UROP Project | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

Immigrant, Latino, Generational

Research Mentor: Mikayla Heath,
Department, College, Affiliation: Human Development and Family Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: mah19b@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

This study investigated the knowledge and beliefs regarding the importance of education among Mexican immigrants for their emerging adult children. Additionally, it sought to deepen understanding of the potential impact of "generational improvement," particularly in terms of parental expectations for their children's education, on the mental health of immigrant Latino youth. It was hypothesized that the educational expectations imposed by Latino immigrant parents could adversely affect the mental well-being of their children. Seven-parent child dyads of Latino descent were interviewed separately to provide rich and truthful data. Results indicated that there is immense pressure on Latino youth—racism, parental dependency, non-traditional parental involvement in education, internal identity crises, and the overwhelming feeling of having to surpass one’s parents in terms of success.

Research Tasks: Literature Review, Data Analysis, Qualitative Coding, Summarizing interview transcriptions.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended:
Attention to detail
Flexibility
Strong written and communication skills

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy centers around understanding and fostering the unique goals and talents of each mentee. I believe the first step in effective mentoring is identifying the specific aspirations of my mentees. This allows me to tailor my guidance to their individual paths, ensuring our efforts are aligned with their personal and professional objectives.

Evaluating a mentee's talents is crucial for building a strong foundation for growth. By recognizing and building on their existing strengths, I can help them develop confidence and a deeper understanding of their potential. I approach mentoring with a commitment to mutual respect, acknowledging that both mentor and mentee bring valuable perspectives and knowledge to the relationship. This respect forms the cornerstone of a collaborative and open learning environment.

Creating an interactive learning environment is essential for effective mentoring. I strive to make each session a dynamic exchange of ideas, encouraging mentees to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new perspectives.

I believe that growth often comes from stepping out of one's comfort zone. Therefore, I encourage mentees to embrace challenges, seeing them as opportunities for development rather than obstacles. Through this process, I aim to cultivate resilience and adaptability, essential traits for success in any field.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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Evolution, neuroscience, sensory systems, behavior

Research Mentor: Evan Lloyd, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Biology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: elloyd@bio.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: Biology, Neuroscience, Behavioral Neuroscience, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

The blind Mexican cavefish has evolved in a cave environment absent of light, and has no visual sensory system. To compensate for this, it has evolved enhanced chemosensation including olfaction and taste. This project takes a comparative approach, studying the molecular and behavioral phenotypes that the cavefish exhibits, and comparing them with their closely related surface relatives. In doing so, we seek to understand how evolution has shaped brain function in these fish.

Research Tasks: Research tasks will be focused on data collection and analysis, including behavioral testing, histology and confocal imaging of brain tissues.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Prior experience with fish husbandry, histology techniques, and/or programming would be a plus but are not required. I will work with the researcher to help develop these skills.

Mentoring Philosophy

I believe that every person possesses a set of skills and experiences that can make them a valuable collaborator. As a mentor, I strive to meet my mentees where they are, so that we can both benefit from the relationship. I will work with you to identify your strengths and how they can help the project move forward, while also sharing my own experience and knowledge to help you grow your skillset. Every project is first and foremost a learning experience, and as such mistakes are expected and encouraged, as they provide the best opportunities to learn.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=2DJ2cTcAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

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psycholinguistics, cognitive science, time perception, pause dynamics, psychology, cognitive psychology

Research Mentor: Ms. Anuja Mariyam Thomas,
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: na@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Linguistics, Psychology, Communication Science and Disorders
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Topic: Anuja Mariyam Thomas' Zoom Meeting
Time: Tuesday, Sep 3, 2024 02:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95389908695

Topic: Anuja Mariyam Thomas' Zoom Meeting
Time: Wednesday Sep 4, 2024 03:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96166415113

Topic: Anuja Mariyam Thomas' Zoom Meeting
Time: Monday, Sep 9, 2024 02:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96628986345

Project Description

This project is mainly centered around the perception of time in conversations. Specifically, what are the factors that affect how the lengths of silences are perceived during conversation. For example, the literature shows that anxiety in general affects the perception of short time windows (one second and under). This is the same window of time that is typically found in inter-turn silences (i.e., silences that occur between speech turns in conversation). So, do people with anxiety perceive silent windows in conversation differently than those without anxiety? On a similar note, do those with anxiety perceive longer than expected silences differently than their healthy peers?

