UROP Project | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

Characterizing Neurodevelopmental Disease-Associated Conformational Changes in the βII-Spectrin Actin-Binding Domain

Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Protein Chemistry, Recombinant Proteins, Cytoskeletal Proteins, Spectrin, SPTBN1, Actin-Binding Proteins, Protein-Protein Interactions

Research Mentor: Dr. Helene Tigro, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: ht24@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Christopher Solis He/His
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: csolis@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Chemistry, Biology, Computational Biology, Engineering
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98918911622

Project Description

βII-spectrin (SPTBN1) is a cytoskeletal scaffolding protein that links F-actin to membrane-associated protein complexes and plays essential roles in neuronal development, membrane organization, and maintenance of cellular architecture. Its N-terminal actin-binding domain (ABD) contains tandem calponin homology domains (CH1 and CH2) that regulate actin interactions through a dynamic equilibrium between closed (autoinhibited) and open conformations. Disease-associated variants within the ABD disrupt this regulatory mechanism and have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, and behavioral abnormalities.
Several pathogenic variants are predicted to alter interactions at the CH1-CH2 interface, thereby shifting the structural equilibrium of the ABD. Some mutations may stabilize the closed state and reduce actin association, whereas others are predicted to promote domain opening and enhance actin affinity. This project will experimentally and computationally characterize recombinant human βII-spectrin wild-type (WT) and mutant ABD proteins to determine how disease-associated mutations affect protein structure and function.
Despite the growing number of SPTBN1 variants identified in patients, the molecular mechanisms underlying their pathogenicity remain poorly understood. Because βII-spectrin is critical for axonal growth, neuronal connectivity, and organization of the neuronal cytoskeleton, disruption of its actin-binding properties may contribute directly to disease development. By linking patient-associated mutations to structural and functional consequences at the molecular level, this project aims to advance our understanding of SPTBN1-associated neurodevelopmental disorders and the mechanisms that drive neuronal dysfunction.

Research Tasks: The student will conduct a literature review on spectrin biology, actin-binding proteins, and connection to neurodevelopmental disorders. Research activities will include recombinant expression and purification of wild-type and disease-associated βII-spectrin actin-binding domain (ABD) variants, followed by protein characterization using SDS-PAGE, native PAGE, and mass photometry. The effects of mutations on F-actin binding will be quantified through actin co-sedimentation assays. Computational analyses will include AlphaFold modeling, ChimeraX visualization, structural measurements, and electrostatic surface analysis. Experimental and computational results will be integrated to determine how pathogenic SPTBN1 variants alter βII-spectrin structure and function. Statistical analysis, data interpretation, and figure preparation will also be performed.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Good theoretical understanding of biology and chemistry. Interest in protein biochemistry, structural biology, and molecular mechanisms of disease. Experience with laboratory techniques is helpful but not required. Experience with molecular visualization software (ChimeraX, PyMOL), programming (Python, R, MATLAB), or structural biology tools is beneficial but not required. Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team, are highly valued.

Mentoring Philosophy

Mentorship is one of the most rewarding aspects of scientific research and an important responsibility that extends beyond technical training. Throughout my career, I have been committed to helping students develop as scientists, critical thinkers, and future professionals. During my doctoral studies, I supervised more than 20 Bachelor's and Master's thesis students, all of whom have continued into careers in the biomedical sciences or advanced training through PhD programs.
As a postdoctoral researcher, I work closely with mentees in the laboratory, providing hands-on guidance in experimental design, recombinant protein expression and purification, structural and computational biology, and quantitative data analysis. My goal is to help students build both technical expertise and scientific confidence while developing the independence needed to design experiments, interpret results, and solve complex problems.
I strive to create an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive research environment where curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and challenges are viewed as opportunities for growth. By actively involving students in ongoing research projects, I aim to provide meaningful research experiences that foster scientific discovery, professional development, and long-term success. My commitment to undergraduate mentorship was recognized with the 2025 Postdoctoral Undergraduate Research Mentor Award, reflecting my dedication to supporting and empowering the next generation of scientists.

