UROP Project

materials simulation; computer simulations; programming; high-performance computing

Research Mentor: Prof. or Dr. Chen Huang,
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Scientific Computing , Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: chuang3@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:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

Alloys play a crucial role in the industry, serving as the foundation for various applications. Examples include high-strength, lightweight aluminum alloys used in aircraft and automobile structures, nickel and cobalt-based superalloys that retain their strength at high temperatures in jet engines, and high-entropy alloys with potential applications in catalysis. Today’s workhorse for materials simulations is the Kohn-Sham density functional theory (KS-DFT). Unfortunately, large-scale KS-DFT simulations of alloys are computationally very expensive. On the other hand, large systems are often required to obtain meaningful simulations of alloys due to their complex nature. An alternative method for large-scale simulations of metals and alloys is the orbital-free DFT, which is a simplified version of KS-DFT by avoiding calculating KS orbitals. The objective of this project is to predict the lowest-energy structures of metals and alloys using orbital-free DFT as the energy calculator. The CALYPSO program, which is based on the particle swarm optimization method for structure searching, will be employed to predict these lowest-energy structures. The open-source, orbital-free DFT program, PROFESS, will be used for orbital-free DFT calculations. The student will learn how to install these programs on FSU’s high-performance computing system and conduct simulations. Additionally, the student will learn to write code to interface the CALYPSO program with the PROFESS program.


Research Tasks: Literature study to gain a basic understanding of the method used in the project.
Install programs on FSU's high-performance computing facility.
Perform simulations using the installed programs.
Write scripts/codes to post-process simulation data.


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: The student does not need prior experience in programming or working with supercomputers. I will teach the student as the project progresses.

Oceanography, Climate, Satellite Observations

Research Mentor: Sthitapragya Ray, He/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS), N/A
Contact Email: sray7@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: Biochemistry, Chemical Science, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Computational Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Science and Policy, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Biomathematics, Mathematics, Meteorology, Physical Science, Physics, Statistics
Project Location: Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS) Florida State University, 2000 Levy Avenue Building A, Suite 292 Tallahassee, FL 32310
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Innovation Bus (https://www.talgov.com/Uploads/Public/Documents/starmetro/fsu.pdf#page=5)
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 - 7,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 3: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92283556615)
Friday, September 6: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95863718558)

Recorded Zoom Session and Roundtable Slides: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1Wfk7ekrS6s6GRfXwqzH519K0gUrZRr6R

Project Description

Climate change is rapidly warming global oceans, disrupting marine ecosystems, and threatening the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth. These changes not only endanger countless species but also pose significant risks to human well-being, from intensifying natural disasters to compromising food security. Coastal upwelling is a fascinating ocean phenomenon where deep, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface of the ocean, creating hotspots of marine productivity. Despite covering just 1% of the ocean's surface, these upwelling zones are crucial for global food security, driving over 20% of the world's fish production and supporting millions of livelihoods. The uplifted nutrients fuel the growth of microscopic plants called phytoplankton, which serve as the base of the marine food pyramid, and also turn the ocean surface into vibrant green patches. Spectroradiometer satellites like MODIS are capable of observing these blooms from space by measuring the concentration of chlorophyll on the ocean surface, allowing scientists to monitor and study these vital ecosystems on a global scale. This UROP project will explore how these chlorophyll concentrations have changed over the last three decades. By uncovering patterns and possible reasons behind these changes, we'll gain insights into the health of our oceans and the impact of climate change on marine life and human food security. The specific goals and methodology may be adjusted based on the student's interest.

Students will receive hands-on training accessing real climate data (with a focus on satellite-based observation) and learn how to analyze it using tools like MATLAB and Python.


Research Tasks: Review literature covering different aspects of Climate Science and Data Analysis.
Gaining familiarity with Ocean/ Climate observation platforms, Climate models, and datasets.
Analysis and Interpretation of Ocean and Climate Data.
Effectively Present/ communicate their findings.


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
Interest in Climate Science.
Basic scientific understanding (physics, mathematics, elementary statistics).
Basic computer skills (Word, PowerPoint.)

Recommended:
Understanding of vectors.
Interest in Physical Geography

Experimental Economics, Behavioral Economics

Research Mentor: Jose Lopez,
Department, College, Affiliation: Economics, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: jlopez4@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors.

The project is most relevant to students majoring in economics, psychology, math, and other related fields.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: N/A - Project location is on campus.
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 3 from 12:00pm-12:30pm - https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94288267244
Thursday, September 5 from 4:00pm-4:30pm - https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95258279343

Project Description

This project is an economic experiment that tests lying behavior in a laboratory setting. We are interested in what factors an individual considers when making a decision on whether to lie or not. By changing the parameters of the experiment in specific ways, we can test if behavior changes in ways that are consistent with the current leading economic models.

