UROP Project
Rhetorical Repositioning in a New Global Order: Middle Powers and the Politics of Refusal
Foucault, middle powers, global order, international relations, discourse analysis
Research Mentor: Dr. Bryant Harden,
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Global Engagement / International Affairs, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: bharden@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Global Engagement / International Affairs, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: bharden@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: International Affairs
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: International Affairs
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
This project examines how middle powers are using political rhetoric to reposition themselves within a fracturing global order. Drawing on Foucault's concept of counter-conduct, the project asks how states that are neither superpowers nor peripheral actors use public rhetoric to resist, redirect, or renegotiate the terms of global governance rather than reject them outright. The project builds on my ongoing research applying governmentality and counter-conduct frameworks to American soft power institutions and extends that theoretical lens to a comparative set of contemporary cases, including Canada, Mexico, India, and Brazil.In the fall semester, the research assistant will conduct a structured literature review covering two areas: Foucauldian governmentality and counter-conduct as applied in International Relations, and existing scholarship on middle-power diplomacy and rhetoric. This review will help refine the theoretical framework and identify comparable cases and rhetorical patterns already documented in the literature.
In the spring semester, the research assistant will help collect and organize primary source material, including speeches, official statements, and press coverage from the identified middle-power cases, and assist with a structured coding process to identify recurring rhetorical strategies (for example, appeals to sovereignty, selective alignment, or reframing of multilateral institutions). This data collection will directly inform an in-progress book chapter and support a longer-term research agenda that may extend into a co-authored article or contribute to a broader book project.
This project offers the research assistant hands-on experience with qualitative discourse analysis, primary source research, and the practical steps of moving from theoretical framework to empirical case study, while contributing directly to an active publication.
Research Tasks: Literature Review, Data Collection, Data Analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: (Required) Strong reading comprehension and interest in political theory or international relations; Comfort with close reading and qualitative analysis of texts; Attention to detail and organizational skills for managing a primary source database; Prior coursework in IR theory, political theory, or a related field.
Mentoring Philosophy
I approach mentoring as a partnership in which the research assistant's own intellectual goals and interests are central. At the start of the year, I work with each student to identify what they hope to gain from the experience, whether that's exposure to a particular research area, methodological training, or preparation for graduate study, and I tailor tasks and check-ins accordingly. I aim to create a low-stakes environment where questions and early mistakes are treated as part of the learning process, and I give students increasing ownership over their piece of the project as they develop confidence and skill. I meet regularly with my research assistants, provide direct and constructive feedback, and make a point of sharing my own research process, including its setbacks, so students see research as an iterative, human endeavor rather than a finished product.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Exploring the Legacy of Honor Societies at FSU
history, education, higher education
Research Mentor: Dr. Allison Peters,
Department, College, Affiliation: Undergraduate Studies, Undergraduate Studies
Contact Email: abpeters@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Undergraduate Studies, Undergraduate Studies
Contact Email: abpeters@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: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 2:30
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3823634603 - Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 1:30
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3823634603 - Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 4:30
End Time: 5:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3823634603 - Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 2:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3823634603 - Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 3:00
End Time: 3:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3823634603
Project Description
Florida State University hosts a variety of university-wide and departmental academic and leadership honor societies. Some of these groups have been chartered at FSU for over 100 years, initially started at the Florida State College for Women. Some of these early honor societies are honored by painted society seals or shields in historic classrooms in the William Johnson Building. These paintings were maintained and restored when the building was renovated, however, little is known about many of these groups and how they evolved over time. In honor of the 100th anniversary of FSU's chapter of Phi Kappa Phi chapter (chartered in 1925), one of the organizations represented at WJB, I would like to research the history of all the societies represented in this paintings. The goal is to unearth the past to elevate the future of academic honor societies at FSU, ideally culminating in an interpretive display designed for each room and posted for the public to view.Research Tasks: literature review, collecting and reviewing artifacts in the FSU special collections, speaking with representatives at national organizations as needed, historical analysis and interpretation
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: attention to detail, ability to work independently with direction, openness to learn and receive feedback, basic computer skills (Word, Excel)
Recommended: arts or design experience, interest in developing educational content
Mentoring Philosophy
As a research mentor, I strive to create an environment where undergraduate students are actively engaged in the research process as emerging scholars. While learning research methods and disciplinary knowledge is essential, my goal is to help students connect research experiences to their personal interests, values, and future aspirations. I believe meaningful learning occurs through a combination of action and reflection, and I encourage students to learn by doing, questioning, analyzing, and critically examining the context surrounding their work.My role is to provide clear expectations, structured guidance, and opportunities for increasing independence as students grow in confidence and competence. I challenge students with high standards while offering the support necessary to help them succeed. Through regular communication, timely feedback, and collaborative problem-solving, I seek to create a mentoring relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and accountability.