Additional Information

linkedin.com/in/helene-tigro-656130282

Recording of the roundtable can be reviewed here: https://fsu-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/ht24_fsu_edu/IQDpK-QpI0SuSqIRKQpyfBymAYyf00NP0QCLZQkaZfDuylA?nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJPbmVEcml2ZUZvckJ1c2luZXNzIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXciLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJNeUZpbGVzTGlua0NvcHkifX0&e=S7YzxL
Slideshow can we reviewed here: https://fsu-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/ht24_fsu_edu/IQBPbrks452WQKK_-sMVBwgOAbdGjhjfoS9ad58rXWKvluY?e=aibKp6

Link to Publications

https://solislab.create.fsu.edu/

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Investigating phosphorylation-dependent α-actinin-2 and CaMKII interactions in cultured human cells

Bioengineering and biomedical engineering, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Cardiovascular Biology, Signal Transduction, Protein-Protein Interactions, Cytoskeletal Proteins, Fluorescence Microscopy, Heart Failure

Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98918911622

Project Description

α-Actinin-2 (ACTN2) is a major structural protein of the cardiac sarcomere that crosslinks filamentous actin (F-actin) and anchors signaling proteins at the Z-disc. In addition to its structural role, α-actinin-2 functions as a signaling scaffold that coordinates mechanical and biochemical responses to cellular stress. Recent studies have identified direct interactions between α-actinin-2 and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), a key regulator of cardiac remodeling, calcium handling, and stress signaling. Dysregulation of CaMKII signaling contributes to the development of heart failure and cardiomyopathy.
Our laboratory studies how phosphorylation of the α-actinin-2 actin-binding domain regulates protein structure, actin binding, and signaling interactions. Preliminary computational and biochemical studies suggest that phosphorylation-induced conformational remodeling of the α-actinin-2 actin-binding domain may expose signaling interfaces that influence interactions with CaMKII. However, the mechanisms by which phosphorylation regulates α-actinin-2-CaMKII interactions remain poorly understood.
This project will investigate the cellular localization and interaction of α-actinin-2 and CaMKII using cultured human cells. Students will gain hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, transient transfection, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis while contributing to ongoing studies examining the relationship between cytoskeletal organization and cellular signaling. Understanding how α-actinin-2 and CaMKII interact may provide insight into mechanisms that regulate cardiac adaptation and remodeling in health and disease.

Research Tasks: The student will conduct a literature review on α-actinin-2, CaMKII signaling, and regulation of the cardiac cytoskeleton. Research activities will include routine maintenance and passaging of HEK293T cells, preparation and amplification of plasmid DNA, and transient transfection of fluorescently tagged α-actinin-2 and CaMKII constructs. The student will monitor transfection efficiency and protein expression using fluorescence microscopy and assist in optimizing experimental conditions. Imaging studies will be performed to evaluate the subcellular localization and colocalization of α-actinin-2 and CaMKII. Quantitative image analysis will be carried out using ImageJ/FIJI to measure fluorescence intensity, protein distribution, and colocalization parameters. The student may also assist with immunoblotting, protein expression analysis, data interpretation, statistical analysis, and graphical presentation of results.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Good theoretical understanding of biology and chemistry. Interest in cell biology, protein biochemistry, cardiovascular biology, and molecular signaling pathways. Experience with laboratory techniques is helpful but not required. Experience with fluorescence microscopy, image analysis software, molecular biology methods, or programming (Python, R, MATLAB) is beneficial but not required. Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team, are highly valued.

Mentoring Philosophy

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://solislab.create.fsu.edu/

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Defining how phosphorylation regulates α-actinin-2 structure, F-actin binding, and actomyosin mechanics

Bioengineering and biomedical engineering, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Sarcomeric Proteins, Recombinant Proteins, Protein Chemistry, α-actinin-2, Actin-Binding Proteins, Muscle Mechanics, Post-Translational Modifications

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Chemistry, Biology, Computational Biology, Engineering
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98918911622

Project Description

α-Actinin-2 (ACTN2) is a major structural component of the cardiac sarcomere that crosslinks filamentous actin (F-actin) and anchors signaling proteins at the Z-disc, thereby maintaining sarcomere organization and mechanical integrity. Phosphoproteomic studies have identified several mechanically responsive phosphorylation sites within its actin-binding domain (ABD), including T43, S50, S147, and T237. These residues localize near the interface between the tandem calponin homology domains (CH1 and CH2), which regulate transitions between closed (autoinhibited) and open (actin-binding competent) conformations.
Our preliminary computational (Tigro et al., 2026) and biochemical studies suggest that phosphorylation promotes ABD opening, remodels electrostatic interactions, and enhances F-actin binding. These structural changes may influence cytoskeletal organization, actomyosin mechanics, and cardiac function. However, the molecular mechanisms linking phosphorylation-dependent remodeling to α-actinin-2 function remain poorly understood. This project will characterize wild-type and phosphomimetic α-actinin-2 variants using complementary structural and biochemical approaches.

