UROP Project
MLab AI project-based research
Machine learning, computer vision, commercialization
Research Mentor: Jonathan Adams, Dr.
Department, College, Affiliation: Information, Communication and Information
Contact Email: jladams@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ben Ravuri (doctoral candidate) Mr.
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: omoja@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators: Lucas von Hollen
Faculty Collaborators Email: lucas.vonhollen@cci.fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Information, Communication and Information
Contact Email: jladams@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ben Ravuri (doctoral candidate) Mr.
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: omoja@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators: Lucas von Hollen
Faculty Collaborators Email: lucas.vonhollen@cci.fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: We prefer students who have an ability to code, interest in computer systems, artificial intelligence, or publishing basic research.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes 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: All Zoom meetings use the following: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97124948078
Tuesday (9/5) 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00
Wednesday (9/6) 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00
Thursday (9/7) 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00
Friday (9/8) 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: We prefer students who have an ability to code, interest in computer systems, artificial intelligence, or publishing basic research.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes 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: All Zoom meetings use the following: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97124948078
Tuesday (9/5) 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00
Wednesday (9/6) 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00
Thursday (9/7) 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00
Friday (9/8) 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00
Project Description
The MLab research specializes in generating synthetic media. Our research has explored various ways to create ‘deep-fakes’ of objects that are hard to photograph or more often, are not sufficient in number to train a computer vision AI. We developed tools to generate the images, labeled and ready for training. This opens up a wide variety of opportunities to explore synthetic media, AI training, object, and anomaly detection.Should you decide to apply, and ultimately participate, the lab hosts undergraduate alumni of the lab, graduate students and professors who can assist you with your chosen project. Interested students should understand that participating in the lab means you are a self-starter who works well in small groups of like-minded students.
Working knowledge of Python (or other language) programming language is preferred, but we do have projects intended to get newcomers up to speed. One of the primary functions of the lab is to encourage research related to the use of Artificial Intelligence agents, and supporting students who desire to publish their works. Since the beginning of 2020, we have produced 6 student-led research papers that have been accepted by international conferences.
Last year we focused our efforts on a Binaural Beat Box, which we proposed to use as a Palliative care tool. The Beat Box uses generated synthetic music, Art, and Animation for a tablet application.
We are interested in coders, CS, Engineering, Statistics, and 3D artists who can model different subjects.
Research Tasks: Every student has the opportunity to define a project. Each project we coordinate has different requirements. MLab teams have written literature reviews, conducted technical studies with AI algorithms, performance comparisons, and have sought to understand the relationship between AI tools and their impact on learning. We are looking for ideas as well, and are open to value-added ideas.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Experience with computer languages, statistics, math, demonstrable ability to learn programming.
Recommended: Communication skills, analytic skills, willingness to take chances.
Mentoring Philosophy
Teamwork is an important aspect of the lab, collaboration is key.A Peloton is a small group of professional bicyclists riding together. Peloton teamwork is thrilling to witness. Each rider take a turn at the front of the pack, peddling as hard as possible for as long as they can endure. As they tire, their legs slow, the second rider in the Peloton takes lead and starts to pedal hard, taking the lead. The mass of the riders creates a wind vortex (draft), that follows the pack. As each lead cyclist runs out of energy, their retreat is to the rear, where they can rest, pulled by the draft of the other team members, without any peddling. Each member of the team moves up the Peloton line to become the lead rider and drops back when their best effort is exhausted.
No matter how ambitious (or how strong) a single cyclist might be, one cyclist cannot catch or outrun a collaborative group. In the MLab, we each make a contribution to the work at hand. Sometimes we lead, other times we (the Peloton) support others as they lead. We respect collaboration and team effort.
As a mentor: my role is to help guide your work. We learn more effectively by doing, figuring out what works; Trial and error are expected. I am always ready to guide or assist. The MLab is a safe environment in which mentees feel that is acceptable to fail and learn from their mistakes.
Additional Information
The MLab is equipped with:(5) Machine Learning stations.