I recognize that each student brings unique experiences, strengths, and goals to the research setting. By investing in individual students and fostering a supportive environment, I aim to help them develop research skills, critical thinking, professional identity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Just as research is a process of discovery, mentoring is a shared journey of growth. I seek to learn alongside my students as we explore questions, overcome challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the creation of knowledge.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/19T2hBGc0C7Q5OkWKjNVUWgQHCt71uAScJR96YbtnKCxl3sTy-PdMgU419E5WjIl.Kd4PVOPogXNvZTIT?startTime=1788197569000How does the cooling efficiency of marine organisms change under future warming and climate intervention scenarios?
Meteorology, Climate Change, Phytoplankton, Marine Science
Research Mentor: Lili Boss, She/Her/Hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: lfb23d@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: lfb23d@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: Meteorology, Environmental Science
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Meteorology, Environmental Science
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours, 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
Greenhouse gas emissions and, consequently, global mean temperatures have continued to rise, leading to increased frequency of heat waves, changes to severe weather patterns, and impacts to biodiversity, necessitating the discussion of preventative measures to keep global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius past the pre-industrial mean. One suggested technology to limit temperature overshoot is stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), where reflective particles called aerosols would be deliberately released into the stratosphere, reflecting sunlight to counteract the warming from human-derived greenhouse gas emissions. While this technology would provide benefits, such as limiting or reversing the increase in global mean temperature, there could be negative side effects for humans and ecosystems. One potential risk of SAI is changing the biological productivity of marine organisms that require ample amounts of sunlight to undergo photosynthesis. Marine organisms such as phytoplankton have the ability to respond to stressors in their environment such as anomalously warm temperatures by synthesizing chemical compounds that can aid in the formation of brighter marine low clouds, influencing the amount of sunlight interacting with Earth’s surface, and therefore the surface temperature. In this project students will analyze global climate model data to assess how SAI and unabated global warming scenarios change the production of biogenic aerosol particles and their precursor gases, and subsequently marine cloud properties over biologically productive regions. The results will help us determine if SAI would ameliorate or exacerbate stressors in marine environments, leading to a change in the cooling efficiency of marine organisms when compared to unabated warming scenarios.Research Tasks: Research Assistant will take part in literature reviews, developing code and scripts to analyze output data from global climate models, and participating in scientific communication by presenting either oral or poster presentations.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Knowledge in a coding language (Python, Matlab, R, etc.) is recommended but not required.
Mentoring Philosophy
In terms of meetings, I would like to meet face to face once every 1-2 weeks, however, I will maintain an open-door policy for when help outside of our meeting times is needed to create a welcoming space for active communication and learning. I want to create an environment where I can alert students of upcoming networking opportunities such as zoom meetings or talks related to their research interests to give them experience outside of lab work. I also want to allow students to work through the scientific process and communicate with me as they face difficulties or find errors in their work to allow for opportunities to learn from their mistakes. A large portion of scientific research is problem-solving, so allowing students to build skills in this area, while also giving them the support as they face challenges is something I would like to prioritize.Additional Information
Students interested in this project can reach out via email to set up a meeting.Link to Publications
Modes of Nonprofit Co-production and Public Service Effectiveness: Florida's Early Child Care Networks
Co-production, Nonprofit–government relations, Public service delivery, Early childhood education, Governance Networks
Research Mentor: Yuseon Keum,
Department, College, Affiliation: Public Administration, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: yk23f@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Public Administration, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: yk23f@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: 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: 5, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
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: 5, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Friday, September 4
Start Time: 1:30
End Time: 3:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/5259901549?pwd=tbsSauv4kvnMYohX57PaVUrywj5RkU.1
Project Description
This project examines how the mode of nonprofit co-production affects community-level public service effectiveness. To answer that question, we investigate child care services and kindergarten readiness across Florida counties.Every year the state of Florida asks whether its youngest students are ready for kindergarten. The answer varies widely across counties, and one reason may be how local nonprofits and government work together to provide child care.