Research Tasks: The student will conduct a literature review on α-actinin-2 biology and phosphorylation-dependent regulation of the cardiac cytoskeleton. Research activities will include recombinant expression and purification of wild-type and phosphomimetic full-length α-actinin-2 variants, actin and myosin purification, SDS-PAGE and native PAGE analysis, F-actin co-sedimentation assays, and in vitro motility assays to assess effects on actin binding, protein conformation, and actomyosin mechanics. Statistical analysis, data interpretation, and figure preparation, will also be performed.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Good theoretical understanding of chemistry and biology. Interest in protein biochemistry, structural biology, muscle physiology, and cardiovascular research. Experience with laboratory techniques is helpful but not required. Experience with data analysis, statistics, microscopy, or molecular visualization software such as ChimeraX is beneficial but not required. Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team, are highly valued. Motivation to learn new experimental and computational techniques is expected.

Mentoring Philosophy

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://solislab.create.fsu.edu/

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Artificial Intelligence Solutions for Industrial and Cyber-Physical Systems

Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, industry

Research Mentor: Dr. Abdulrahman Takiddin,
Department, College, Affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: a.takiddin@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: Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 - 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 3:30
End Time: 4:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91588209449

Project Description

Artificial intelligence is now being adopted in almost all fields to automate, expedite, and improve processes especially with the advancement of ChatGPT. This project involves building machine learning-based solutions to solve problems in modern businesses and industries including expediting processes and enhancing the security aspects. Such industries include smart power grids, transportation systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones).

Research Tasks: Data collection
Data analysis
Building machine learning models
Literature review
Documenting and reporting research outcomes

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended skills:
Basic programming skills in Python/Matlab
Basic data Analysis skills
Basic experience in MS Excel
Basic research skills

Mentoring Philosophy

My goal is to prepare engineering and computer science students for the future as artificial intelligence is advancing in nearly all fields. As a new faculty member, I plan to work closely with students to conduct research in emerging topics including machine learning, cybersecurity, and IoT in cyber-physical systems fields including smart power grids, transportation systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). I plan to achieve these goals by creating an interactive environment that allows students to collaborate in my research lab that is equipped with state-of-the-art high-performance computing that facilitates running real-time extensive simulations. These simulations will be conducted to mimc real-world cases, allowing students to witness how machine learning tools can improve the processes and enhance systems' robustness in case of cybersecurity threats. As part of my commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment, I make it a priority to recognize the contributions of my students by including them as co-authors on publications resulting from our joint work. This approach not only acknowledges their valuable input, but also helps to build their academic and professional profiles, empowering them for future career success and preparing them for graduate studies.

Additional Information

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=4zR2Up4AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Link to Publications

https://web1.eng.famu.fsu.edu/~takiddin/

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Scoping review of substance use-related harm reduction implementation determinants and strategies in primary care

Substance use; harm reduction; primary care; scoping review

Research Mentor: Umedjon Ibragimov, He, him
Department, College, Affiliation: FSU College of Nursing Center for Population Sciences and Health Empowerment (CPSHE), Nursing
Contact Email: ui23a@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: 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: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/umedibragimov
Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 2:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/umedibragimov
Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 3:00
End Time: 3:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/umedibragimov

Project Description

Drug overdose and related harms remain a major public health problem in the United States. Harm reduction interventions such as naloxone distribution, safer use education, syringe access, drug checking, HIV preexposure prophylaxis, and medications for opioid use disorder can reduce overdose deaths and infectious disease transmission. Primary care settings may be especially useful for delivering these services because they are accessible, provide ongoing care, and can reach people who do not use specialty addiction treatment.