(1) Cyberpower 2080 Ti, 256 gb CPU RAM (doubles as the Oculus/Unity dev station)
(2) Alienware 3090, Cyberpower 3090 64 gb CPU RAM
(2) Alienware 4090, 64 gb CPU RAM
(1) Oculus Headset
(2,3) Fixed wing and rotary drone aircraft.
Link to Publications
https://pilotmedia.com/jladams/***Gender Quotas and Far-Right Backlash: Evidence From Italy and Other European Countries
Radical Right, Italy, Gender
Research Mentor: Mr. James Carroll Stewart III, He/Him/His
Department, College, Affiliation: Political Science, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: jstewart2@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. Harley Roe He/Him/His
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: hroe@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Political Science, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: jstewart2@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. Harley Roe He/Him/His
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: hroe@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Italian (Language Skills would be very helpful)
Polish (Language Skills would be very helpful)
Any European Language
Political Science
Economics
Sociology
Open to all majors (the main qualification is enthusiasm)
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 5th, 12pm-1pm https://fsu.zoom.us/j/2126729548
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Italian (Language Skills would be very helpful)
Polish (Language Skills would be very helpful)
Any European Language
Political Science
Economics
Sociology
Open to all majors (the main qualification is enthusiasm)
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 5th, 12pm-1pm https://fsu.zoom.us/j/2126729548
Project Description
How do gender quotas affect support for far-right parties? We argue that the implementation of gender quotas may further incentivize disaffected individuals to vote for far-right parties. The literature typically defines the far-right in terms of three major criteria: populism, nativism, and authoritarianism. Yet there is also an undercurrent of anti-feminism that is prominent among far-right supporters and in party platforms. Far-right parties tend to place traditional values in the spotlight, which emphasize the supportive and domestic roles of women. At times, these leanings hyperbolize a feminist oppression of men, which leaves men feeling deprived of their previous social standing. Gender quotas may trigger backlash based on these perceived threats.We're looking for institutional arrangements that will make studying this possible relationship easier.
Research Tasks: Literature Review.
Research into the timeline and implementation of gender quotas in Italy and other countries in Europe.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Italian Language Skills (recommended)
Other European Language Skills (recommended)
Data Analysis in R (recommended)
Mentoring Philosophy
Research is an inherently collaborative enterprise. Our mentorship philosophy is largely hands-off. Students who want to be in the UROP program generally are excellent in their fields, and our job isn't to micromanage them. Both Mr. Roe and myself have been in their shoes. We want to emphasize that we're looking for a colleague, not a lackey.Additional Information
https://coss.fsu.edu/polisci/grad-students/james-c-stewart-iii/Link to Publications
https://harleyroe.com/***Autism interventions: It may be effective . . .but do they like it?
autism; social validity; intervention; education
Research Mentor: Dr. Veronica Fleury,
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Education
Contact Email: vpfleury@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Peter Marti
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: pmarti@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Education
Contact Email: vpfleury@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Peter Marti
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: pmarti@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Remote. All activities can be completed online. Lab meetings will be held via zoom.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-7 hours per week, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: I would like to record a video on zoom and add the video link to my submission: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/00bSwMziwxwFVvdHbcnubTs1ihFkyZJhncNtkhEdgrXML5_5eBix-zLEmE-vYmE.G0n8pOJKaSXDR7kD
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Remote. All activities can be completed online. Lab meetings will be held via zoom.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-7 hours per week, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: I would like to record a video on zoom and add the video link to my submission: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/00bSwMziwxwFVvdHbcnubTs1ihFkyZJhncNtkhEdgrXML5_5eBix-zLEmE-vYmE.G0n8pOJKaSXDR7kD
Project Description
Effective educational interventions for students with autism are only useful if consumers (i.e., educators, caregivers, students) are willing to use the intervention. It is important to establish that an intervention is not only effective, but also SOCIALLY VALID. Social validity refers to the extent to which consumers view the intervention as important, acceptable, and feasible within the "real world." The point of social validity assessments is to anticipate rejection of an intervention before that happens; therefore, social validity assessments should involve ALL relevant consumers of the program. The purpose of this project is to conduct a secondary review of published autism intervention studies to determine how researchers assess social validity, and importantly, whose perspectives are represented.Research Tasks: Literature review; secondary coding of study variables, data entry.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Library search skills; Basic computer skills
Mentoring Philosophy