In some counties, nonprofit child care providers sit on the board of their regional Early Learning Coalition and help shape policy and funding decisions. In others, nonprofits deliver services under contract but have no voice in designing the system. Some operate entirely outside the public system. This project asks whether those different relationships actually matter for public service outcomes.
To find out, we are building an original dataset covering Florida counties that combines state licensing records, Early Learning Coalition contracts and board rosters obtained through public records requests, IRS nonprofit filings, kindergarten readiness scores, and Census demographics.
The work is practical and community-focused. We look at how child care actually gets delivered, from large metro areas to rural counties. The findings are meant to be useful to the coalitions themselves: if placing nonprofits closer to the center of decision-making improves outcomes, that is something coalitions can act on.
This project is still taking shape. The questions, measures, and outcomes are open to revision. Students who develop an interest in a particular county, policy angle, or method are encouraged to pursue it, and there is room to develop your own related question.
Research Tasks: - Filing and tracking public records requests with Florida's Early Learning Coalitions
- Compiling and cleaning provider rosters, board membership lists, and contracts
- Matching nonprofit organizations across databases by name and address
- Basic descriptive analysis and data visualization
- Reviewing literature on co-production and child care governance
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: - Careful, detailed work with records and spreadsheets (required)
- Reliable communication and follow through (required)
- Familiarity with Excel or Google Sheets (recommended)
- Interest in nonprofits, public management, or social services (recommended)
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy focuses on making this project a productive experience. While I aim for our work to yield a publication or conference presentation that strengthens your resume, the primary goal is to help you gain transferable research skills. I view this as a collaborative project where students truly own their work and receive clear credit for their contributions.To support your progress, we will meet regularly via Zoom and adjust the workload pace as needed. This project is designed to fit within a manageable weekly time commitment rather than compete with your other priorities.
In return, I expect open communication regarding workload, capacity, and deadlines. Mistakes are a natural part of the research process, and my goal is to foster an environment where you feel comfortable bringing them up so we can work through them together.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
Evaluating Use of Artificial Intelligence Programs for Meta-Analysis
AI, meta-analysis
Research Mentor: Professor Richard K Wagner,
Department, College, Affiliation: Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: rkwagner@psy.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Landon Heller
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: lrh20@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: rkwagner@psy.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Landon Heller
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: lrh20@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 4
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: 8 to 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 4
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: 8 to 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: 12:30
End Time: 1:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/4645710671?pwd=clpOaHg3aFpjcHBCOUFVOFdPRk54Zz09 - Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 4:00
End Time: 4:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/4645710671?pwd=clpOaHg3aFpjcHBCOUFVOFdPRk54Zz09
Project Description
Meta-analysis involves quantitatively combining the results of all of the studies in the literature on a given topic. It is used in almost every area of science. It typically gives results that are more valid and replicable than are results from a single study. A drawback to using meta-analysis is that it can be time consuming to complete one. Recently, researchers are looking into using artificial intelligence (AI) programs to assist with meta-analysis. We are interested in evaluating how well artificial intelligence programs perform at meta-analysis and how they can optimally be used.Research Tasks: Literature review to look for examples of use of AI programs in meta-analysis. Participating in studies that involve application of AI programs to tasks that are carried out for completing a meta-analysis. Data analysis to evaluate how well the AI programs perform.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Interest in working with AI programs is required. Previous experience in use of AI programs is desirable.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy has four parts. The first is that the best way to learn about something is to get involved in research on it. The second is that I value your time and am invested in you getting the most out of the experience. This means going beyond providing merely an opportunity to participate in the research project by making it possible for you to learn a method for doing science (meta-analysis) that could make you more a more valuable student for admission to a graduate or professional training program you might end up applying to. The third is that I treat this as an apprenticeship that may help you determine whether this kind of research is something you might want to do more of in the future or not. This requires giving you the opportunity to understand the larger context of the research we are doing. The fourth and final part is that I appreciate the mentoring and opportunities faculty provided to my daughters, both of whom got their undergraduate degrees from FSU. I can help pay this back by providing that for other students.Additional Information
Experience gained in using and evaluating AI programs could be helpful to your future career.Link to Publications
https://thewagnerlab.com/home/Biochemical Techniques to Investigate Heart Disease Mutations
Cardiac muscle, biochemistry, molecular biology, protein, biology, muscle mechanics
Research Mentor: Ms. Rhiannon Crawford,
Department, College, Affiliation: Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: rqc18@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: rqc18@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: Biology, Exercise Physiology, Biochemistry
