence and real-life insights into the challenges and triumphs faced in implementing educational and community-building initiatives in underserved regions.

Conclusion:
The "Library in a Box" initiative is not just a library project; it's a comprehensive approach to education, community engagement, and empowerment, designed to resonate with diverse cultures and contexts. By providing access to information and encouraging local ownership, it aims to spark creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning within communities that need it most.

Research Tasks: 1. Literature Review and Background Research:
Assisting in gathering and reviewing existing literature on similar initiatives, community libraries, digital literacy, and educational access.
Summarizing findings and identifying gaps where the initiative could provide novel insights.
2. Community Needs Assessment:
Helping in designing and conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups to understand community needs.
Analyzing data and summarizing findings to inform the design and content of the library boxes.
3. Content Curation and Development:
Collaborating with team members to identify, collect, and organize suitable physical and digital resources.
Assisting in the creation of low-tech digital content, adapted for the specific target communities.
4. Outreach and Communication:
Helping in the creation of promotional and informational materials, including presentations, brochures, and social media content.
Engaging with stakeholders to foster support and collaboration.
5. Technical Support:
Depending on the specific skills and majors of the assistants, they may also contribute to the technical development of the library boxes, including software and hardware components suitable for low-tech environments.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required Skills:

Research Skills: Literature review, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication to liaise with team members, stakeholders, and community participants.

Organizational Skills:Ability to manage tasks, timelines, and coordinate various project components.
Basic Computer Skills:Familiarity with standard office software, internet searches, and email communication.

Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness and respect for the diverse cultural contexts and needs of the communities involved.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with others in a collaborative environment.

Recommended Skills:
Statistical Analysis Skills: Familiarity with statistical software and methods (e.g., SPSS, Excel) for data analysis (especially useful for community needs assessment).
Content Creation Skills: Experience in creating or curating educational content, both digital and physical (especially valuable for content curation and development).

Technical Skills: Knowledge of low-tech digital solutions, hardware, or software development (useful for technical support and implementation).

Community Engagement Skills: Previous experience in community work, outreach, or education (valuable for implementation and support).

Project Management Skills: Experience in managing or coordinating projects (helpful for overall coordination and organization).

Multilingual Skills: Ability to speak the language(s) of the target communities (useful for community engagement and needs assessment).

Design Skills: Graphic design or user experience design skills (helpful for creating promotional and informational materials).

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy recognizes the unique value of mentorship for undergraduate students from all walks of life, with a particular emphasis on those from underrepresented populations, marginalized communities, and individuals who may face discrimination based on gender, sex, race, or ability. This philosophy acknowledges the indispensable nature of mentorship in nurturing, inspiring, and empowering students in their academic journey, providing them with a sense of belonging and direction.

Understanding the diverse challenges that students may encounter during their undergraduate years, this approach to mentorship is dedicated to providing personalized guidance, encouragement, and shared experiences that resonate with their individual paths.

This philosophy champions mentorship relationships that are adaptable, structured, and responsive, constantly evolving to meet the unique needs and aspirations of each student. These relationships aim to foster confidence, stimulate intellectual curiosity, encourage risk-taking, and facilitate personal and academic growth.

The ultimate goal of this mentoring philosophy is to create an environment of inclusivity, collaboration, and opportunity within the academic community. By recognizing and addressing the specific needs and experiences of undergraduate students, particularly those from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds, this approach seeks to cultivate a nurturing educational landscape.

Whether guiding students through research projects, academic challenges, or personal development, this philosophy encourages breaking patterns of exclusivity and fostering a sense of empowerment. It is a mission to bridge gaps, build connections, and create a future where every undergraduate student has the chance to thrive, contribute, and make a meaningful impact, regardless of their background or circumstance.

Additional Information

I am excited to invite you to participate in the "Library in a Box" initiative, a groundbreaking project aimed at promoting literacy and resource accessibility, particularly through children's literature from a cultural lens. If you are passionate about literature, community engagement, and making a tangible impact, this opportunity may be just for you!

Here's what you can expect from being part of this initiative:

Interest in Children's Literature: A focus on children's literature reflecting diverse cultures and backgrounds. Your passion for these works will be central to our project's success.