I strive to create a learning environment in which students respect each other and honor each other’s unique contributions. In operating this way, I am reflecting the values espoused by the special education profession broadly and the culture of this University specifically. In my time at FSU I have found it to be an intellectual environment that encourages all viewpoints to be voiced, as long as they are sincere and considered. We who benefit from such openness are obliged to bring the same culture of mutual regard and collective curiosity to our classrooms and advising. Shaping the future generation of scholars by involving students in research projects is a responsibility I not only accept, but value. Over the past five years, I have supervised over 30 students on my research projects. In our weekly research lab meetings, I am transparent about my research decisions so that students can learn all aspects of the scientific process, including troubleshooting common challenges that arise in applied research. I strive to establish a working environment where all members can be successful. This involves communicating clear expectations in my lab, working with my team members to create feasible goals to accomplish each week, and having a consistent accountability and performance feedback system.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRIHchApr9EKinky if needy straight if well-off: A qualitative textual analysis of women's hair in ads
gender in media, stereotypes of women's appearance, qualitative textual analysis
Research Mentor: Ms., but first name is fine. Sunah Lee, She/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Communication, Communication and Information
Contact Email: slee24@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Communication, Communication and Information
Contact Email: slee24@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: Communication, sociology, English, and women's studies—but open to anyone interested in the topic!
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, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Communication, sociology, English, and women's studies—but open to anyone interested in the topic!
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, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Project Description
Hair is much more than a simple body part, especially for women. Because of its symbolic power, women’s hair often has triggered contentions around its shape, meaning, and owner. Either an object of stereotyped beauty ideal or a tool of resistance, hair is an integral part of women’s representation in media, such as advertisements. Critical scholars have scrutinized gendered stereotypes and the sexualization of women in ads. However, the recent rise of the idea of femvertising calls for a shift in perspective away from such critiques. In participating in the ongoing debate around femvertising and popular feminism, this research investigates whether gender stereotypes in ads have improved, focusing on women's hairstyles and non-verbal behaviors.Research Tasks: Data collection - building a database out of the ads in People and US Weekly magazines for the analysis.
Textual analysis - coding data according to a coding scheme of gendered representations
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Passion for the project
Basic internet using skills - screen capturing and saving.
MS Excel
Mentoring Philosophy
As a mentor, I aim to be a useful resource for my mentees. Understanding that there is not a single mentee who is not special, I want to share the excitement of pursuing knowledge inside and outside academia. One of the most quoted sayings about mentoring tells us not to give one fish but to teach one how to fish. I believe mentoring today, however, should go beyond teaching “how to fish.” Students today live saturated with digital media and information. As such, they come to college already knowing how to find the information they want in digital space: they already know how to fish. Thus, I aim to be a mentor that tells my mentees how to find good fish and how to make delicious dishes out of it. In doing so, I want to share my experiences inside and outside of academia. As a mother of two girls, I will make sure to be an understanding and empathetic mentor.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://directory.cci.fsu.edu/sunah-lee/Identity and Belonging Among U.S. Central Americans
Latinx; Latino; Race & Ethnicity; Identity; Central America
Research Mentor: You may just call me Kristen, I am not a doctor just yet! Alternatively, you may call me Ms. Amaya in your email if that makes you more comfortable. Kristen Amaya, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Sociology, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: kamaya@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Sociology, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: kamaya@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: Sociology; Latin American & Caribbean Studies; Interdisciplinary Social Science; International Affairs; Geography; Social Psychology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 - 1:00PM https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93128327588
Thursday, September 5th, 2023 - 1:00PM https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94007519152
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Sociology; Latin American & Caribbean Studies; Interdisciplinary Social Science; International Affairs; Geography; Social Psychology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 - 1:00PM https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93128327588
Thursday, September 5th, 2023 - 1:00PM https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94007519152
Project Description
I am seeking a research assistant (or assistants) to assist with my dissertation research. I am conducting life interviews with Latinx Central American immigrants. Central America is the region south of Mexico but north of Colombia, encompassing Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Currently, there are over 3.5 million Central American immigrants residing in the United States across multiple generations, but little is known about their day-to-day lives. This research project examines Central Americans' experiences with identity and belonging after settling and living in the United States. I conduct this research with special consideration of the political discourse surrounding their home countries and the crisis at the U.S. southern border. Research assistant(s) would primarily assist with transcribing interview audio files (with the use of transcription software, not manually!) but are more than welcome to engage in other areas that they find interesting if appropriate.So far I have interviewed eleven Central American immigrants across multiple generations. While