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Biology, Exercise Physiology, Biochemistry
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 2:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92992167705
Project Description
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common inherited heart disease and is often caused by mutations in proteins that help organize the heart's contractile machinery. This project will investigate how a mutation in the protein α-actinin-2 affects its interaction with actin and contributes to changes in cardiac muscle. This project will allow students to gain experience in fundamental laboratory techniques, basic laboratory organization and documentation, and assist with biochemical experiments like protein purification, solution preparation, co-precipitation, and more.Research Tasks: Learn basics of lab work, prepare buffers and solutions, assist with experiments and biochemical assays, and data collection and analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Interest in learning about biomedical and biochemical research and lab techniques, willing to learn and ask questions
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe that effective mentoring creates a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes as beginner scientists. Research can be intimidating, especially for students who are working in a lab for the first time, so I strive to make the experience approachable and enjoyable. My goal as a mentor is not only to teach lab techniques but also to help students develop curiosity, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the scientific process.I take a learner-centered approach to mentoring by recognizing that each student comes with different experiences, strengths, and career aspirations so, I work to understand their individual goals and tailor my guidance accordingly. I encourage students to participate in discussions about experiments and ask questions about why techniques are performed. Even when students begin with observational roles, I want them to understand the purpose behind each experiment and how their contributions fit into the larger research project.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://solislab.create.fsu.edu/Would solar radiation modification ameliorate or exacerbate ocean climate change impacts as compared to unabated global warming?
Climate change, global warming, atmospheric science, meteorology, oceans
Research Mentor: Prof. Michael Diamond,
Department, College, Affiliation: Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: msdiamond@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: msdiamond@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: Open to all majors
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:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
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: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels and deforestation poses a substantial and growing risk to the wellbeing of humans and ecosystems around the world. Some scientists have proposed deliberate interventions to make Earth reflect more sunlight, termed solar radiation modification (SRM), to temporarily offset some of the effects of global warming and buy society more time to reduce emissions and develop carbon dioxide removal technology. Although it is very likely that SRM would work to reduce Earth’s global average surface temperature, SRM would not directly address ocean acidification and may alter regional temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns. In this project, students will analyze global climate model data to assess how SRM and unabated global warming would change key indicators of ocean health. Results will help us determine whether SRM could ameliorate some of the risks of climate change on marine ecosystems — or if it would be likely to exacerbate those risks instead.Research Tasks: Students will review literature, analyze existing global climate model data using their own coding scripts, and present their results to the community via poster or oral presentations.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: A background in coding in a language like Python or Matlab is useful but not required.
Mentoring Philosophy
My general inclination as a mentor is to allow students space for creativity and exploring ideas on their own; however, I recognize the importance of being flexible and planning to have different levels of hands-on engagement and direction depending on student needs and their progress in the project. The beginning stages of a project will naturally have more “hands-on” involvement. I will meet with students individually at least every other week and hold regular group meetings that will include research updates as well as professional development and discussions of topics like research ethics. I also believe in the importance of having multiple mentors, as no one individual can provide everything a student may need in terms of research and career guidance and general life advice and will thus assist my students with networking opportunities. Each student in my group will complete an Individual Development Plan to help identify personal and career goals and evaluate progress toward meeting those goals. My group will be a safe environment in which “failing forward” is encouraged, challenges are viewed as opportunities for growth, and all perspectives are valued.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://michael-s-diamond.github.io/camp/Trophic ecology of deep sea sharks through stomach contents analysis
biology; marine; shark; ecology; gut contents
Research Mentor: Dr. Johanna McNutt, she, her
Department, College, Affiliation: Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: jmcnutt@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: jmcnutt@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: biology and related majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: biology and related majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Trophic ecology is thought to be an important factor in structuring zonation of deep demersal fishes, and fishes may partition food resources when coexisting in the same depth habitat or may partition habitat to avoid competition for food resources. The basic biology and ecology of deepwater sharks is poorly known, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), yet these organisms are likely important mesopredators in deep demersal food webs. Dogfish inhabit upper to mid-slope depths and dominate the shark fauna in eastern DeSoto Canyon, while gulper sharks dominate mid to lower slope depths in the west. Smoothhounds occupy shallower shelf-edge to upper slope depths. Investigating the trophic ecology of these relatively abundant mesopredators over a continental shelf-upper continental slope-lower continental slope gradient and between more closely and more distantly related species will fill gaps in ecological knowledge of these species and provide a useful framework for asking questions about drivers of community structure such as competition for resources. Trophic ecology will be investigated using stomach contents. UROP students will dissect shark stomachs and learn to identify contents to the lowest possible taxon, enter data and organize photographs of stomach contents, calculate diet metrics and compare diets between species using stomach contents analysis. We will discuss literature together to help students understand the larger context for this research.Research Tasks: literature review
