UROP Project

Lifestyle; Alzheimer's disease; nutrition; adherence; psychology

Research Mentor: Dr. Julia Sheffler, She/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine - Center for Translational Behavioral Science, Medicine
Contact Email: julia.sheffler@med.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. Cole Patione He/him
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: cole.patoine@med.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: neuroscience; psychology; but open to others that are relevant to project
Project Location: 2010 Levy Ave, Research Building B
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10 hours,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

The lab is currently focused on running a pilot clinical trial of a nutrition and lifestyle intervention designed for older adults who are at increased risk for dementia. We are collecting blood biomarkers, microbiome, cognitive, and psychosocial data from older adult participants at baseline, post-intervention, 6-months, and 12-months post intervention. We are particularly interested in designing a program that is accessible and low-cost for the community, while ensuring the program is also efficacious in reducing dementia risk.

Research Tasks: Students will be asked to develop their own project idea based on existing lab data and to work through each step of the scientific process while developing their project.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Good people skills, quick learner, detail oriented, good communication

Field experiment, property taxes, economic policy

Research Mentor: Dr. or Prof. Luke Rodgers,
Department, College, Affiliation: Economics, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: lprodgers@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: My preference would be for economics majors, though political science and public policy students would also be a good fit.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: Most of the time there will be very few hours (if any), but once we start preparing the mailing materials it will be around 10. The work time will be spread out over weeks, so it is relatively flexible. ,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Wednesday, September 4th at 2:30-3:00pm: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94422727050

Project Description

Property taxes are the largest locally-controlled source of revenue and one of the largest costs associated with homeownership. Homestead exemptions are one way in which states are able to reduce the property tax burden faced by homeowners. Homestead exemptions can also provide targeted relief to lower-income residents because lower value homes receive larger tax savings in percentage terms than higher value homes. For example, homeowners in Florida can receive a homestead exemption of up to $50,000 of their home’s value. This is a larger share of value for a home worth $150,000 compared to a home worth $300,000.

Despite the tax savings associated with these exemptions, the take-up rate in states without automatic enrollment is not 100 percent. In Florida, a homeowner must apply but the process is essentially filling out a form and proving residence. Evidence from Florida suggests that take-up rates are lower in communities with a larger share of minority homeowners, but the reason for this is unclear (Ihlanfeldt and Rodgers, 2022). Furthermore, homeowners who receive the homestead exemption in Florida automatically benefit from the Save Our Homes program, which effectively limits how quickly one’s property tax bill can increase from a previous year. It is an important question why homeowners may be foregoing thousands of dollars in tax savings per year.

To explore disparities in the homestead exemption take-up rate, we propose a field experiment that involves sending letters to owner-occupied properties that do not currently receive the homestead exemption despite being eligible for the benefit. The letters will inform residents of their eligibility and potential savings. The two treatment arms will be 1) a letter reminding the homeowner of the benefits of the homestead exemption and how to apply and 2) a letter with all of that information plus an option to receive a text reminder before the submission deadline. We will measure take-up rates of the exemption in these groups compared to a control group of eligible homeowners who do not have the exemption and who do not receive any letter. Our timeline requires that these letters be prepared over the course of the Fall semester, with the mailers going out all at once in January 2025.

Research Tasks: The research tasks for this project include carefully preparing around 11,000 letters over the course of a few months. Much of this will be automated through Word macros, which will be supervised by the research mentor. Packing the envelopes with the letters will be the most time-intensive part of this project, but it can be spread out over the course of weeks, if not months. The main requirements are that the we carefully document which homeowner receives which kind of letter and that we carefully match the letters to the addressed envelopes.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: attention to detail, strong communication skills, responsiveness to emails, time management skills, spreadsheet organization, letter folding
Recommended: an interest in public policy, economics, field experiments. This will make it more enjoyable!

magnetic resonance, physical chemistry, organic radicals, spin dynamics

Research Mentor: Dr. Tomas Orlando, he, him
Department, College, Affiliation: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, N/A
Contact Email: torlando@magnet.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Frederic Mentink-Vigier
Faculty Collaborators Email: fmentink@magnet.fsu.edu

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Chemistry majors and Physics majors
Project Location: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU Bus - Innovation Route
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: - Tuesday, Sept 3, 12-12:30 PM, https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95560732603
- Friday, Sept 6, 12-12:30 PM, (DROP-IN allowed) https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95560732603

Project Description

An undergraduate project is available for students in chemistry or physics who are interested in the application of advanced magnetic resonance techniques to investigate organic radicals and their dynamics in liquids and mixed-phase materials.
Organic radicals are molecules that carry an unpaired electron and can be probed with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.
The characterization of stable radical species in liquids via EPR provides valuable information on the molecular structure as well as on the magnetic interactions of radicals with surrounding atoms and molecules. Those properties are crucial to understanding the mechanisms of chemical reactions and to designing new materials and quantum sensors.
Many investigations have been conducted at low frequencies (< 34 GHz) and magnetic fields (< 1.5 T). However, with the unique instruments at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, we will perform EPR in the range of frequencies 120-336 GHz and provide new insight into radicals properties that are currently unknown.
Furthermore, we will use radicals as probes for local interactions in heterogenous materials, namely materials where solid and liquid phases coexist. To this aim, we are developing a set of magnetic resonance methods (both electron paramagnetic resonance and nuclear magnetic resonance) as well as quantum chemistry tools to investigate the dynamics in the close proximity of the solid-liquid interface.