However, harm reduction services are not consistently implemented in primary care. Barriers may include stigma, limited provider training, insufficient staffing, and uncertainty about regulations. This scoping review will examine what is known about implementing harm reduction interventions in primary care, including barriers, facilitators, implementation strategies, and outcomes.

The review will search six major research databases and include quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and implementation studies. Studies focused only on intervention effectiveness without implementation information will be excluded. Reviewers will independently screen studies and extract relevant data.

Three implementation science frameworks will guide the review. CFIR will be used to organize implementation barriers and facilitators, ERIC will classify implementation strategies, and Proctor’s framework will categorize outcomes such as acceptability, feasibility, adoption, fidelity, and sustainability. Findings will identify important gaps and opportunities for improving harm reduction implementation in primary care.

Research Tasks: Research assistants will help screen titles, abstracts, and full-text articles; extract and organize study data using standardized forms; and classify implementation barriers, strategies, and outcomes using established frameworks. They will also assist with summary tables and synthesis of findings. Students will receive training and work under faculty supervision, with regular team meetings to ensure consistency and resolve disagreements.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Strong attention to detail; ability to follow standardized screening and data-extraction procedures; reliable organization and documentation; willingness to learn research software and implementation science frameworks; ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
Recommended: Prior coursework or experience in public health, social sciences, substance use, literature reviews, or research methods; familiarity with scholarly databases and citation-management software; basic Excel skills.

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy is centered on helping students become increasingly independent and thoughtful scholars. I begin by understanding each mentee’s goals, interests, strengths and areas for development. I recognize that effective mentoring should be individualized rather than one-size-fits-all. Together, we establish clear expectations and achievable goals while allowing these goals to evolve as the mentee gains experience.
I view mentoring as a collaborative relationship grounded in mutual respect, open communication, and accountability. I provide structure, guidance, and constructive feedback, while gradually increasing mentees’ ownership of their work and responsibility for decisions. In research mentoring, I emphasize asking meaningful questions, aligning theory with methods, understanding the rationale behind analytic decisions, and communicating findings clearly rather than simply completing assigned tasks.
I also believe that learning requires opportunities to make mistakes, reconsider assumptions, and work through uncertainty. My role is to create an environment in which mentees can ask questions and take intellectual risks while maintaining high expectations for rigor and professionalism. I draw on my own research and career experiences when useful, but encourage mentees to develop their own scholarly interests and voice. Ultimately, my goal is to help mentees build the skills, judgment, confidence, and professional independence needed for their next stage of development.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://cpshe.fsu.edu/person/umedjon-ibragimov

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Proximity vs Opportunity, how does the LIHTC application process in FL shape LIHTC placement from Developers’ Perspective

Low-income Tax Credit, Affordable Housing, Real Estate Development, Urban Planning

Research Mentor: Chao Wang,
Department, College, Affiliation: Urban and Regional Planning, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: cw22k@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: Urban Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Real Estate, Public Administration, Social Science
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9739724416

Project Description

Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) program is considered the primary subsidy for supply of affordable rental housing in the U.S. Empirical evidence shows that LIHTC units are disproportionally located in high poverty concentrated and low opportunity areas (McClure, 2019; Kuai, 2024). In Florida, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) administers LIHTC program, utilizing the Request for Applications (RFA) process to solicit competitive LIHTC applications proposed by developers and select projects for LIHTC awards. In 2016, FHFC introduced GAO/SADDA Funding Goal in its RFAs, aiming to further incentivize LIHTC development to be built in the higher opportunity areas. This research investigates how the GAO/SADDA Funding Goal, as well as other relevant geographic evaluation criteria, shape developers’ site selection decisions in the RFA process. RFA documents submitted by developers from 2016 to 2025 will be reviewed and analyzed to understand the role of GAO/SADDA Funding Goal in the RFA process. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with developers who pursued GAO/SADDA Funding Goal to understand how this criteria influences developers site selection decisions.