Research Tasks: Research assistants will be expected to run studies with participants. This includes tasks such as setting up the study, getting consent from participants, administering survey questionnaires, and entering data. Research assistants will be trained to handle all the specifics associated with these responsibilities. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to take part in audio and or video recordings of short skits for experimental tasks. However, this is entirely voluntary and not an expectation from those interested in working on this project.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Research assistants will be required to learn how to use the following software tools for research tasks: Audacity, and PRAAT. However, they are not expected to come in with this knowledge. Other DIS students as well as the researcher in charge will be able and willing to show students how to use these tools. Additionally, students are required to have a decent level of computer literacy and familiarity with Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Microsoft Excel. If they are interested in learning how to use R for data analysis, they will have to opportunity to do so, but this is not a required skill.

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy is guided by my own personal experiences as a budding researcher. First and foremost, I want to develop good interpersonal rapport with my mentees and build the trust that is required to navigate the growing pains associated with learning to be a researcher. I also believe in the concept of scaffolded training. That is, at first, I expect to be quite hands on, and help my mentees learn how to do things and as they develop their footing in the lab, I would expect them to be more independent in the work that is expected of them. This slow process of guided independence should allow them to build confidence in their skills and decision-making abilities without feeling overburdened or unsupported.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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biomedical, engineering, mechanical testing, healthcare, materials science

Research Mentor: Santiago Lazarte, He/him/his
Department, College, Affiliation: Materials Science and Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: s.lazarte@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Biomedical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Industrial and manufacturing engineering
Chemistry
Physics
Project Location: AME building (Engineering Campus) - 2003 Levy Ave Tallahassee, FL 32310
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Innovation bus route
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: September 3 @3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96356396663)
September 4 @3 PM - 3:30 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96356396663)
September 5 @3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96356396663)

Project Description

Scaffolds aim to support tissue growth and help repair damaged tissue. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a method that has gained popularity throughout the years as a way of producing and designing scaffolds for tissue engineering. The main benefit of this technique is the ability to control multiple properties of the printed structures at the macroscale (i.e., complex architectures, material properties) and microscale (i.e., pore size, biochemical properties). This is important because these properties influence the response of different cells, such as human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) differentiation. For this project, we use a custom-built tool to characterize the mechanical properties of polymeric 3D-printed scaffolds.

Research Tasks: Literature review
experiment planning
data collection
MATLAB coding
data processing

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended:
-MATLAB/coding
-Calculus
-Physics
*Nothing is required. The right person will be taught the necessary skills for the project.*

Mentoring Philosophy

- By facilitating the skills and probing the understanding of the mentee throughout the research process I will create an environment where the mentee feels safe communicating their ideas and helping out with the research projects. My ultimate goal is to teach the mentee how to conduct high-quality research and prepare them to the extent where they can operate as an independent unit where I will be accessible for guidance and validation. The way I use to achieve this is with hands-on experience in the lab with graduate students and the professor. I also strongly believe in work-life boundaries. I use an open communication method where I can be reached by phone, email, or in person (office drop-in). This allows me to normalize communication between us and use the same channel to inform unavailability rather than have no communication at all. Expectations of each other will be talked during our initial meetings.

Additional Information

Our lab group submitted multiple projects with different graduate students. Feel free to search them as well. Working here would also give you an opportunity to get involved/exposed to the following projects:
Catherine Fidd - Microparticle filled PTFE for tribological applications
Adam Delong - Characterization of protective coatings for extreme environments
Craig Barbour - Tribological Studies of Hydrogen Resistant Materials
Santiago Lazarte - Characterization of wear properties of ultra-thin coatings

Link to Publications

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772950823002212

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computer-delivered, intervention, school age, language, literacy

Research Mentor: Dr. Carla wood, She/Her/Hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Communication Science and Disorders, Communication and Information
Contact Email: carla.wood@cci.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Mr. Jim Ellison
Faculty Collaborators Email: jellison@fcr.org

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 6
Relevant Majors: Communication Science and Disorders
Psychology
Special Education
Education
TESOL/Modern Languages
IT/Technology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

MAP-R Morphological Analysis Pathway to Reading
The MAP-R project aims to improve morphological knowledge, academic vocabulary, and reading comprehension of students with or at risk for disabilities including multilingual learners and students who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) through a technology enhanced supplemental instruction focused on bolstering morphological knowledge for word learning using an e-learning platform for delivery. MAP-R provides explicit instruction on morphemes in academic words packaged with rich oral language experiences within supplemental digital instruction to serve as a catalyst of improving morphological knowledge and increasing academic word learning. The 15-20-minute intervention will be implemented three days a week using an e-learning platform. MAP-R is a multi-component intervention that focuses on morphological knowledge instruction, direct vocabulary instruction on a small set of academic words each week, and on-demand Spanish and sign language support. Progress monitoring data on embedded weekly quizzes will be utilized to assess student outcomes and refine successive iterations of the intervention.