Community Engagement Experience: Opportunities to engage with communities through events, workshops, and storytelling sessions that celebrate cultural richness.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaboration across various fields, providing a rich interdisciplinary experience.

Research Opportunities: Involvement in valuable research activities, including potential publication or conference presentations.

Skills Development: Enhance your skills in project management, communication, problem-solving, cultural competence, and empathy.

Mentorship and Support: Benefit from an inclusive and nurturing learning environment, aligned with a mentoring philosophy that recognizes the unique value of mentorship, particularly for underrepresented groups.

Potential for Academic Credit: Explore opportunities for receiving academic credit through your participation.

Long-term Impact: Contribute to a project with tangible and lasting effects on underserved communities.

Flexible Participation: Options for participation that consider your diverse needs and schedules.

Love for Children's Literature: A heartfelt connection to children's literature is essential, as our project heavily focuses on children's literature from a cultural perspective.

Your involvement in the "Library in a Box" initiative will not only contribute to a meaningful cause but also provide you with enriching personal and professional growth opportunities. If this aligns with your interests and goals, I encourage you to reach out to (contact information) to learn more or apply.

Looking forward to potentially working with you on this exciting initiative!

Link to Publications

N/A

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Understanding the Synthesis and Photophysics of Plasmonic Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Nanomaterials, Chemistry, Nanotechnology

Research Mentor: Dr. Geoffrey Strouse , He/His
Department, College, Affiliation: Chemistry and Biochemistry , Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: strouse@chem.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ms. Catherine Fabiano She/Her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: cjf21@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: 09/05 - 12pm

09/06 - 12pm

09/07 - 12pm

Project Description

The Strouse group runs a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary team of scientists including: inorganic, materials, analytical, physical, physics, engineering and biochemistry students. Utilizing the tools of spectroscopy (time-resolved optical, vibrational, structural (XRD, XAS), NMR, magnetism) and microscopy (optical and electron), the Strouse group is able to selectively synthesize, interrogate, and manipulate materials at the nanoscale to ask questions that address a wide range of physical and biological phenomenon.

Localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) are interfacial phenomena that arise when free carriers (e- or h+) oscillate at a resonant frequency of light. This results in an extremely strong optical absorption feature whose frequency depends on the concentration of free carriers and their effective mass. Semiconductors offer numerous advantages over traditional metallic systems including tunable carrier density, near to mid-infrared LSPRs, and a larger number of plasmonic systems. Research in the Strouse group focuses on studying the structure-property relationships that govern LSPRs in semiconductor nanocrystals. We utilize a full suite of spectroscopic techniques (steady-state/transient absorption, solid-state NMR, magnetic circular dichroism) to investigate these nanomaterials in order to probe structural and electronic properties such as dopant deactivation, carrier effective mass, and free carrier pinning.

Students who participate in this project will focus on the synthesis and characterization of plasmonic metal oxide nanoparticles.

Research Tasks: literature review
data collection
data analysis
nanoparticle synthesis
magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: recommended that Chemistry I and II laboratory has been taken

Mentoring Philosophy

My goal is to lead students to realize their true potential through hands on research experience. With this goal, I hope to help students achieve a deeper understanding of science and the research process after they move on from working in my lab.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://www.chem.fsu.edu/~strouse/

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Design Attributes of Smart Fitness Apparel Influencing Consumers’ Attitudes and Purchase Intentions: Environment and Well-being Concerns

smart fitness apparel, sustainability, well-being, consumer attitude, design attributes

Research Mentor: Dr. Changhyun Nam , Lyon
Department, College, Affiliation: Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship , Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
Contact Email: cn12@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: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 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