findings are preliminary, participants report an overall sense of disillusionment with their Central American identities, their unique U.S. social contexts, and the Latinx community. They report having wrestled with their Central American identities since childhood, unsure how to connect with cultures that they have little knowledge of. They relate this struggle to their experiences growing up with traumatized parents who were reluctant to speak about their experiences living in Central America before coming to the U.S. (these countries experienced numerous violent civil wars during the 20th century that led to mass migration to the United States). Many report working to recover lost cultural knowledge by learning about Central America and investigating their family histories, which often involves connecting with their indigenous roots. Lastly, participants also report feeling unable to fit in with other Latinx groups, such as Cuban and Mexican Americans, who predominate the Latinx spaces they try to inhabit. Further findings are pending as we continue collecting interview data!
Research Tasks: Transcribing interview audio files with the help of transcription software; Scheduling interviews; Other tasks as desired
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Strong organizational skills recommended
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe mentors should guide students toward achieving their goals even if those goals do not perfectly align with the mentor's own objectives. A junior research assistant is looking to gain an understanding of the research process as well as some introductory skills to contribute to that process. At the end of their assistantship, it is my hope that the student will have a solid understanding of how research is conducted and an idea of how they might want to contribute to their own respective fields moving forward. However, as a mentor, my job is not only to help the student develop research and professional skills but also to provide moral support and guidance when appropriate. As a Latinx woman of color in academia, it is my additional hope to support students who were in the same boat I was as a student: the first in my family to go to college with a strong desire to pursue higher education, but unsure of the specific expectations, procedures, and norms required to get there. More important than developing their research skills, I want to help marginalized students navigate the overwhelming world of higher education in a manner that helps them achieve their personal and professional goals with as little stress and anxiety as possible.Additional Information
Link to Publications
TIPs For Parents
Trauma, Parenting, Resilience
Research Mentor: Dr. Lenore McWey, She/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Human Development and Family Science, Health and Human Sciences
Contact Email: lmcwey@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dylann Lowery & Carson Outler She/her and She/her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: dfl22@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email: co22j@fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Human Development and Family Science, Health and Human Sciences
Contact Email: lmcwey@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dylann Lowery & Carson Outler She/her and She/her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: dfl22@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email: co22j@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: Not participating in the Roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Project Description
TIPs for Parents Parenting Group is a group of trained marriage and family therapy clinicians offering a trauma-informed parenting group to help parents better understand themselves and connect more with their child(ren). It is an 8-week program (approximately 1.5 – 2 hours a week) where we highlight a new topic each week! It is a FREE group for parents with their participation in the research component of the group. The research component includes a pre- and post-interview of the group about their parenting experiences. Three paper surveys to better understand how the topics are helping the parents. One group will be offered in the Fall of 2023 and one in the Spring of 2024.Research Tasks: - Review and organize survey data
- Transcribe weekly meetings
- Assist with preparing and organizing materials
- Conduct literature review
- Marketing and Recruitment
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Communication (required)
Time management (required)
Organization (required)
Attention to detail (required)
Mentoring Philosophy
Working with students is my favorite aspect of my job. I take a developmental approach to mentoring, understanding that students may need more guidance on new tasks, and as they learn, they can do more and more independently. I believe in the power of applied learning and aim to create opportunities where all involved learn together while supporting all team members. Most of my research teams involve graduate students who also enjoy working with and mentoring undergraduate students. On our research teams, we aim to co-create a respectful, hard-working, fun environment where we are challenged but can rise to the occasion and grow in a safe context. This particular opportunity involves working with a team with graduate students who desire to foster mentorship through research for the next generation.Additional Information
In this role, UROP students will be working directly with doctoral students, Dylann Lowery and Carson Outler, on the TIPS For Parents Project. Please email Dylann or Carson directly with the header "UROP TIPs For Parents."Link to Publications
Experiments with large language models
GPT Claude AI tools python
Research Mentor: Professor Gordon Erlebacher, He
Department, College, Affiliation: Scientific Computing, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: gerlebacher@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Scientific Computing, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: gerlebacher@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: Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Scientific Computing
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
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: Thurs, Sept 7, 11 am - 1 pm
Fri, Sept 8, 10 am - noon, 3 pm - 4 pm.
