UROP Project
***Fiesta 1789: Spanish Florida Crowns a King
history, theater, Florida, reenactment, team
Research Mentor: Dr. Benjamin Gunter, he, his, him
Department, College, Affiliation: Theater with a Mission, Communication and Information
Contact Email: bgunter@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Idy Codington she, hers, her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: idycodington@theaterwithamission.com
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Theater with a Mission, Communication and Information
Contact Email: bgunter@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Idy Codington she, hers, her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: idycodington@theaterwithamission.com
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 6
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: 7.5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 6
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: 7.5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 3:30
End Time: 4:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/1TGjnrC5x1VeFT0LKZSI-RCTM4ChNxsWIDhQ33TmrVPmoeP6Pxoz2p4PsUNMsXs.WH-WI1cRNa0iUf-n - Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/i-GzqsB1fy09toN-AViz2pJOlAs9CKlzjD9S_dWuWcEzTxuh8frANyOU-M11SmMT.IX6w3CQPmMQBlqPh - Day: Thursday, September 3
Start Time: 5:30
End Time: 6:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/uw2-7_qgKjY36PAFfdmcP2LSsJ-Gg_fnAqe0ekdp2miladeOZvoHphZtuW8FmQNx.2N6ysltdQd1Cmmgx
Project Description
This project transports you back to 1789 – a banner year for revolutionary changes in governments and social structures. In weekly meetings with a team of mentors and fellow researchers, you’ll reconstruct the best-documented party in Spanish Florida history. The same year the USA inaugurated its first President and France started a revolution, Florida celebrated the coronation of Spain’s Carlos IV. You’ll research the royal flag, investigate the Native dances performed by City clerks, reconstruct the marches, music, and commemorative coins minted for the parade, read the first English translation of the play presented by Black troops from Cuba, and explore why this festive wrinkle in time still matters today.Research Tasks: We’ll start with orientation. You’ll get a crash course in the events that make 1789 unforgettable – George Washington’s inauguration in New York, the storming of the Bastille in Paris, Zéspedes’s farewell as Governor in St. Augustine. And you’ll do a deep dive into the details that historians have already printed about Zéspedes’s crowning achievement: a 3-day party chronicled in histories of music, politics, and playmaking.
We’ll proceed to specialization. Each member of the team will select one facet of St. Augustine’s coronation fiesta to research in detail – for example, the commemorative coins described by historians but not publicly accessible through pictures, or the Native dances that documents tell us clerks performed but no one described in choreographic detail, or who acted which parts in the play that citizens of St. Augustine brought back by popular demand all three days of the fiesta. With the help of two mentors and five UROP team members, you’ll build an annotated bibliography of sources, and you’ll produce a poster that suggests ways to reenact your specialty during a reconstruction of the fiesta by Theater with a Mission.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: You need 5 essential skills for success with “Fiesta 1789”:
1) Curiosity, since the past does not reveal itself unless you look for it. (Required.)
2) Collaboration, since understanding context from many points of view makes history come to life, for you and for your teammates. (Required.)
3) Creative critical thinking, since every research project demands diligence, hits snags, and profits by calling others in to help. (Required.)
4) Time management, since “Fiesta 1789” calls for averaging 7.5 hours of work per week over 2 semesters of research, and a project this large calls for breaking big goals into manageable bites. (Required.)
5) Technological know-how, since your research will involve strategic use of digital libraries, our team meetings may include Zoom, and your research progress will be posted on a Google Drive. (Required.)
Mentoring Philosophy
We find that research (like rehearsing a play) achieves breakthroughs when people work together to examine turning points from different viewpoints, reading between the lines. That’s why our approach to mentoring is collaborative, guided, and flexible.We believe in giving you lots of team support as you put into practice a research process that we have repeatedly proven effective, progressing from guided orientation to mentored specialization.
And we believe in giving you all the freedom you need to blaze a highly individual research trail, across barriers of time and space into face-to-face encounters with Florida’s multicultural past.
Additional Information
Want to get hands-on with evidence – evidence you learn to locate for yourself?Want to have a say in research design?
Want to map out your own area of expertise within a field that shapes our nation’s self-perception and public policy?
Want to become the resident expert for one key part of a big project?