Research Tasks: In the proposed undergraduate research project, students will be actively involved in the sample preparation using wet-lab techniques (including a Schlenk line) as well as a glove-box for operations in an oxygen-free environment. Students will also learn to perform continuous-wave EPR measurements and analyze data. Students will actively review the literature and present their work in a broader scientific context. The project might also include numerical simulations with quantum chemistry simulation software.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required background:
- Chemistry or physics majors, completed 1 year of study minimum.
- Wet lab experience is recommended but not required.
- No magnetic resonance experience necessary.

chronic pain, Older Black Adults, Opioid, Mental Health

Research Mentor: Dr. Kofi Sorkpor,
Department, College, Affiliation: FSU, Nursing
Contact Email: ssorkpor@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Dr. Yijiong Yang
Faculty Collaborators Email: yy22f@fsu.edu

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Remote via Zoom
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Sep 3, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada): https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94868546100
Sep 5, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada): https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96247034215
Sep 6, 2024 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada): https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95350058600

Project Description

This secondary analysis aims to investigate the interplay between opioid use and the treatment of psychological conditions in older Black adults experiencing low back pain (LBP) with comorbid depression and/or anxiety. The study seeks to elucidate how the use of antidepressant and anxiolytic medications correlates with opioid consumption patterns in this population. By analyzing existing data, the research will explore whether effective management of depression and anxiety through psychotropic medications is associated with reduced reliance on opioids for pain control. The findings are intended to inform strategies for integrated pain and mental health management, ultimately contributing to improved treatment outcomes and reduced opioid dependence among older Black individuals with LBP

Research Tasks: Literature review
Data analysis
Report writing
Generating tables


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: REQUIRED:
Attention to detail
Communication skills
Ethical understanding
RECOMMENDED:
Basic understanding of Statistical analysis
Basic Data management
Basic Research skills

HIV/AIDS, Disparities, Nativity, Black Individuals, Socioeconomic Factors

Research Mentor: Dr. Kofi Sorkpor,
Department, College, Affiliation: FSU, Nursing
Contact Email: ssorkpor@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Yijiong Yang
Faculty Collaborators Email: yy22f@fsu.edu

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Remote via Zoom
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Sep 3, 2024 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada): https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98346481088
Sep 5, 2024 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada): https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98682257948

Project Description

This project aims to investigate HIV/AIDS disparities among Black individuals in the United States, focusing on differences based on nativity (US-born vs. non-US-born). Despite representing a small percentage of the US population, Black individuals experience disproportionately high rates of HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Using data from the All of Us Researcher Workbench (2018-2023), this cross-sectional study will compare HIV/AIDS diagnosis rates between US-born and non-US-born Black adults, analyzing the impact of nativity alongside demographic and socioeconomic factors. The study will employ statistical methods to assess differences in diagnosis rates and identify underlying factors contributing to these disparities. Findings will provide insights into how nativity and other characteristics influence HIV/AIDS outcomes and inform targeted interventions to address these disparities.

Research Tasks: Literature review
Data analysis
Report writing
Generating tables
drafting manuscript

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Attention to detail
Writing
Communication skills
Ethical understanding
RECOMMENDED:
Basic understanding of Statistical analysis
Basic Data management
Basic Research skills

psychology, sleep, physical activity, cognition, behavior

Research Mentor: yang.hou@med.fsu.edu Yang, Dr.
Department, College, Affiliation: Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Medicine
Contact Email: yang.hou@med.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Julia Moreira
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: julia.moreira@med.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: It is open to all majors, but the most relevant majors are psychology, human development, education, and premed students.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Friday, Sept. 6th, from 4 - 4:30 PM
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93386675317

Project Description

Most NF1 neurobehavioral research has focused on comparing individuals with and without NF1 and assessed neurobehavioral function at one time using traditional psychological measures in the clinic or lab. We know little about how neurobehavioral function varies across contextual factors in the daily lives and natural living environments of individuals with NF1. This critical knowledge gap impedes the development of interventions to improve the neurobehavioral function of individuals with NF1. The proposed study will address this critical gap by examining how psychosocial factors (e.g., parenting, social support, coping strategies) and lifestyle factors (physical activity, sleep) are related to neurobehavioral (cognitive, behavioral, emotional) function in the daily lives of adolescents with NF1. The project team will collect rich data on neurobehavioral function and its potential predictors from adolescents with NF1 (ages 13-19 years) in real-time and real-world environments using ecological momentary assessment and Fitbit activity trackers. Multilevel modeling will be used to analyze the data. Findings from the study will be critical for patient management and developing interventions to improve neurobehavioral function and overall quality of life among adolescents with NF1.