stomach dissection
prey identification
data entry
data analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: dissection skills recommended / willingness to build dissection skills required
microscope skills recommended / willingness to build microscope skills required
attention to detail required
tidiness required
organizational skills required
good communication skills required
time management skills required
Mentoring Philosophy
I have found that a collaborative approach to mentoring is most beneficial for keeping students on track to meet goals and for supporting their growth in research. I assess mentoring needs at the start of the relationship through one on one conversations. We will discuss the students’ experience and goals, project needs, students’ expectations of my mentoring, team dynamics with other working group members and will use IDPs. I create structure for feedback sessions so students know what to expect and can reflect on their needs. I approach feedback with a growth mindset, recognizing that students are learning and emphasizing what they are doing well as well as ways that they can improve or still need to learn. I am honest with students about my needs and limitations as a mentor, for example, I prefer to have some time to think about a question rather than answering in a moment when I am engaged with other aspects of my job. I recognize the importance of providing training, being present for questions as well as giving students some time to work independently to build their confidence, make mistakes, and recover from those mistakes. I think that building a positive scholarly relationship with students includes spending time working together in the lab, discussing literature to enhance their understanding of the context for the research and support their intellectual curiosity, providing training that allows students to learn how to work independently, and being available and approachable for questions and problems that arise.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Identifying Protective Factors for Youth Substance Use Prevention and Well-Being Using Large-Scale Data
substance use, well-being, mental health
Research Mentor: Dr. Gen Li,
Department, College, Affiliation: The Florida Center for Prevention Research, N/A
Contact Email: gl25h@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Hye-Jung (April) Yun
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: hyun@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: The Florida Center for Prevention Research, N/A
Contact Email: gl25h@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Hye-Jung (April) Yun
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: hyun@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: public health, psychology, sociology, or related social, behavioral, and health fields
Project Location: The Florida Center for Prevention Research Florida State University 800 Capital Circle SE, Suite 2 Tallahassee, FL 32301
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Bus R (Capital Cir & Highland Oaks Ter Stop); Bus E (Park Ave & Capital Cir Stop) Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5~8, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: public health, psychology, sociology, or related social, behavioral, and health fields
Project Location: The Florida Center for Prevention Research Florida State University 800 Capital Circle SE, Suite 2 Tallahassee, FL 32301
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Bus R (Capital Cir & Highland Oaks Ter Stop); Bus E (Park Ave & Capital Cir Stop) Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5~8, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Thursday, September 3
Start Time: 3:30
End Time: 4:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/8156229858?pwd=LqHDTbEirjveWkIZ7MbSKCpe9WWnR1.1 - Day: Friday, September 4
Start Time: 3:30
End Time: 4:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/8156229858?pwd=LqHDTbEirjveWkIZ7MbSKCpe9WWnR1.1
Project Description
This research is conducted as part of the FLORENCE Project (Florida’s Linked Opioid Response and Epidemiological Network for Comprehensive Evaluation), a five-year applied research initiative led by the FSU Florida Center for Prevention Research and supported by the Florida Department of Children & Families. The broader project uses data-driven research to strengthen substance use prevention efforts, inform policy and practice, and support healthier outcomes for individuals, families, and communities across Florida.All young people have the potential to thrive. Consistent with FCPR’s focus on prevention and positive youth development, this project takes a strengths-based approach to identify individual, family, peer, school, and community factors that may protect against youth substance use and support well-being. Using large-scale secondary datasets, such as the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS), the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), and other relevant public datasets, the project will examine potential protective factors and whether their roles differ across developmental, geographic, or demographic groups.
This is a data-driven research project. Analyses may include descriptive statistics, regression, and advanced approaches such as Bayesian analysis, network analysis, and machine learning. Findings may help identify strengths and resources that can inform future substance use prevention research and interventions while promoting positive youth development.
Research Tasks: Depending on your interests and availability, you may participate in different stages of the research process, including literature review, data analysis, interpretation, presentations, and manuscript preparation.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Completion of an introductory statistics course, or equivalent knowledge of basic statistical concepts such as descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlation, and simple linear regression.