Want to exercise skills that equip you to excel in your major, minor, or a field of study that whispers “try me”?
Want to see your research create public impact, right away?
Theater with a Mission (TWAM) wants to talk with you!
Link to Publications
TheaterwithaMission.comThe Rental Market Effects of Florida's 2023 Housing Policy Reforms
Housing Choice Voucher, Source-of-Income Discrimination, Rental Market, Security Deposits
Research Mentor: jwang@wertheim.fsu.edu Jingfang Wang, Dr.
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Finance, Business
Contact Email: jwang@wertheim.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Finance, Business
Contact Email: jwang@wertheim.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: Finance, Real Estate
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially 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: 1
Relevant Majors: Finance, Real Estate
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially 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
In July 2023, two Florida statutes reshaped landlord-tenant relations across the state. CS/HB 1417 overrode local ordinances that had (i) prohibited landlords from refusing tenants who pay with federal Housing Choice Vouchers and (ii) required landlords to give sixty days' notice before raising rent. CS/HB 133 simultaneously allowed landlords statewide to offer a monthly fee or insurance policy in place of the traditional lump-sum security deposit. Together these laws changed housing access for roughly one hundred thousand voucher-holding Florida households, altered the move-in cost barrier facing every new renter, and reshaped rent-setting practices. This project tries to rigorous evaluate and quantify how landlords and tenants actually responded.Undergraduate Research Assistants will play a critical role by manually validating the machine-learning classifier that identifies landlord refusal and deposit-alternative language in listings, assembling supplementary policy timelines across Florida jurisdictions, and contributing to the final report. Students will gain hands-on experience with large-scale housing data, causal inference methods, and academic policy writing.
Research Tasks: Literature review, data collection, data analysis, conducting interviews, etc.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Microsoft Excel proficiency; attention to detail; strong written English; ability to work independently.
Recommended: Coursework in economics/statistics/policy; exposure to Python; familiarity with housing policy or Section 8 vouchers; interest in graduate school or applied research careers.
Mentoring Philosophy
I value curiosity, active knowledge acquisition, and responsibility in the students I mentor. My approach treats research training as a mutual learning process: I bring project structure, standards, and my own experience, and students bring fresh questions, effort, and perspectives that often sharpen my own thinking. I hold high standards for rigor and accuracy, but alongside the recognition that early mistakes are how researchers learn to see problems clearly. I create space for mentees to try, be wrong, and try again. My role is to keep the intellectual space open and the standards clear; the growth belongs to the mentee.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Adapting Sexual and Reproductive Health Services During Humanitarian Crises: A Scoping Review of Health-System Response and Decision-Making
Humanitarian crises, Health system response, Sexual reproductive health
Research Mentor: Melissa Triana,
Department, College, Affiliation: Nursing , Nursing
Contact Email: mbt25a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Nursing , Nursing
Contact Email: mbt25a@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: Public Health
Nursing
Health sciences
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: 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:
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Public Health
Nursing
Health sciences
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: 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:
- Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 4:00
End Time: 4:30
Zoom Link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89431127535?pwd=UTEqaqYamThw5aTP15fGBQlyuqXvBr.1
Project Description
Humanitarian crises—including armed conflict, forced displacement, pandemics, natural disasters, and climate-related emergencies—can severely disrupt health systems and increase sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs. Disruptions to health facilities, workforce, supply chains, financing, referral systems, and community-based services may reduce access to contraception, maternal and newborn care, STI/HIV services, gender-based violence services, abortion and post-abortion care, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health services.Although a growing body of literature has examined SRH needs and interventions in humanitarian settings, less is understood about how health systems make decisions and adapt service delivery when confronted with these disruptions. Existing research has often focused on whether services were available or whether a particular intervention was effective rather than examining the processes through which health systems determine which services to maintain, modify, integrate, decentralize, or deprioritize.
This project proposes a scoping review to examine the evidence regarding health-system response, adaptation, and decision-making related to continuity of sexual and reproductive health services during humanitarian crises.
The project will specifically explore the relationship between humanitarian shocks, health-system disruption, decision-making, adaptation strategies, and continuity of SRH services.