Research Tasks: • Literature search
• Collecting data from participants
• Cleaning and analyzing data
• Students with outstanding performance will have the opportunity to be promoted to be team leaders for various tasks


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Great communication and interpersonal skills; Great time management skills.
Recommended: Interested in going to graduate school or medical school; have basic data management or analytical skills.

Nanomaterials, microstructure, mechanics, electrospinning

Research Mentor: Jizhe Cai,
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: jc23dc@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: 1
Relevant Majors: Mechanical engineering, industrial & manufacturing engineering.
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10 hours a week,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

The overall objective of this project is to provide a fundamental understanding of the dynamic mechanical behaviors and failure mechanisms of Silicon Carbide (SiC) nanocomposite under high-velocity impacts and achieve the optimal design of SiC-based materials for various extreme engineering applications. We will formulate a comprehensive understanding of how structural features and material properties at hierarchical size scales influence the impact resistance of SiC nanocomposite and provide critical insights towards the development of impact-resistant material systems for extreme engineering applications.

Research Tasks: Literature review, hands-on experiment, data collection, data analysis.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Literature Review: required.
Data Collection and Analysis: recommended.
Laboratory skills: required.
Time management: required.
Problem-Solving: required.

Systematic Review, music therapy, truama, military

Research Mentor: Dr. Gooding Lori Gooding, She/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Music (Music Therapy), Music
Contact Email: lgooding@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Ms. Langston Diane Langston
Faculty Collaborators Email: deg10d@fsu.edu

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Music Therapy
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

For this project, we will be conducting a scoping review (a type of systematic review) that seeks to identify and map the available evidence on music therapy, military, and trauma. Scoping reviews involve exploring various types of published data to determine what is currently known about a topic and identifying gaps in the literature. The results from the research help researchers better understand what exists and help determine some possible next steps regarding research in the topic area.

Because this research does not involve working with people, no IRB approval is needed. The UROP student would not need to complete CITI training to participate in this project.

Research Tasks: If you are selected to work on this project, you will help the researchers with a variety of tasks. These tasks include things like literature review, collecting data, and organizing data. The tasks will change across the project based on the stage that the project is in.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: To be successful in working on this project, you will be required to communicate regularly, organize your work, work independently under supervisor guidance, manage your time, and be able to take and implement feedback. It is also recommended that you have experience with various types of technology, including use of Word, Excel, databases such as Web of Science, and apps like Covidence.

Frustration, Dating, Scale

Research Mentor: Ava Joy Cockey, She, her, hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Human Development and Family Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: ajc23h@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: HDFS, Psychology, Sociology.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

The study is examining the relationship between frustration and dating and facilitate the development of a new scale measuring frustration in dating. The study also includes previously developed scales on loneliness and rejection to collect additional data on this population’s experience of loneliness and rejection. This will be done by measuring these variables using questionnaires. Data will be collected at two-time points via surveys.

Research Tasks: The researcher's tasks will include data collection and organization, as well as study advertisement.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Time-management and organization skills.
Recommended: Working well with a team, advertisement skills, and ability to engage with others.

language acquisition, early childhood, text corpus, shared book reading

Research Mentor: Rebecca Vasile, she/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Teacher Education, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: rvasile@fcrr.org
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: 2010 Levy Avenue, Suite 100 Tallahassee FL 32310
Research Assistant Transportation Required: The Seminole Express comes to IN (Innovation Park) where the lab is located during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

The current study builds on an existing body of research that states that the language in books is unique when compared to the everyday speech children hear (Cameron-Faulkner and Noble, 2013; Dawson et al., 2021; Montag et al., 2015). While these studies have shed important light on the unique contributions of book language, there are important weaknesses with these studies that are worth considering. The first one being the selection of books being examined. All three corpora used picture books that came from parent recommendations, book review websites, and librarian recommendations. This selection process lacks ecological validity that would come from parent or teacher reports or observations of books they had read to their child(ren). The final weakness of the current corpus work with early childhood picture books is the lack of examination of genre and how this impacts the lexical diversity of a book. If a larger goal of this work is to better understand the stimuli children experience and how it influences their learning, we need to analyze stimuli that most closely resembles what children experience. This study addresses both limitations by analyzing books that we observed early childhood teachers reading in their classrooms and by including genre in analyses of book language.

Research Tasks: Data collection: here data collection consists of transcribing the text in books, scanning the books for later reference, and collecting secondary data about the books (i.e., author, publisher, publication year, award status, etc).


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: It is recommended that the student working on this project is detail oriented, self directed, and has effective time management skills.