Research Tasks: Main task: Help run sessions in the lab.

Additional tasks may include preparing materials for experimental sessions, reading and discussing academic papers, data analysis, etc.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Your main task will be to help me run experimental sessions. No specialized skills are required for this. You must be responsible, responsive, attentive, and punctual.

If there are specialized skills that you have or would like to develop, we can choose additional tasks that allow you to apply those skills.

Machine Learning; Coding; Manufacturing; 3D Printing

Research Mentor: Raghav Gnanasambandam,
Department, College, Affiliation: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: raghavg@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering/Remote
Research Assistant Transportation Required: -
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 12.30 - 1.00 (https://fsu.zoom.us/my/raghavg)
Wednesday, Sept. 4, 1.00 - 1.30 (https://fsu.zoom.us/my/raghavg)
Wednesday, Sept. 4, 4.00 - 4.30 (https://fsu.zoom.us/my/raghavg)

Project Description

AI models are everywhere: in self-driving cars, social media feed recommendations, and ChatGPT. These models rely on vast amounts of data (perhaps online). Accurate scientific data is usually small; only a few trained engineers and scientists can work with it. This project aims to develop a scientific AI model for engineering/scientific tasks to enhance metal 3D printing. It involves creating an AI model based on fundamental scientific principles, a tool that will revolutionize the field. This project falls into the broad category of Scientific Machine Learning, an exciting new developing multi-disciplinary field.

Research Tasks: 1. Study the standard physics problems (e.g., projectile motion) from a machine-learning perspective.
2. Learn to code physics problems in Julia (a programming language).
3. Study the basic science of metal 3D printing.
4. Apply the scientific principles of metal 3D printing to learn its potential and possibly improve.


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Some Knowledge of Calculus (required)
Some Familiarity with Coding (recommended)

LGBTQ teachers, education, qualitative research, social sciences, educational policy

Research Mentor: Odette L. Guillen Lopez, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: olg22@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: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 hours ,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: To be determined.

Project Description

This research project highlights the research towards my dissertation in practice. My research aims to show how LGBTQ educators in Florida navigate the impact of 'Don't Say Gay' policies on their professional experiences, identities, and classroom practices. This dissertation will draw upon the interdisciplinary theoretical framework of gender studies, incorporating the perspectives of Judith Butler, Michel Foucault, narrative inquiry with the use of "testimonios", and participatory action research with the voices of LGBTQ teachers. This approach will involve LGBTQ educators as active participants in the research process. By collaborating with educators, the research will aim to empower them and generate knowledge that can be used to address the challenges they face. In this early phase of my project, I seek to present the literature and data available on the topic by using data visualizations.


Research Tasks: literature review
editing and proofreading
organize information in citation managers
create data visualizations


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Open to work with and research topics about LGBTQ identifying persons and people of color.
Time management with the openness to communicate any constraints with the mentor.
Knowledge of data visualizations (how to create tables, graphs, etc. in Excel) is recommended.

Religion, Surveillance, Violence, National Security

Research Mentor: Michael J. McVicar, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Religion Department, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mmcvicar@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: English, History, Political Science, Sociology, Religion, etc. (pretty much any major in the Humanities or Social Sciences)
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 5, 2024, at 2:00-2:30 PM (Zoom link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95889727212).

Project Description

From mega-surveillance on the mind-boggling scale of the National Security Agency’s controversial bulk collection of cellular metadata to the banal head-counting embodied in census records, citizens routinely accept—and, increasingly, resist—state-sponsored oversight. Likewise, business surveillance techniques—whether in the form of frequent-shopper cards that track every purchase, CCTV systems that follow a customer’s every move, or “cookies” that monitor web traffic—are a routine aspect of contemporary life. Far less understood and virtually ignored by scholars of American history and average citizens alike are the surveillance practices of voluntary associations, especially in the expansive private sector of churches, parachurch organizations, patriotic groups, and non-sectarian moral reform organizations with religious connections. Yet, the very state and corporate surveillance systems that most Americans take for granted today have emerged from the nexus of governmental, business, and religious interests that coalesced at the dawn of the twentieth century.

Research Tasks: Primarily, the research assistant will read, summarize, and discuss primary sources related to religion and surveillance in American history. These sources will include Federal Bureau of Investigation files (including material released under the Freedom of Information Act [FOIA]), archival collections, newspapers, microfilmed primary sources available at FSU and through interlibrary loan, electronic databases, and archival collections available in the region. Secondary responsibilities could include filing and managing FOIA requests, digitizing and analyzing the content of primary sources, and reading secondary literature on the history of religion and surveillance in the United States.