Research Tasks: Literature Searching
Article screening
Data extraction
Evidence mapping
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Familiarity with databases- required
Basic literature search skills-recommended
Ability to participate in research meetings-required
Mentoring Philosophy
Teaching and learning are interconnected for professional growth. I enjoy learning from others and sharing knowledge with students, as each interaction offers new perspectives, challenges ideas, and fosters growth. I especially value students' fresh viewpoints, questions, and approaches, which can spark innovation and reveal overlooked opportunities.I see mentoring as more than guiding students through a research project; it's creating a collaborative environment where students build confidence, curiosity, critical thinking, and understanding of research. I want students to find research active and meaningful, not just an academic task. This helps students see how research identifies problems, generates evidence, informs health practice, and improves outcomes.
Mentoring offers vital professional growth for me as a doctoral student. Working with undergraduates helps develop my leadership, communication, coaching, and teamwork skills, while keeping me engaged in research. I believe effective leadership requires ongoing learning from people at various academic and professional stages.
My motivation for mentoring is personal. During my master's program, I would have valued the chance to engage in research, presentations, and translating ideas into research. I want to give students the experience I wish I had at that stage. Early research exposure helps students find interests, build confidence, and consider future grad and health research opportunities.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
Quantitative trading in the US stock market
trading, stocks, markets, finance, AI
Research Mentor: Ahmer Nadeem Khan,
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Mathematics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: ak24a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Mathematics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: ak24a@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: Preferred majors: Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Statistics, Data Science, Economics, Finance.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
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: Preferred majors: Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Statistics, Data Science, Economics, Finance.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
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: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 1:30
Zoom Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7267612300?pwd=MHdIODZzTmM0T3FBMnRmN0kzcWVjdz09 - Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 1:00
Zoom Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7267612300?pwd=MHdIODZzTmM0T3FBMnRmN0kzcWVjdz09
Project Description
The project will explore different quantitative trading techniques that are used by hedge funds and proprietary trading firms, primarily in the equities or derivatives market in the US. Examples of such techniques include market-making, statistical arbitrage, and high-frequency trading. The project will explore these ideas theoretically and also investigate them by back-testing on historical data. A main goal will be formulating new and interesting ideas, e.g. using AI and LLMs, for profitable trading strategies by identifying patterns and building mathematical and statistical models. The project will be useful to students that are interested in the quantitative finance industry (e.g. investment banks, hedge funds, trading firms).Research Tasks: Literature review, independent research, data analysis, python coding, presentations, project write-ups.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Calculus, Linear Algebra and Statistics/Probability.
Recommended: Python or other coding languages (can be LLM-assisted).
No finance background or knowledge is required.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is one that prioritizes the learning and intellectual growth of the mentee, in a manner that is interactive, promotes ownership and independence, and is based on mutual respect and understanding. I want to build an environment where a mentee feels safe to communicate their ideas, question freely, and contribute to work that is valuable and that they can be proud of. Mentorship has been important to me in my own education, through my undergraduate and graduate advisors, and it inspired me to have the passion I now have for my work, and in particular, for mathematics. Through this project, I want to introduce students to new ideas, interests, and even careers that they may have never thought about, in a way that I wish someone had introduced them to me when I was an undergraduate! I wish to promote intellectual curiosity and a drive for constant learning and growth, since these are valuable skills in any career, especially academic research.Additional Information
My PhD research concerns quantitative finance, specifically statistical models, portfolio optimization, and machine learning. Please refer to my website or LinkedIn page for more information.Website: https://ahmernadeem.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmerkhan1/
Link to Publications
https://ahmernadeem.com/***Loneliness and Digital Health Interventions
Loneliness, men how have sex with men, HIV
Research Mentor: ikp25a@fsu.edu Isaac Keifer Payton, He/His/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: The Center for Population Sciences and Health Empowerment , Nursing
Contact Email: ikp25a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Eugenia Flores Millender She/Her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: emillender@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: The Center for Population Sciences and Health Empowerment , Nursing
Contact Email: ikp25a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Eugenia Flores Millender She/Her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: emillender@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Social Behavioral Sciences (i.e., Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, and Public Health), but also open to all majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 hours a week, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Social Behavioral Sciences (i.e., Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, and Public Health), but also open to all majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 hours a week, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
I am seeking the assistance of a UROP student to support an ongoing and time-sensitive literature review project. Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator, the student will be responsible for systematically screening 3,040 articles according to established inclusion and exclusion criteria and documenting eligibility determinations. Additional research-related responsibilities may be assigned as needed to facilitate the progression, synthesis, and successful completion of the literature review.Research Tasks: Literature Review
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: We will provide the selected UROP student with the training, guidance, and resources necessary to successfully perform assigned responsibilities.