Research Tasks: Data collection, Application Document Review, Data Analysis

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Microsoft Excel (required), Attention to detail (required), Experience reviewing documents and extracting information (recommended)

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy includes three indispensable elements ––guidance, support, and encouragement. Providing guidance is a central element of my mentoring philosophy. As a mentor, I strive to help and guide my mentees in addressing the issues they identify. I aim to offering concrete suggestions and actionable advice on how to move forward when encountering challenges and difficulties
Being supportive is another important element. Whether my mentees are considering a future as researchers, practitioners, or a combination of both, I hope to share my experiences to help them explore their options based on their interests. As a first-generation college student in my family, I understand the confusion and uncertainty that can come with navigating different resources. I am committed to support my mentees identify available resources so they can succeed without feeling lost or overwhelmed.
A final part is encouragement. Research often involves complex concepts and an iterative process of refinement, which can feel intimidating. However, discovering the unknown can also be exciting. I seek to explore these unknowns together with my mentees, encouraging one another and collaboratively finding solutions. I view the mentoring relationship as a shared journey—a challenging but rewarding adventure where we learn and grow side by side.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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Incremental value of Audio in Assessing Confidence in Business Disclosures

Audio Analysis, Machine Learning, Financial Disclosures, Expert Judgements

Research Mentor: Narendra Bosukonda, Dr.
Department, College, Affiliation: Persis E. Rockwood School of Marketing, Business
Contact Email: nbosukonda@wertheim.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Ms Sanjana Penmetcha
Faculty Collaborators Email: ssp24b@fsu.edu

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Business, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
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:

Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 6:00
End Time: 6:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97381442975
Day: Thursday, September 3
Start Time: 6:00
End Time: 6:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97381442975

Project Description

This is the second year we are continuing this project. I started this project last year with a UROP student and made good progress. We want to recruit more UROP students to fast track this project and hopefully complete it this year.

Business communications such as firm disclosures include communications about performance and contain elements such as text and audio. Experts such as stock analysts receive these different types of information concurrently and form judgements about the firm's future performance. Through this project we wish to examine the incremental role of audio, specifically the different features of the tone used by executive play in influencing expert judgements. We built a labeled data set of audio clips to train a machine learning model to predict executive confidence using audio elements. The next task is to refine this training dataset and build this machine learning model. Extract audio features from firms earnings calls and estimate the executive confidence and test its association with expert judgements.

Research Tasks: The research tasks will involve audio feature extraction, training machine learning models and conducting econometric analysis to estimate the impact of audio features on expert judgements.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended : familiarity with audio analysis in Python, Extracting features such as loudness, pitch and brightness. familiarity with librosa library and econometric modelling.

Mentoring Philosophy

I am Narendra Bosukonda, an assistant professor in the Persis E. Rockwood School of Marketing. I conduct research in the areas of B2B marketing, platform marketing and political marketing This is my third year working with UROP students.

My mentorship philosophy, specific to UROP students is to create an environment where students can examine a research question in multiple methods. The projects I conduct through UROP are more of early stage research projects where the research question is less concrete and it needs exploration. Working on early stage ideas introduces students to the discovery process, allows them to be a part of identifying a clear research question but also prepares them to deal with uncertainty in the research process. I act as a guide and fellow learner, as students discover the answers together and face both failures and success together. Students who have worked with me before became comfortable with designing early stage exploratory research studies while also building core research skills such as survey writing, conducting literature reviews and text and audio analysis.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://wertheim.fsu.edu/person/narendra-bosukonda

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Developing Museum Exhibits

Museum, exhibit, anthropology, culture

Research Mentor: Dr. Amy Kowal, She/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Anthropology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: akowal@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: 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: 5-10, 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: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93882045234?pwd=Nl5tXfgOoaTE2A2ebWk6aFtmfptaSx.1
Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 1:30
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92614954443?pwd=bqxEOb0qobNVbzboJsFPLhlKveot9A.1

Project Description

Assistants will conduct research of future exhibits for the Museum Anthropology course that are located in display cases in the Anthropology Department, Carraway Building. Topics to be considered for exhibits are to be within the scope of the anthropological subfields: cultural and applied anthropology, archaeology, biocultural and biological anthropology, and linguistics. However, students are encouraged to research exhibit ideas that are tailored to the student’s own interests and major. At the conclusion of the project, student’s will have a plan for a museum exhibit that will be implemented in the department in a future semester.