Zoom link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9038137210
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Scientific Computing
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
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: Thurs, Sept 7, 11 am - 1 pm
Fri, Sept 8, 10 am - noon, 3 pm - 4 pm.
Zoom link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9038137210
Project Description
In the past six months, generative AI tools have taken a giant leap forward. Starting with ChatGPT, we are now besieged by a plethora of language models that number in the thousands. Research has accelerated to generate model that run faster, consume less memory, and produce better results. I am interested in constructing specialized tools to provide faculty and students to help them in their research and studies. Such tools might include the ability to scan a collection of papers, and converse with the AI. Although such tools exist, they are general, and do not work very well. I much prefer having these tools in-house at no cost. Also, the development of these tools is a learning experience. Promising applications of such tools is the generation of personalized curricula, tools to help study new subjects, chatbots that can help you prepare for tests, and systems to help with grading. We will use langchain (https://docs.langchain.com/docs/), a framework that simplifies the access to language models and allows the construction of programs to mix and match them for specific tasks. We will explore the use of vector databases to store books and articles to allow later querying, and we will develop simple to use interfaces for the users. The specific task will be decided once the research begins.Research Tasks: The student will develop code based on existing templates to interface with language models via standards APIs (Application Program Interfaces). There will be lots of documentation to read, and code experimentations. The work might be frustrating, but rewarding. You will have the opportunity to experiment with several AIs, and you'll be up to date on the progress made in the field.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: The assistant should be comfortable with Python and not afraid to experiment with new Python modules. and experiment. The assistant should ask many questions, as that is the only way to make progress. These questions will be posed to the mentor, and to different forums on the Internet, such as Stack Overflow and Discord, depending on the need.
Mentoring Philosophy
My own philosophy of mentoring is having a continuous two-way conversation about the work we are doing. Simply meeting once or twice a week is not sufficient. Good research is frustrating, which can easy lead to the research grinding to a halt. I would expect presentations of the work done over the period of a week, made with Google Slides or equivalent tool. Given that the research involves AI, I would expect the presentations and any written materials to take advantage of the latest AI tools to get more done faster and better. However, I will insist that the assistant be responsible for any content. The AI tools make errors so they should not be taken for granted. I communicate a lot by email, and would like a free-flowing email exchange. I tend to be rather direct, which some people find hard to tolerate. But the more work the assistant accomplishes, the more engage I, as a mentor, become.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=GYQIwJkAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdateSexual selection in the lance-tailed manakin - using machine learning to analyze display variation
birds; behavior; video analysis; machine learning
Research Mentor: ehduval@bio.fsu.edu Emily DuVal, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: ehduval@bio.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. Daniel Gutierrez he/him
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: ehduval@bio.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. Daniel Gutierrez he/him
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: computer science, computational biology, statistics, biology, other majors considered
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Video summary of the project and advising plan: https://youtu.be/QmkdHtfTUcU
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: computer science, computational biology, statistics, biology, other majors considered
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Video summary of the project and advising plan: https://youtu.be/QmkdHtfTUcU
Project Description
This project investigates variation in display behavior of a small tropical bird, the lance-tailed manakin. In this species and many others, males perform conspicuous courtship displays for females. These displays can involve extreme acrobatic feats, change over time or in response to female behavior, and play an important role in reproductive success. How males perform courtship has an immediate effect on whether they get the chance to pass on their genes to a future generation. During this project, a team of two UROP students will work together with Dr. DuVal to assess the suitability of machine learning programs to analyze and compare display performance (1) among males and (2) within the same male over time.Research Tasks: Students will take part in guided reading of the primary literature, self-guided training on how to use pre-coded machine learning programs like Deep Lab Cut, literature searches to identify other useful programs, and tests of program accuracy. They will collect and analyze data focused on one discrete question (of the many we will discuss) and create a poster explaining their findings. Finally, they will generate a written or video-recorded tutorial to help others effectively applying the protocol they identify as best for addressing their chosen question.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: MS Access, experience with video editing software (we use Sony MovieStudio), programming experience (not essential, but Python may help)