Smart apparel, often referred to as wearable technology, wearables, electronic textiles (e-textiles), smart clothing, smart footwear, or smart wearables (such as garments, fabrics, and textiles), is enriched with functionalities and communication capabilities (Paret & Crégo, 2019; Stephenson, 2020). According to Markets and Markets research (2021), the smart fabrics market was valued at US$ 2.3 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach US$ 6.6 billion by 2026. Trends involving smart fabrics, characterized by advanced technology, multi-functionality, and higher costs, are propelling the smart apparel market. The advancement of smart fabrics necessitates interdisciplinary approaches that encompass understanding functional designs, and wearable technologies, as well as profound knowledge of textile properties, application techniques, and fabrications (Yanfen & Pu, 2011). Given the escalating demand and the fashionable trend of wearable devices (such as Apple Watch, Fitbit, Samsung Gear Watch) and fitness apparel (including Lululemon, Gymshark, and Alphalete), consumers are increasingly interested in cultivating a healthy lifestyle and well-being. Consequently, conducting interdisciplinary studies on the impact of wearable technologies on smart clothing, as well as soft or hard goods made of smart textiles that incorporate electronic elements, becomes essential (Ferraro, 2015).

Recently, wearable technologies (devices) have been focusing on consumers' well-being and fitness applications, monitoring healthy eating habits (such as consumption of food calories), regular exercise patterns (for determining fitness levels or optimizing performance), body health (stress levels, sleeping patterns, heart rate), and other metrics (e.g., for entertainment purposes) (Weinswig, 2017). Moreover, a large number of wearable devices are integrated into fashion and fitness apparel (smart footwear and smart clothing), ranging from fitness trackers to highly advanced sportswear. Wearable technologies are aimed at enhancing individuals' lives, not only helping consumers achieve their goals, such as maintaining fitness and losing weight through the use of electronic activity monitors but also managing individual mental and physical health (Smith, 2019). Thus, smart fitness apparel should be created with consideration of consumers' judgments, environmental and communication objectives, reactions or thoughts from other consumers, and designed to be easily used and accessed.
Despite the growing attention towards the development and interaction of smart fitness apparel, recent studies have primarily focused on aspects like design approaches, garment usage, and materials incorporated in smart sportswear (Memarian et al., 2019; Sultana & Bashir, 2019; Talukder et al., 2019). However, there is a limited body of research that delves into the purchase intentions linked to wearable technology concerning fitness apparel. Consequently, there exists a research gap in the literature concerning consumers' acceptance of wearable apparel, particularly in the context of fitness apparel encompassing smart clothing and smart footwear. Understanding potential wearers' perceptions and attitudes towards smart fitness apparel is crucial for marketers, as these clothing and footwear items are expected to be integral to the future of the fitness industry. Further research is needed to address this gap comprehensively.

Theoretically, research on fitness wearable apparel is essential to comprehend consumer behaviors. By constructing and validating an integrated framework encompassing the determination of consumers' social acceptability of wearable technology, environmental concerns, well-being considerations, and reasonable actions, this study aims to offer a more comprehensive understanding of consumers' acceptance of smart fitness apparel. Consequently, the objective of this study is to expand the wearable acceptability model to include attributes specific to smart apparel and explore the factors that influence consumers' attitudes and purchase intentions toward smart fitness apparel. In relation to the environmental and well-being considerations linked to smart fitness apparel, this study provides pragmatic insights to address the following three research questions:
RQ1: What attributes contribute to purchase intentions for smart fitness apparel?
RQ2: How do consumers perceive smart fitness apparel in terms of environmental concerns, well-being considerations, or both?
RQ3: To what extent do the social acceptability attributes of wearables influence purchase intentions for smart fitness apparel?

Research Tasks: literature review, data collection (interview and survey)

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: It would be perfect to have research experience for academic papers. Also, If students know how to operate NVivo software, it would be great (additional skill)

Mentoring Philosophy

My primary research area revolves around functional product development and wear performance, both of which are central to my product development research. My main mentoring goal is to provide mentees with innovative learning techniques and research experiences that nurture their growth into lifelong learners and successful leaders. To achieve this, my mentoring philosophy emphasizes being prepared, honest, and collaborative. For my mentees, I channel my efforts into honing my research skills and assessing my research performance by engaging in idea sharing, consulting with fellow professionals, and constantly refining my approach. I am dedicated to ensuring efficient learning for my mentees within the UPOP Research Mentor Project Program. To fulfill this objective, I will bring a positive attitude, unwavering commitment, and a focus on professional development, all of which are highly valued traits among mentees in the program. These attributes collectively equip me to be well-prepared for my research role. Outlined below are examples of my past and ongoing research endeavors, along with my future aspirations in the field of product development and sustainability. My research goals encompass:
• Bridging the gap between well-designed academic findings and practical effectiveness in real-world usage, particularly within the domains of sportswear, functional clothing, and the fashion industry.
• Crafting functional products like sportswear, gloves, and protective clothing tailored for disabled and elderly individuals, athletes, and workers exposed to hazardous environments.
• Exploring and evaluating various materials to design wearable products.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://www.linkedin.com/in/changhyun-lyon-nam-ph-d-aa23278b/