Research Tasks: literature review, exhibit planning and design, collections research

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Experience with library research skills (required)

Mentoring Philosophy

As a first time in college student myself attending a large university, college is intimidating, and I found my career interest in anthropology after speaking with a professor of one of my courses. My relationships with various mentors are based on mutual respect and over the years allowed me to expand my interests to include studying diverse peoples, their communities and cultural heritage. Museum studies provides me the mechanism to mentor students and teach them how to conduct research, work independently and in groups, learn from others, and build on each other’s strengths. I encourage students to run with their interests and figure out how to implement their ideas in a multi-component, interactive, professional final product.

Additional Information

Zoom roundtable recording link: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/mcP5QtJA7ssh5GT9nsis8kIIfGgrmFRZV5IXJtHdlNJdAORXmZzkXze4nlm-iTTv.g_rU3_Qg3HxyuFGL

Link to Publications

https://museumanthro.create.fsu.edu/

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Neuromodulation of Motivation Oscillations (NEMO) Study

Depression, Addiction, Cannabis Use, EEG, Neuroscience

Research Mentor: Zoe Howell , She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Psychology Department , Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: howell@psy.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! Perhaps pre-medical, psychology, and neuroscience students would be more interested in this project.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, 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: 3:30
End Time: 4:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/zhowell

Project Description

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are among the most prevalent psychiatric conditions in the United States, affecting an estimated 20.6 million and 21 million adults respectively. Both disorders are characterized by reduced pleasure, diminished motivation, and dampened neural reward sensitivity. This shared dysregulated reward-processing may reflect a common prefrontal oscillatory dysfunction, centralized in mesolimbic dopaminergic reward pathways. Despite their high prevalence, the neural mechanisms underlying blunted reward remain poorly understood. The current project will use electroencephalography and non-invasive brain stimulation via transcranial alternative current (tACS) to better understand this reward pathway, and aims to investigate whether tACS will boost neural markers of reward.

Research Tasks: Research assistants will have the opportunity to work on all aspects of a research project from start to finish, as driven by their own interests. Examples of tasks will include data collection (EEG, tACS), conducting interviews, recruitment and administration, data pre-processing, and initial literature reviews.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: High level of attention to detail required.
Basic understanding of neuroscience recommended, but not required. We will do a literature review at the beginning of the semester to understand the key concepts together!

Mentoring Philosophy

I believe nothing is more important than a collaborative academic relationship! People tend to learn best in things they are naturally drawn towards, and this helps me identify their goals. Once goals, expectations, and milestones have been set, we can begin to assess the current understanding, and how we reach those goals. I desire to foster a safe environment for mentees to feel okay to make mistakes and learn from them, as well as motivating them to push themselves. Importantly, I would like to promote accountability and independence in my mentee, as having self-determination is a key skill in research that is difficult to succeed without!

Additional Information

I look forward to speaking and working with you!! :)

Link to Publications

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Magnet Rescue: Giving Rare-Earth Magnets from Retired Electric Motors a Second Life

Rare-earth magnets; electric motors; circular economy; magnet recovery; sustainable engineering

Research Mentor: Wenda Feng, He/Him/His
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Advanced Power Systems, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: wf25@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: Open to all majors, especially Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Environmental Science. No previous experience with electric machines or permanent magnets is required.
Project Location: Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS)2000 Levy AvenueTallahassee, FL 32310Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No personal vehicle is required. Public transportation is available through the FSU Innovation bus route.
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6-8, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 1:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/5923225848
Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 1:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/5923225848

Project Description

Electric motors power electric vehicles, aircraft, robots, wind turbines, industrial systems, and countless everyday devices. A retired motor may look like scrap, but hidden inside many high-performance motors are powerful permanent magnets containing critical rare-earth materials. These magnets may still have years of useful life remaining, yet they can be buried in steel, bonded with strong adhesives, or secured by sleeves and other structures that make recovery difficult. One incorrect step can crack a magnet, damage its protective coating, or reduce its magnetic performance.

This project asks an important question: How can we recover permanent magnets while preserving enough of their value for a second life?

The undergraduate researcher will become a “magnet detective.” Using safe, de-energized electric motors or rotor samples, the student will investigate where magnets are located, how they are secured, why they are difficult to remove, and what happens to their condition during recovery. The student will help develop a Magnet Recovery and Reuse Scorecard that connects disassembly effort, physical damage, and repeatable magnetic-condition measurements with possible circular pathways: direct reuse, remanufacturing, or material recycling.