Required Skills
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established protocols.
Ability to apply inclusion and exclusion criteria consistently when screening research articles.
Basic understanding of research methods and scholarly literature.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to ask questions and seek clarification when needed.
Ability to work independently while collaborating with the Principal Investigator.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and academic database searches.
Recommended Skills
Prior experience assisting with literature reviews, research projects, or evidence synthesis.
Familiarity with databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, or Web of Science.
Knowledge of citation management software (e.g., EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley).
Experience with systematic, scoping, or integrative reviews.
Ability to critically evaluate and summarize scientific literature.
Interest in nursing, public health, mental health, HIV research, or related health science fields.
Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn new research methodologies.
Mentoring Philosophy
The UROP student will receive individualized mentorship from the Principal Investigator throughout the literature review process. Training will be provided on article screening, application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, research best practices, and literature synthesis. Regular meetings will offer opportunities for feedback, skill development, and discussion of questions or challenges encountered during the project. The student will be encouraged to develop critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and evidence appraisal skills. This mentorship experience is designed to foster research competence, professional growth, and preparation for future academic and research opportunities.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Project Title: Bridging the Gap: A Qualitative Analysis of Perceived Risk Needs and Targeted Reintegration Strategies for Juvenile Offenders in the US and the Caribbean.
Juvenile Offenders, Recidivism, Qualitative
Research Mentor: Shanel Stephens, Ms. She/ Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Science, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: SPS25A@FSU.EDU
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Science, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: SPS25A@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: Criminal Justice, Social work or counseling field is preferable.
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 hrs. Weekly, 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: Criminal Justice, Social work or counseling field is preferable.
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 hrs. Weekly, 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
To map and analyze existing qualitative data in a systematic research synthesis of the perceived risk-related needs of juvenile offenders transitioning from correctional facilities into the wider community and to gain insight into their lived experiences. The aim is to eventually conduct qualitative, semi-structured interviews with juvenile offenders (ages 12-18) from the US and the Caribbean region (specifically focusing on sites with high disproportionality). In our data collection, we will focus on their personal perspectives on the drivers of their recidivism, including family dynamics, school disengagement, community violence, peer pressure, and lack of other support services.Research Tasks: Mainly data collection, data analysis, supporting tasks concerning IRB Submission.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Data Entry: Typing with minimal errors.
Organization: Keep files neat and safe.
Attention to Detail: Follow exact study rules.
Basic Ethics: Know participant privacy rules.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring approach centers on a strong partnership built on mutual respect, honesty, and integrity. I set an example by leading proactively and supporting my mentee through each challenge, fostering mutual development and trust. This active engagement creates a safe environment where vulnerability becomes an opportunity for learning, and failures become steps toward growth. By understanding their individual goals, I customize my advice to help them reach their full potential and build lasting professional confidence.Core Pillars:
• Mutual Trust: Clear communication keeps our relationship honest and transparent.
• Shared Growth: We grow together by learning from each success and setback.
• Actionable Insight: Practical tips turn ideas into real, tangible results.
Ultimately, I treat others the way I want to be treated, recognizing that this is a learning process I am also part of. I feel privileged to support and mentor someone at a different stage in their life.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
***Mapping the Dimensions of AI-Driven Adaptive Feedback: A Scoping Review of Research Distribution, Contexts, and Cognitive Outcomes
AI-driven feedback , Feedback timing, Adaptive learning
Research Mentor: Jean Baptiste MBANZABUGABO, Jean Baptiste(JB)
Department, College, Affiliation: Educational Psychology & Learning Systems, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: jm22cf@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Educational Psychology & Learning Systems, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: jm22cf@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: 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:
- Day: Friday, September 4
Start Time: 1:30
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/QnMgD1euRtW70otlqbRNDA
Project Description
The objective of this study is to systematically map the existing literature to discover exactly which disciplines (e.g., medical education, computer science, military training, etc.), which populations (K-12 vs. Higher Ed), and which types of learning Tasks are actually experimenting with AI feedback and how. The ultimate goal of this review is to locate and define the critical research gaps in contemporary educational technology with AI feedback.Research Tasks: 1. Literature Search & Database Querying
2. Title and Abstract Screening
3. Perform a highly structured, deep reading of the accepted papers and extract specific data points into the codebook.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Ony required skills: Digital Literacy, Methodical Attention to Detail and collaboration skill.