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Novel antibiotic resistance genes from the environment

antibiotic, resistance, bacteria, cloning, microbiology

Research Mentor: Terence S Crofts, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Medicine
Contact Email: tcrofts@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ezabelle Franck she/her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: efranck@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
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: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Thursday September 7th from 2 pm to 3 pm
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/8416257485
Meeting ID: 841 625 7485

Project Description

UROP students will be helping with projects studying the genes and mechanisms underlying bacterial resistance to antibiotics or other antimicrobials. This will involve identifying and cloning target genes, expressing them in E. coli, and measuring changes in E. coli antimicrobial susceptibility as a result. UROP researchers will work with a more senior undergraduate student to learn techniques and to help move projects forward.

Research Tasks: Gene annotation and analysis
Buffer and media preparation
Polymerase chain reaction, cloning, agarose gel electrophoresis
E. coli culturing and transformation
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required
Previous work with micropipettes in a lab or class
Some MCB, microbiology, chemistry, etc lab exposure
Recommended
Microbiology lab or MCB lab
Microbiology or MCB classwork

Mentoring Philosophy

We are a microbiology research group consisting of Dr. Terence Crofts (PI), Ezabelle Franck (lab manager), Hayden Allman (technician), and Elizabeth Bernate
and Sophia Vizoso (undergraduate researchers). Motivated UROP students will receive training to conduct supervised research into new antibiotic resistance genes with the goal of generating preliminary data that may expand into future projects. Committed students who work well as part of a team on a shared project are particularly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://www.croftsmicrolab.org/

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Deciphering Health Determinants: Exploring the Interplay of Race, Ethnicity, and Nativity on Depression Among Low-Income Mothers

Nativity, Depression, Mental Health, Psychological Distress, social identity

Research Mentor: Dr. Eugenia Millender,
Department, College, Affiliation: The Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity, Nursing
Contact Email: emillender@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Brittany Lane
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: open to all majors
Project Location: virtual
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

The Center for Population Sciences for Health Equity undertakes a multitude of studies that analyze data, aiming to grasp the challenges and protective elements that contribute to health equity among varied populations dealing with discrepancies in both physical and mental health. The knowledge gleaned from these endeavors is then harnessed to craft interventions designed to elevate the overall state of well-being.

Research Tasks: The student has the option to choose from three significant projects. The first involves conducting a comprehensive literature review on how nativity influences the mental health of low-income women. The second project entails conducting a thorough literature review on the population known as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE). Lastly, there's an opportunity to contribute to data collection, involving both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Proficiency in navigating the FSU online library system,
Competence in utilizing Microsoft Word and Excel for generating literature reports,
Openness to acquiring new knowledge and skills or asking questions,
Effective and punctual communication abilities,
Capability to accomplish tasks within established deadlines.

Mentoring Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that it is essential to collaborate with students in the learning process, to help them become independent thinkers by teaching them how to think instead of what to think. I take advantage of teaching opportunities to provide up-to-date knowledge rooted in culturally sensitive learning styles, evidence-based practice, and real-life clinical experiences to deliver the best inclusive environment conducive to developing critical thinking skills. My teaching style is interactive, including technology, dialogue, faculty-student collaboration, and peer-to-peer interaction to engage all learners. Students learn concepts from a shared, collaborative point of view. This includes peer-to-peer evaluations and group case-study presentations aimed at shattering silos and fostering inclusion and cohesion.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://nursing.fsu.edu/faculty-staff/eugenia-millender