The results will contribute to a larger interdisciplinary research effort on intelligent and robotic motor disassembly, critical-material recovery, and the design of more sustainable electric machines.

Research Tasks: The student will contribute to the following activities, with the exact scope adjusted to match the student’s interests and experience:
1. Learn the basic construction and operating principles of permanent-magnet electric machines.
2. Conduct a guided literature review on permanent-magnet recovery, reuse, recycling, and design for disassembly.
3. Examine de-energized motors, rotor samples, photographs, drawings, or CAD models to identify magnet locations, fixation methods, and potential disassembly challenges.
4. Create step-by-step “motor autopsy” or disassembly maps documenting components, tools, actions, accessibility, and potential damage risks.
5. Assist with controlled and supervised motor-disassembly and magnet-recovery experiments.
6. Document recovery time, process steps, tools, magnet accessibility, fixation method, temperature exposure, unsuccessful attempts, and observed damage.
7. Measure and document recovered magnets’ dimensions, mass, surface condition, coating damage, cracking or chipping, and magnetic-field condition using standardized procedures.
8. Organize and analyze experimental results using Excel, MATLAB, or Python.
9. Develop a Magnet Recovery and Reuse Scorecard for identifying whether a recovered magnet is a promising candidate for direct reuse, remanufacturing, or material recycling.
10. Prepare figures, a technical summary, and a poster for the FSU Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: 1. Curiosity about how machines work and how valuable materials can be recovered
2. Reliability and willingness to work consistently during both Fall and Spring
3. Careful attention to laboratory safety
4. Willingness to learn unfamiliar engineering concepts and research tools
5. Ability to document observations carefully and keep organized records
6. Basic ability to use spreadsheets or similar software
7. Willingness to ask questions and communicate progress

RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED:
1. Interest in electric machines, mechanical systems, materials, manufacturing, sustainability, robotics, or data analysis
2. Introductory experience with Excel, MATLAB, Python, or CAD
3. Introductory physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or materials coursework
4. Experience with basic hand tools or laboratory measurement equipment
5. Interest in photography, image analysis, technical drawing, or data visualization
Training will be provided. The student is not expected to already be an expert in electric motors, magnets, recycling, programming, or laboratory experimentation.

Mentoring Philosophy

I believe undergraduate researchers learn best when they understand why their work matters and have ownership of a clear, achievable research question. I will begin by providing training in permanent-magnet machines, laboratory safety, research documentation, and the tools needed for the student’s work. We will then define a focused subproject based on the student’s interests and developing skills.

We will meet weekly to review progress, discuss challenges, and establish manageable next steps. Questions will always be encouraged, and unsuccessful experiments will be treated as useful research results rather than failures. As the student gains experience, they will receive increasing independence and responsibility for their work. I will provide timely feedback and support the student in developing practical laboratory, data-analysis, technical-writing, and presentation skills. By spring, the student should own a meaningful dataset, procedure, analysis tool, or design recommendation that they can confidently present as their contribution.

Additional Information

This project combines hands-on engineering, sustainability, critical-material recovery, and data analysis. The student will not be expected to solve the entire permanent-magnet recycling challenge. Instead, the student will take ownership of one carefully defined part of the larger research effort.

Expected Fall activities include safety training, background research, motor and rotor classification, development of the measurement procedure, and planning or conducting an initial recovery study.

Expected Spring activities include additional supervised recovery experiments, magnet-condition assessment, data analysis, development of the Magnet Recovery and Reuse Scorecard, and preparation of the UROP symposium poster.

All experimental samples will be de-energized and inspected before use. Strong permanent magnets require careful handling because of pinch, impact, and projectile hazards. Hands-on recovery will occur only after appropriate safety training and under direct supervision. Chemical recycling is outside the scope of this undergraduate project. Any advanced cutting, heating, or extraction operation will be performed only by trained research personnel using approved laboratory procedures.

Magnetic-field measurements in this project will be treated as preliminary condition-screening indicators, not as certification that a recovered magnet is ready for use in a new machine.

Interested students should email Dr. Feng with a short paragraph explaining why the project interests them, their typical weekly availability, and any relevant courses or experiences. Previous research experience is not required.

Link to Publications

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/author/37088460857

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