Research Tasks: Flexible identification of tasks to individualize depending on your interests and major. Among options, tasks could include:
Data collection in 3rd and 4th grade classrooms in local schools in Tallahassee
Scoring of students' pretest and posttest language assessments
Typing of 3rd and 4th grade students' writing samples
Funded travel to assist with data collection in an elementary school outside of Tallahassee (within Florida)
Interviewing parents who speak Spanish about their child's educational experiences
Data analysis- charting growth across 16 weeks of intervention
Analyses of child language samples using online tools

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Interest in child language development and/or disorders
Spanish language skills are an advantage but not required
Basic technology skills
Internet access
Transportation to local schools is an advantage (if participating in data collection) but not required

Mentoring Philosophy

The research in my lab aims to improve language and literacy outcomes for children from diverse backgrounds including children with differing abilities as well as children from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.
As a mentor, my primary goal is to support my mentees in becoming creative, independent scientists equipped with the skills necessary to excel in their chosen careers. Successful mentorship, to me, is marked by the ability of my mentees to contribute original research to their fields, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and secure positions that align with their professional aspirations. To achieve these goals, I offer guided learning experiences tailored to each student's needs, including hands-on research opportunities, regular one-on-one meetings, and collaborative projects. I provide constructive feedback on their work, model effective research practices, and encourage participation in conferences and professional networks. In return, I expect my mentees to approach their work with curiosity, a strong work ethic, and an open mind. They should actively engage in the research process, communicate their progress and challenges, and take initiative in pursuing their academic and professional goals. I strive to build mentoring relationships based on mutual respect. I aim to be approachable and supportive, especially during challenging times, and I prioritize open and honest communication. My goal is to create a safe and encouraging environment where students feel empowered to take risks and grow. I am committed to demystifying the process and practice of science, making it accessible and engaging for all students.

Additional Information

Here's a link to the children's online portal:
https://mapr.fcim.org/

Link to Publications

https://directory.cci.fsu.edu/carla-wood/

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Caregivers, Children with disabilities, caregiver burden

Research Mentor: Dr. Mandy Bamber, She/Her/Hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Nursing
Contact Email: Mbamber@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Nursing
Health Sciences
Psychology
Sociology
Or any other related major
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Thursday, September 5th at 10:45-11:15am (sorry for the last minute change) https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96277068624
Thursday, September 5th at 12:00-12:30pm https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96658565657
Thursday, September 5th at 4:00-4:30pm https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97750635305

Project Description

The purpose of this project is to explore the long-term and pandemic effects of caregiving on the physiological and psychological health of parents with children diagnosed with a chronic physical, emotional, behavioral or developmental condition. Baseline data was collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and follow-up data was collected two to three years after the baseline data. We also had a secondary purpose to establish the role of self-care in these parents.
We aimed to:
Establish the effects of the effects of COVID-19 on negative affect, burden, burnout, quality of life, resiliency, sleep, self-esteem, mindfulness, and inflammation in parents with chronically ill children.
Compare the extent of change in psychological and physiological health outcomes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic between parents of children with a chronic condition and those without.
Assess the needs, barriers, and preferences for self-care interventions among parents with chronically ill children.

Research Tasks: Data analysis. Synthesis and writing up results.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Analyzing human serum samples in a lab - "recommended"
Statistical knowledge - "recommended"
Scientific Writing "Required"

Mentoring Philosophy

My philosophy is centered on creating a supportive and collaborative environment that promotes effective communication, teamwork, constructive feedback, independence, continuous learning, and professional development. Through this approach, I aim to empower mentees to achieve their personal and professional aspirations.

Effective communication is essential in a mentoring relationship. I will maintain open, honest, and respectful dialogue with mentees. By actively listening and providing clear, thoughtful responses, I aim to build trust and meaningful exchanges of ideas.

Collaboration is essential for growth and innovation. I encourage a team-oriented approach, where all share insights and work together towards common goals. Through mutual respect, we can ensure diverse perspectives and achieve greater outcomes.

Providing constructive feedback is crucial for development. I focus on delivering feedback that is specific, actionable, and supportive. My goal is to create a positive learning experience that motivates and empowers mentees to reach their full potential.