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Quantum transport studies of topological magnetic materials

ferromagnetism, materials, Hall effect, Resistivity, Crystal growth

Research Mentor: Mr. SHYAM RAJ KARULLITHODI, SHYAM
Department, College, Affiliation: PHYSICS, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: sk22v@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Dr. Luis Balicas Luis
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Material science, Physics, Engineering
Project Location: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MAGLAB), 1800 E Paul Dirac Dr, FL-32310-3706
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

Single crystal growth and Characterization, Cryogenic measurements, High magnetic field experiments

Research Tasks: Literature review, learning experimental techniques, data analysis

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Background in material science
Recommended: Origin plotting, data analysis

Mentoring Philosophy

First time I will be mentoring a student. I am very happy to train undergraduate students. I assure that, I will help them to understand better about the subject and light the right direction to pursue good career in science.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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Sub-group differences in maltreatment, abuse and neglect in aging populations by HIV status, sexual identity, and gender identity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

LGBT, HIV, Systematic Review, Aging, Violence

Research Mentor: Dr. Xavier Hall Casey D. Xavier Hall, He/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity, Nursing
Contact Email: cxavierhall@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: I have a particular emphasis on supporting nursing students, but am open to other relevant disciplines in the allied health sciences or social sciences. This project needs the support of 2-3 students.
Project Location: Innovation Park and distance via Zoom
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
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: Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. EST (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91839871692)

Project Description

With U.S. aging populations growing at a high rate and a growing number of aging people who openly identify as sexual and gender minorities (SGM) healthy aging among SGM is of increasing public health importance. Subsequently, this also means a greater number of aging adults are members of sub-populations who have been or are currently at elevated risk for HIV through sexual transmission relative to the general population (e.g., men who have sex with men and transgender populations who have sex with men). Moreover, greater proportions of people living with HIV are 50 and older. By 2030 over 70% of people living with HIV will be over the age of 50. SGM and people living with HIV are particularly vulnerable to victimization such as intimate partner violence and stigma-motivated violence, which overlap with elder abuse, neglect, and maltreatment. Further, abuse, maltreatment, and neglect are associated with cognitive decline and negative mental health outcomes among general samples; however, these relationships are less understood in the context of SGM and populations living with HIV. For instance, SGM are also more likely to have non-traditional family structures and both SGM and people living with HIV are more likely to experience isolation as they age. The proposed project will involve conducting a systematic review of existing literature addressing maltreatment, abuse and neglect in aging SGM populations and populations living with HIV comparing the prevalence to general population samples.

Research Tasks: Literature review, Abstract review in Covidence Software, Possibly manuscript review (dependent on skills and interest of the UROP student), Possibly data extraction (dependent on skills and interest of the UROP student)

Students will gain authorship in the resulting publication

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Ability to learn new software (Covidence specifically)
Ability to work independently between team meetings
Ability to read and generally understand scientific research abstracts

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentorship philosophy for working with undergraduate students is:

1) Collaboratively create an understanding of how we envision teamwork. I always start by discussing what works well for all parties to develop a compact. This is a roadmap of what kind of communication works well, what kinds of rules we want to set for ourselves, and how we will operate as a team. We will revisit the compact regularly through the course of the project.

2) Identify common interests and long-term goals. I always want to know a students’ interests and long-term goals so that a learning experience can be tailored to best fit these interests and goals.

3) Develop foundational understanding and skills in scientific research. My goal is to help UROP students develop an understanding of behavioral health research through an applied project. This will serve as a foundation for future endeavors.

4) Encourage independent-learning and intellectual curiosity. While I provide educational resources to my students, I also encourage students to learn independently, seek resources, and develop an intellectual curiosity that will serve them if they pursue graduate coursework.

5) Meet a student where they are at. I am a queer, first-generation college graduate and I understand how those identities and experiences impacted me as an undergraduate student. I strive to meet my students where they are at in regard to identity or experience with the understanding that we all come from different backgrounds which may impact the ways we experience academic endeavors including power structures within academia.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://cpshe.fsu.edu/

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Health disparity literature review

Health disparities, violence, HIV, chronic disease

Research Mentor: Dr. Eugenia Millender, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity, Nursing
Contact Email: emillender@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Xavier Hall, Dr. Lane Dr. Casey D. Xavier Hall, Dr. Brittany Lane Dr. Xavier Hall = He/Him, Dr. Lane = she/her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: blane2@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Frankie Wong Dr. Frankie Wong He/Him
Faculty Collaborators Email: fwong@fsu.edu