RAs will be formally trained on how to conduct a scoping review from the ground up, following international reporting standards (PRISMA-ScR).
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is an intentional evolutionary partnership that shifts from top-down training to an active collaboration as colleagues. It is built on the belief that research assistants should not just provide manual labor but should actively develop into peer researchers. The core of this approach relies on two operational stages:1. The Deconstruction Stage: I clearly break down and deconstruct complex research methodology to eliminate guesswork and build a transparent, foundational skill set.
2. The Peer Collaboration Stage: As technical competence grows, the relationship transforms into a flat hierarchy. We interface as research peers. This relationship treats RA as a future colleague, fostering long-term professional independence, mutual respect, and genuine intellectual growth.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
***Designing AI Agents to Support Resident Interpretation and Deliberation
AI agents, Land User Planning, Urban Planning, Human-Computer Interaction, Civic Engagement, Qualitative Research
Research Mentor: Ms. Jiwoo Seo,
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Information, Communication and Information
Contact Email: js25p@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Qunfang Wu
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: qunfang.wu@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Information, Communication and Information
Contact Email: js25p@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Qunfang Wu
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: qunfang.wu@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Urban Planning (preferred)
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: 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
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Urban Planning (preferred)
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: 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
Public participation in land use planning is crucial, yet many residents face challenges engaging meaningfully due to the complexity of planning documents and technical jargon. While governments increasingly use AI chatbots to share information, these tools often provide generalized responses and struggle with the personalized, context-aware inquiry needed for meaningful civic engagement.This project investigates how AI agents can be co-designed to bridge this gap and better support public participation, using the Tallahassee-Leon County 2030 Comprehensive Plan. We explore how AI tools can assist residents in interpreting complex land-use policies, evaluating “what-if” scenarios, and deliberating on urban development trade-offs. By conducting interviews and co-design sessions with local residents and stakeholders, this research aims to understand the socio-technical factors that influence AI trustworthiness and ultimately design human-centered AI systems that foster inclusive and reflective civic participation.
Research Tasks: The undergraduate research assistant will primarily be involved in the qualitative data collection and analysis phases of the project. Specific tasks include:
1) Conducting Interviews: Assisting or leading semi-structured interviews with local residents and stakeholders to understand their perspectives on urban planning and AI tools.
2) Participant Recruitment: Helping with outreach efforts, such as disseminating flyers at community centers, and relevant online groups.
3) Qualitative Data Analysis: Transcribing audio recordings, reviewing interview data to identify recurring themes, and extracting key insights.
4) Literature Review (Optional): Assisting with gathering and organizing relevant literature on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and participatory urban planning.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: - Required: Excellent English communication skills (both verbal and written) for conducting interviews and interacting with diverse community members. Ability to extract key insights from the interviews.
- Recommended: A basic understanding of or strong interest in land use/urban planning (familiarity with the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive plan is a major plus) or civic participation. Interest in HCI and qualitative research methods.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy centers on developing independent analytical thinkers through guided self-motivation and mutual respect. I believe that undergraduate researchers are not just assistants, but valuable co-collaborators who bring fresh perspectives to complex problems.My approach involves three core pillars:
1) Providing Scaffolding, then Autonomy: I start by providing clear guidance and concrete examples (how to conduct a semi-structured interview or how to code qualitative data). As the mentee builds confidence, I gradually step back, empowering them to take ownership of their tasks and encouraging independent discovery.
2) Fostering Critical Inquiry: I create an interactive environment where asking "why" and "how" is expected. I encourage mentees to look beyond the surface of the data, question assumptions, and develop logical arguments without fear of making mistakes. Learning from trial and error is a critical part of the research process.