Required: curiosity, interest in animal behavior and computational approaches to understanding behavioral variation, self-motivation, reliability
Mentoring Philosophy
Open communciation is at the heart of my mentoring philosophy. I work with my mentees to customize their research experience to help them achieve their long-term goals, as well as the short-term aims of performing a specific analysis or processing a given piece of data. When something isn't working, I expect that we will discuss and work through it together. All members of my lab, including undergraduates, take full part in weekly lab meetings where we read and disucss articles from the primary literature. All lab members are expect to interact collaboratively, respectfully, and considerately so that we all benefit from the diverse perspectives and experiences that we bring to the table. I expect to learn from you, just as you should expect to learn from me.Additional Information
https://www.bio.fsu.edu/duval/Publications.htmlhttps://www.bio.fsu.edu/duval/index.html
Link to Publications
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/lance-tailed-manakins/High Voltage Engineering
High Voltage, Electrical Engineering, Zero Emission Aviation
Research Mentor: cheetham@eng.famu.fsu.edu Peter Cheetham,
Department, College, Affiliation: Electrical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: cheetham@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Electrical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: cheetham@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Engineering - all disciplines
Communications - We would like to develop videos of experiments for STEM outreach
Project Location: 2000 Levy Ave
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Bus to Engineering Campus Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Engineering - all disciplines
Communications - We would like to develop videos of experiments for STEM outreach
Project Location: 2000 Levy Ave
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Bus to Engineering Campus Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Project Description
Would you like to blow something up with high voltage electricity?Would you like to play with liquid nitrogen?
Do you care about the environment?
If yes, the high voltage lab at FSU CAPS may be for you. Student will gain hands on experience in the lab utilizing high voltage power supplies as well as learn how to use various software programs. Students will also be encouraged to learn about our funded projects in Zero Emission Electric Aviation and development of electric ship technology.
Research Tasks: Shadowing of graduate students in laboratory, designing parts in solidworks, 3D printing
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Punctual, teamwork,
Mentoring Philosophy
I have mentored over 50 undergraduate students in the last 8 years. I am a previous undergraduate researcher myself. We create a supportive environment where students have the opportunity to learn from other undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdocs and researchers. We implement a "buddy system" to help you get used to the lab environment and ensure you are engaged in fun things. Research is different to classes, so we are not trying to trick or grade you, so plenty of questions and learning from mistakes is strongly encouraged.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=IV98K1MAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdateSurvey of Elder Legal Needs in Florida
Survey, Legal Need, Data Collection, Aging, Public Interest
Research Mentor: Prof. Rima Nathan, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: FSU COLLEGE OF LAW, Law
Contact Email: rnathan@law.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: FSU COLLEGE OF LAW, Law
Contact Email: rnathan@law.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: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7, 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
Seniors across Florida have very diverse legal needs. Research assistants for this project will help organize and initiate a survey targeted at low-income seniors in Florida to collect data on what area of law they need the most assistance with (ex: probate, wills, trusts, health care, family law, bankruptcy, personal injury, etc.). The goal of this project is to understand whether the legal needs of low-income seniors are being met and potential paths to improved services. The Claude Pepper Elder Law Clinic at FSU College of Law provides legal services to low-income seniors so this data collection will assist the clinic in targeting unmet needs.Research Tasks: survey building, literature review, data collection, conducting interviews
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: good communication skills, excellent writing skills, excel
Recommended: an interest in social policy & aging