Fostering independence is vital. I encourage mentees to take ownership of their learning and decision-making processes. By providing the necessary tools and resources, I support the development of critical thinking and problem-solving, enabling them to become self-reliant and confident professionals.

Continuous learning and understanding are essential for personal and professional growth. By offering resources, sharing experiences, and encouraging exploration, I aim to inspire mentees to pursue lifelong learning and deepen their understanding of their field.

Supporting mentees in their professional development is key. I provide guidance on research and skill development, helping mentees achieve their goals. I aim to prepare mentees for long-term success.

Additional Information

While I am currently in the process of analyzing my most recent data, which may seem boring to some, I am also currently seeking funding for an innovative intervention using wearable technology and a mobile based app to improve self-care and social support in parent caregivers. Therefore, this is opportunity for future involvement in my research.

Link to Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=3vNr-r4AAAAJ Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/W4ujeAsKKno

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Autonomous Vehicles, Robotics, Control Systems, Path Planning, Sensors

Research Mentor: Dr. Paul Bupe,
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS), N/A
Contact Email: pbupe@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Olugbenga Anubi
Faculty Collaborators Email: oanubi@fsu.edu

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all Engineering and Computer Science majors
Project Location: 2000 Levy Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310 - Near the MagLab and FAMU-FSU Engineering in Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: "Innovation" bus route
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

This project centers around the development of an autonomous raft equipped with multiple sensors (cameras, sonar, radio teleoperation, temperature, GPS, electrical component health monitoring sensors) to assist in monitoring coral reef health. It is part of a group of projects in our lab that focus on autonomous vehicle research across different settings, including urban roads, water, racing environments, and multi-vehicle collaboration. You will be exposed to key areas such as sensor technologies, environmental perception, vehicle localization, control systems, and artificial intelligence.

Our lab uses the latest technologies in machine learning, control theory, optimization methods, and connected systems to create resilient and autonomous systems. Our research involves multiple disciplines, bringing together expertise from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, embedded systems design, mathematics, and computer science.

Research Tasks: 1) Algorithm Development and Implementation
-- Includes perception, control, localization, and path planning

2) Data Collection and Analysis
-- Gathering, processing, and interpreting data from various sensors and test drives

3) System Integration and Testing
-- Combining software and hardware components, conducting simulations and real-world experiments

4) Vehicle Building and Maintenance
-- Building and maintaining test vehicles for research

5) Collaborative Research and Documentation
-- Team meetings, literature reviews, and recording research findings

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: REQUIRED:
- Basic experience with any programming language
- Attention to detail
- Problem-Solving

RECOMMENDED:
- A basic understanding of:
-- 1. Electric circuits
-- 2. Computer hardware, electronic devices
- Laboratory skills (training will be provided)
- Time management

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy revolves around empowering students to be independent problem solvers in any domain. I treat students as subject-matter experts in their respective projects and serve as a resource alongside them when they need help, to brainstorm ideas, and if there is an issue of safety. My students should expect to look things up, learn new skills, acquire knowledge needed to accomplish their tasks, and have fun while being in a safe and professional environment. I do not expect perfection, just a willingness to learn and recover quickly from any failures. There is always something new to learn and I look forward to learning new things from students.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://raslab.netlify.app/

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literature, environmental justice, American studies, fiction, genre fiction, science fiction, speculative fiction

Research Mentor: Dr. Rebecca Ballard, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: English, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: rebecca.ballard@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: 4
Relevant Majors: English or other humanities field preferred. Students outside of the humanities with interests in social movements and/or environmentalism are also particularly welcome to apply.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: ~5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Wednesday September 4, 2-2:30 pm, https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95485843190
Thursday September 5, 11-11:30 am, https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92972551061

Project Description

Students who apply to this project will be working with me as I complete the manuscript for my first book. The book itself studies U.S. fiction in relation to social movements from the 1960s to the present, examining how both fiction writers and political movements had to craft new forms of storytelling to communicate effectively about structural and environmental forms of harm. In particular, the book connects the rhetorical and theatrical work of activists to the way that novelists experiment with speculative genres such as science fiction, apocalypse, magical realism, and the gothic. Each chapter identifies a particular instance or form of indirect or structural environmental harm and comparatively analyzes how activists and two novelists responded to that issue.