Good time-management skills and ability to meet agreed-upon deadlines.
A responsible research attitude, including attention to detail, openness to new ideas, effective teamwork, and academic integrity.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is grounded in scaffolding and cognitive apprenticeship. I aim to provide students with the structure, guidance, and resources they need to get started, while gradually encouraging greater independence and ownership as they gain experience. I am committed to being an approachable and supportive mentor and to providing each student with the guidance their potential deserves.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://fcpr.fsu.edu/projectsBreathing training, blood pressure, and blood vessel health in adults with type 1 diabetes
exercise, physiology, cardiovascular, clinical trial, diabetes
Research Mentor: Jonathan W. Hoch,
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: jwh18b@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: jwh18b@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. Students in health science, exercise physiology, biology, or other pre-health tracks are a natural fit, and so are students in computer science, data science, or statistics who want to work with real physiological data. No prior research experience is required.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: Up to 10 hours per week, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors. Students in health science, exercise physiology, biology, or other pre-health tracks are a natural fit, and so are students in computer science, data science, or statistics who want to work with real physiological data. No prior research experience is required.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: Up to 10 hours per week, 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: 1:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94666011259 - Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 1:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95763779431
Project Description
Overall research question: Adults with type 1 diabetes often develop high blood pressure and reduced blood vessel function earlier in life than adults without diabetes, and these changes contribute to their risk of heart disease and stroke. Inspiratory muscle strength training is a breathing exercise performed against resistance for a few minutes each day at home. Previous work in other populations has shown that it can lower blood pressure, but its effects have not been studied in adults with type 1 diabetes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of eight weeks of inspiratory muscle strength training on blood pressure and blood vessel function in adults with type 1 diabetes. Participants will complete daily training at home for eight weeks and will complete laboratory visits before and after the training period. The study also examines whether participants keep up with the training over time, and what makes that easier or harder. This project is part of my dissertation and is conducted in the Cardiovascular and Applied Physiology Laboratory.A research assistant may contribute in several areas depending on their interests, including helping with participant visits and laboratory measurements, organizing and analyzing study data, or working with the survey and interview data related to training adherence. Students interested in how computational and AI tools are being used in research may find opportunities in those areas as well. We will decide together where to start.
The research assistant will present a poster at the FSU Undergraduate Research Symposium in the spring. Undergraduate students in our laboratory have previously presented at the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference and at Posters at the Capitol.
Research Tasks: Tasks will be related to conducting human-subjects research and will not be limited to one area. Depending on interest and experience, tasks may include:
• Welcoming participants to the laboratory and helping them prepare for a study visit.
• Helping schedule visits and maintain accurate data collection forms.
• Helping prepare equipment and assisting with laboratory measurements.
• Organizing, checking, entering, and analyzing study data.
• Reading and summarizing published research on a focused question.
• Helping prepare figures, tables, and presentation materials.
• Contributing to a poster for the FSU Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Students can expect hands-on involvement and may take on new tasks as they gain confidence and experience in the laboratory. Students may also be asked to help with other ongoing human-subjects studies in our laboratory; tasks for those projects will be similar, and involvement will depend on the student's availability and interest. Required trainings (human subjects and laboratory safety) are completed after joining, and we walk students through them.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required
• Effective communication and bedside manner — students will interact with human participants on a regular basis, so it is expected that students are able to communicate well and help participants feel welcomed in a professional laboratory environment.
• Organization
• Reliable communication about scheduling
Recommended
• Experience with the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Coursework in physiology, anatomy, biology, or chemistry
• Any experience with programming or statistics (Python, R) for students interested in the data analysis side of the project. Not required.
Mentoring Philosophy
My goal as a mentor is to help students reach their academic and professional goals through hands-on research experience. During our time together, I want students to learn how research with human participants works, and to build skills that will be useful to them regardless of the field they end up in. To do this, I try to create an environment where students are given real responsibility and where mistakes are treated as a normal part of learning rather than something to hide.I start students with clearly defined tasks and clear expectations, and add responsibility as they become more comfortable. I meet with students weekly and make myself available between meetings when questions come up. I would much rather a student ask me something early than spend two weeks stuck on it. When a student is interested in a particular direction, whether that is clinical measurement, data analysis, or something else, I will do my best to shape their work around it.
In turn, I ask students to be organized, to communicate honestly, and to take initiative when they see a way to help. I also want students to know that classes, health, and life outside the laboratory come first, and that telling me when those need attention is always the right call.