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Preferably nursing, allied health sciences or another social science field. Up to 3 students.
Project Location: Innovation Park and distance via Zoom
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
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: Wed, 9/6: 1-2 pm, Zoom: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92581697355?from=addon

Project Description

Since the dawn of organized human societies, people across space and time have tried various approaches to promote health and extend longevity by preventing early or untimely death. Throughout history, pandemics such as the Black Death and COVID-19 have shown us that having good health is more than the absence of illnesses. Macrosocial factors such as culture, mass media, economics, political systems, the environment, and migration all play a role in shaping the health of a nation and its citizens. To tackle these seemingly intractable problems requires collaborative methods that transcend “disciplinary boundaries.” The overarching mission of the Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity (C-PSHE) is to promote health equity and reduce health disparities among marginalized, underserved, and vulnerable populations. We will accomplish this by participating in community-engaged scientific and operational research and practices and employing the principles and tools of population science.

Students will support literature review for various manuscripts at C-PSHE relating to health disparities including HIV, chronic diseases, violence, trauma, and other topics.

Research Tasks: Read and summarize research articles, develop a list of research article summaries for a given topic, synthesize multiple research article summaries into a coherent paragraph on a given topic, use a reference management software (e.g. Endnote or Zotero) to develop in-text citations

Students will earn co-authorship on published manuscripts

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Ability to work independently between team meetings
Ability to read and generally understand scientific research abstracts
Ability to summarize and synthesize written research findings from published manuscripts
Familiarity or willingness to learn a reference management system

Mentoring Philosophy

1) Collaboratively create an understanding of how we envision teamwork. We always start by discussing what works well for all parties to develop a compact. This is a roadmap of what kind of communication works well, what kinds of rules we want to set for ourselves, and how we will operate as a team. We will revisit the compact regularly through the course of the project.

2) Identify common interests and long-term goals. We always want to know a students’ interests and long-term goals so that a learning experience can be tailored to best fit these interests and goals.

3) Develop foundational understanding and skills in scientific research. Our goal is to help UROP students develop an understanding of behavioral health research through an applied project. This will serve as a foundation for future endeavors.

4) Encourage independent-learning and intellectual curiosity. While we provide educational resources to our students, we also encourage students to learn independently, seek resources, and develop an intellectual curiosity that will serve them if they pursue graduate coursework.

5) Meet a student where they are at. We are a team that comes from a variety of backgrounds, immigrants, US-born, Black, Indigenous, Asian, white, gay, queer, heterosexual, first-generation college graduates, etc. We strive to meet students where they are at in regard to identity or experience with the understanding that we all come from different backgrounds which may impact the ways we experience academic endeavors including power structures within academia.

Additional Information

The primary mentor may vary based on the assignment within this project.

Link to Publications

https://cpshe.fsu.edu/

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Starting New Dialogue: The Enduring Concepts of Satir’s Human Validation Process Model, A Qualitative Study 

Theory, Qualitative, Systemic Therapy

Research Mentor: Carson Outler, She/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Human Development and Family Science, Health and Human Sciences
Contact Email: co22j@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Crystal Marroquin She/Her/Hers
Faculty Collaborators Email: cmarroquin@fsu.edu

Looking for Research Assistants: No
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: Thursday, September 7th from 10 am-11 am
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96510068809

Project Description

Within the field of Marriage and Family Therapy, there are a variety of systemic treatment modalities one can choose from when working with clients. Of these models exists a sub-category that encompasses two significant experiential therapy models. Carl Whitaker’s Symbolic Experiential Model and Virginia Satir’s Human Validation Process Model. While both are unique and effective treatment modalities, they have been criticized for their nuanced approaches to therapy. Satir’s model specifically has been critiqued for not possessing clearer and concrete steps for how the treatment should progress but more just providing interventions and broader conceptualizations for clinical application. These approaches are humanistic in nature, meaning they focus on the unique facets of personhood, which can make them more complex and more difficult to operationalize. Therapists early in their careers may stray away from more nuanced models as these models may be difficult to follow or because it may feel like a larger undertaking to utilize a model with broader concepts. The primary aim of this study is to create a conceptual framework of Satir’s Human Validation Process Model (HVPM). In an effort to understand the more concrete and enduring concepts, interventions, and techniques of this model, the current study is proposed to determine what parts of the model transcend its initial utilization. The present study will employ a qualitative approach with analysis with a three-phase process to answer the following research questions:
1) What are the systemic interventions and techniques that encompass Satir’s Human Validation Process Model?  
2) Which interventions or techniques of Satir’s Human Validation Process Model are utilized in early, middle, and late stages of treatment? 