Research Tasks: Manuscript preparation, locating and checking references, bibliography

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: familiarity with library databases and resource location, general knowledge of academic citation
Recommended: familiarity with Chicago Manual of Style (at minimum: willingness to learn with supervision and support), proofreading

Mentoring Philosophy

When I work with undergraduate researchers, I am committed to crafting a mutually beneficial relationship: not only should I be receiving valuable support on active research projects, but the students with whom I'm working should be receiving mentorship, supervision, and training in discipline-specific research methods and scholarly areas. Because my scholarship is interdisciplinary in nature, extending across English, American studies, and environmental studies, and because this project in particular is a manuscript with multiple chapters each with a slightly different theme, I am able to match students with the particular "slice" of the project that is most directly connected to their own scholarly interests, and I work to help bridge the research they are doing for me into their own research (past students, for instance, have completed senior theses and honors projects building on research we did together, and past projects have led organically to co-authored publications in major peer-reviewed journals). To achieve these goals, I practice a style of research mentorship that focuses on building confidence as well as skills, maintains clear and consistent lines of communication for questions, reactions, ideas, and feedback as ideas and work progress, and respects and leaves room for students' evolving interests to shape their work with me.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://www.rebeccamoballard.com

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Autonomous Vehicles, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Sensors, Control Systems, Robotics

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Open to all Engineering and Computer Science majors
Project Location: 2000 Levy Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310 - Near the MagLab and FAMU-FSU Engineering in Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: "Innovation" bus route
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

This project has two components, the first being the development of an F1/10 (Formula 1/10) car platform for autonomous and collective (swarm) operation. The second involves the development, building, and testing of an autonomous electric go-kart. Both these projects have a racing component, including going to competitions.

This research is part of a group of projects in our lab that focus on autonomous vehicle research across different settings, including urban roads, water, racing environments, and multi-vehicle collaboration. You will be exposed to key areas such as sensor technologies, environmental perception, vehicle localization, control systems, and artificial intelligence.

Our lab uses the latest technologies in machine learning, control theory, optimization methods, and connected systems to create resilient and autonomous systems. Our research involves multiple disciplines, bringing together expertise from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, embedded systems design, mathematics, and computer science.

Research Tasks: 1) Algorithm Development and Implementation
-- Includes perception, control, localization, and path planning

2) Data Collection and Analysis
-- Gathering, processing, and interpreting data from various sensors and test drives

3) System Integration and Testing
-- Combining software and hardware components, conducting simulations and real-world experiments

4) Vehicle Building and Maintenance
-- Building and maintaining test vehicles for research

5) Collaborative Research and Documentation
-- Team meetings, literature reviews, and recording research findings

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: REQUIRED:
- Basic experience with any programming language
- Attention to detail
- Problem-Solving

RECOMMENDED:
- A basic understanding of:
-- 1. Electric circuits
-- 2. Computer hardware, electronic devices
- Laboratory skills (training will be provided)
- Time management

Mentoring Philosophy

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://raslab.netlify.app/

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Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Sensor Fusion, Control Systems, Artificial Intelligence

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all Engineering and Computer Science majors
Project Location: 2000 Levy Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310 - Near the MagLab and FAMU-FSU Engineering in Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: "Innovation" bus route
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

This project leverages state-of-the-art machine learning, controls, and autonomous vehicle technologies to improve the safety of pedestrians at intersections. The algorithms and systems developed will be evaluated on local intersections in collaboration with the City of Tallahassee's Regional Transportation Management Center (RTMC).

This research is part of a group of projects in our lab that focus on autonomous vehicle research across different settings, including urban roads, water, racing environments, and multi-vehicle collaboration. You will be exposed to key areas such as sensor technologies, environmental perception, vehicle localization, control systems, and artificial intelligence.

Our lab uses the latest technologies in machine learning, control theory, optimization methods, and connected systems to create resilient and autonomous systems. Our research involves multiple disciplines, bringing together expertise from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, embedded systems design, mathematics, and computer science.

Research Tasks: 1) Algorithm Development and Implementation
-- Includes perception, control, localization, and path planning

2) Data Collection and Analysis
-- Gathering, processing, and interpreting data from various sensors and test drives

3) System Integration and Testing
-- Combining software and hardware components, conducting simulations and real-world experiments

4) Collaborative Research and Documentation
-- Team meetings, literature reviews, and recording research findings

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: REQUIRED:
- Basic experience with any programming language
- Attention to detail
- Problem-Solving

RECOMMENDED:
- A basic understanding of:
-- 1. Machine learning
-- 2. Computer hardware, electronic devices
- Time management