3) Aligning with Individual Goals: I strive to understand what motivates each mentee (whether they are preparing for graduate school or building a resume for industry). I tailor their research tasks to build the specific analytical and practical skills that will serve their long-term professional objectives.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://sites.google.com/view/jiwooseo/research-projectsArchitectured microstructure development under the influence of magnetic fields for space applications
titanium, steel, aerospace, cryogenic
Research Mentor: Shreyas Balachandran,
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: sbalachandran@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: sbalachandran@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: Engineering- Mechanical and Aerospace, Chemical Biomedical, Electrical Engineering,
Sciences- Chemistry, Physics
Open to all with hands-on skills through other experiences
Project Location: IRCB 2001 Levy Ave, and Maglab
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5- 10 hours , During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Engineering- Mechanical and Aerospace, Chemical Biomedical, Electrical Engineering,
Sciences- Chemistry, Physics
Open to all with hands-on skills through other experiences
Project Location: IRCB 2001 Levy Ave, and Maglab
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5- 10 hours , During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Thursday, September 3
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3744762708 - Day: Friday, September 4
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3744762708 - Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3744762708
Project Description
Architectured materials are a generic term that describes a design that incorporates a combination of different material systems or spaces which offer greater functionality than either of the constituents. Most current materials are nature-inspired, such as seashells and muscle structures.In this project, you will investigate the impact of magnetic fields on a class of materials that react to a magnetic field and develop architectured material structures. Our goal is to develop strong, lightweight materials for deep space applications where temperatures range from -410F to 210F.
Research Tasks: Tasks:
Literature review
Safety Training
Performing experiments using XRD, and PPMS
Data collection
Data Analysis
Communication: Making presentations/ posters, presenting the data in group meetings, Report writing
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Good verbal and written communication. Good work ethic. Good organization
Recommended: Hands-on experience is preferred; interest and curiosity
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe you are highly capable and have a bright future, and I want to support you.My goal is to support and nurture your interests and enthusiasm across engineering and science by providing interactive environments for learning and creating opportunities:
a) to conduct independent but guided research in my group- on specific topics in the extreme environment space
b) to learn to present to a broad spectrum of audiences- by regular presentations within the group and in other settings
c) to broaden future horizons- by providing information and encouragement to explore national lab, company, and grad school opportunities.
d) to provide a safe space to learn and develop
e) to encourage ownership and promote accountability.
Most importantly, I will encourage you and want you to succeed.
Shreyas Balachandran
Additional Information
Link to Publications
***Half the Sky
global; women; music
Research Mentor: mwrightc@fsu.edu Margaret WrightCleveland, She/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Office of Faculty Development and Advancement, N/A
Contact Email: mwrightc@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. McKenna Stenson She/her
Faculty Collaborators Email: mstenson@fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Office of Faculty Development and Advancement, N/A
Contact Email: mwrightc@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. McKenna Stenson She/her
Faculty Collaborators Email: mstenson@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Community music; Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Social Work; Criminology; Creative Writing; Film.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Community music; Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Social Work; Criminology; Creative Writing; Film.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 6:00
End Time: 6:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/mwrightc - Day: Thursday, September 3
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 1:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/mwrightc
Project Description
This fall, Dr. Stenson is programming concert repertoire around Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. The book—and its accompanying PBS documentary—explores global issues affecting women, including sex trafficking, maternal mortality, and gender-based violence, while highlighting pathways for change through women’s economic empowerment. Throughout the semester, the FSU ensemble will engage with selected readings and documentary excerpts alongside the musical repertoire.Dr. Wright-Cleveland will direct this research project to augment that performance. Undergraduate researchers may work toward one of three outcomes:
1. research and write an essay about one of the global issues affecting women that is explored in this composition;
2. research local agencies engaged in supporting women and build a resource fair to be held in conjunction with the concert on November 3;
3. research and prepare a poster to be published in conjunction with a panel discussion about this performance during FSU's Festival of the Creative Arts in February 2027.
Research Tasks: Literature review of Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn; data collection on global issues affecting women; survey construction about impact of Half the Sky Project; conducting interviews; writing analysis of data and literature; writing a documentary.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: There are no specialized skills required for this project. Curiosity about connecting ideas across disciplines - what we call a cultural studies approach - is of great benefit.