Research Tasks: Literature Review
Developing a sampling frame
Transcribing videos
Qualitative Thematic Coding

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Proficient in One Drive (recommended)
Familiarity with navigating databases (recommended)
Communication (required)
Organization (required)

Mentoring Philosophy

My philosophy of mentoring rests upon the foundation of a collaborative learning process. From my perspective, mentoring includes not only a respectful relationship but also the opportunity for growth and development of skills for both parties. As a mentor, I aim to help my mentees fill their toolbox with new knowledge and experiences that they can apply in their endeavors. I value an open line of communication so that I can receive feedback and ensure that my mentees are feeling supported and empowered to succeed. I also hope to help students learn the process of academic research and publication, which can feel intimidating or unfamiliar. I am looking for mentees who will be prepared, take initiative, and be curious.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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Neighborhood STEM Fair Project at NHMFL - connecting underrepresented community with free STEM enrichment programs

Education, Community Outreach, STEM education, Stem Education for All, Summer Camps, Journalism, Racial Equity, Social Justice

Research Mentor: Ms. Malathy Elumalai, She, Her, hers
Department, College, Affiliation: NHMFL (National High Magnetic Field Laboratory), N/A
Contact Email: me09e@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: (first name) Ilya Litvak
Faculty Collaborators Email: litvak@magnet.fsu.edu

Looking for Research Assistants: No
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,
Communication, Elementary Education, Entrepreneurship, Human Development and Family Sciences,
Human Rights and Social Justice,
Information Communication & Technology, Public Relations
Project Location: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E Paul Dirac Drive, Tallahassee, Florida - 32310.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Seminole Express (Innovation), StarMetro (Dogwood, Live Oak)
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: (1) Wednesday, September 6th, 2023- 1 pm to 2 pm
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94312473172
Meeting ID: 943 1247 3172 ; One tap mobile +13052241968,,94312473172# US ,+16465588656,,94312473172# US (New York)

(2) Friday, September 8th, 2023 02:00 PM:
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98560708862,
Meeting ID: 985 6070 8862; One tap mobile: +13052241968,,98560708862# US, +16465588656,,98560708862# US (New York)

Project Description

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, FL attracts scientists from across the globe who come to use our unique world-record magnets, including world strongest 45-tesla magnet, and world strongest 21-tesla MRI scanner. We as an organization is committed to education at all levels and we closely collaborate with research scientist and educators to develop programs that would benefit our community.

As part of that effort, we would like to reach our nearest neighbors in Tallahassee South Side – majority-minority, low-income communities. This project aims at helping parents of school-age children to find a free summer STEM activity through the Neighborhood STEM fairs held in March of each year.

We are looking for a researcher who will study ways to better engage with the community and analyze impact of the project while contributing effort towards the STEM fairs.

Research Tasks: 1. Propose, implement, and evaluate strategies to engage with target community
2. Publicise the project and its benefits to local residents through social media, flyers, direct engagement, and other means
3. Publicise 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. Communication skills including writing articles , emails etc.,
Recommended:
1. Webpage creation
2. Data analysis
3. Interest in community outreach

Mentoring Philosophy

“If you can explain colors to a blind person, then you can explain anything” a famous saying translated from Tamil literature explains the key to a good mentor- mentee relationship. I strongly believe that if you truly understand a concept, you can clearly teach the concept. My intention behind mentoring is to make science understandable for anyone who wishes to learn and explore research. At the end of a semester, if the student left the lab after gaining a skill that will help in their career then I consider it as a success.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://nationalmaglab.org/news-events/events/for-the-community/neighborhood-camp-fair/

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