Currently, my research is focused on working four problems questions: 1) Federal responses to religiously motivated violence against abortion clinics and abortion providers during the 1990s. 1) The FBI's response to the Minute Men, a domestic terrorist organization that emerged in the 1960s and was the predecessor to the modern militia movement and militant pro-second amendment organizations. 3) Religious responses to gun violence and crime during the 1960s. 4) Investigations of Communism infiltration of churches in the 1960s. Depending on student interests and aptitude, we can discuss tailoring the research to their interests in these four broad areas.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: If the student can read, write, and take good notes, they'll be fine.

Ocean, Oceanography, Ocean physics, Wind, Waves, Modelling

Research Mentor: Dr. Keshav J Raja, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS), Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: kraja@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 (see the 'skills that may be needed' below).
Project Location: Research Foundation Building A (Innovation park), 2000 Levy Ave #292, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Innovation buses
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 3, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9206782375)
Wednesday, September 4, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9206782375)
Wednesday, September 5, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9206782375)

Those who missed the roundtables, check out the project presentation slides here:
https://fsu-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/kjr22c_fsu_edu/EciPk3IiH_9JuD9QxINa2jkBeS1vu6fl2-ZrV2FZURxdFQ?e=PhPShw

Project Description

Mixing in the ocean's interior plays a crucial role in regulating global climate by distributing heat from the surface to deeper layers, thereby influencing surface temperatures and large-scale circulations. This process also brings deep-sea nutrients to the surface, fueling the growth of phytoplankton, which form the foundation of marine ecosystems and fisheries.

A key driver of ocean mixing is the energy from winds blowing over the ocean surface. But how does this wind energy reach the deep ocean? In this project, we will explore the intriguing phenomenon of wind-generated underwater wave motions, known as “internal waves,” that act as channels for transferring energy from the ocean’s surface to its depths, where it drives essential mixing processes.

Utilizing a state-of-the-art, high-resolution global ocean model (developed and used by the US Navy), we will track the injection of wind energy at the ocean surface, follow its path through the water column, and quantify how much of it contributes to deep ocean mixing. Our research will map the global distribution of wind energy input into internal waves and investigate the factors that influence its vertical transmission. By identifying where this energy dissipates and induces mixing, we aim to uncover the hidden dynamics that shape our planet’s oceans.

Research Tasks: In this project, the research student will gain foundational knowledge in physical oceanography, including introduction to different scales of oceanic motion, energy pathways in the ocean, and their contributions to global climate. The student will analyze data from existing global ocean model simulations and create global maps of key physical quantities, such as wind power, internal wave energy, and fluxes. Data analysis and visualization will be conducted using MATLAB, which has a gentle learning curve for first-time users. Throughout the project, the student will also have the opportunity to interact with other researchers at the Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS) and present their findings.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: If you are genuinely interested in the topic, the project can be tailored to fit your skills and aspirations.
Preferred skills:
- Basic Math Skills (familiarity with vectors and basic calculus).
- Basic Computer Skills (comfortable working with a PC/Mac and using Microsoft Office or Google Suite).
- An eagerness to learn new concepts, a willingness to acquire new skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Desired skills:
- Introductory knowledge of differential equations
- Basic knowledge of computer programming

proteasome, microsporidia, proteolysis, ATPase, drug target

Research Mentor: Dr. Antonia Nemec, she/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Biomedical Sciences, Medicine
Contact Email: antonia.nemec@med.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Robb Tomko
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (IMS)
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: Minimum of 5-10 hours per week,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

Microsporidia are a family of spore-forming obligate intracellular parasites that infect most animals, including humans. Microsporidia are a pathogen of increasing health interest to humans. Although they typically only infect people with compromised immune systems, the widespread prescribing of immunosuppressants for diverse human conditions (i.e., autoimmune diseases) is resulting in a recent uptick in the number of human cases of microsporidiosis. Despite this growing threat from microsporidia, there are currently zero FDA-approved treatments for these parasites. Our group is interested in studying the highly unusual proteasome of microsporidia, as a potential drug target for treatment of microsporidiosis. The proteasome, a large, complex multi-subunit protease, is responsible for the degradation of unwanted or unneeded proteins and maintains protein homeostasis in all eukaryotic cells. The proteasome is a validated drug target and there are several FDA-approved drugs used as chemotherapies. Microsporidia have a highly divergent proteasome (m26S) and may be distinct enough that it can be targeted with a drug that would not have an appreciable effect on the human proteasome. At present, there is no high-resolution structural information of the m26S. In this project, we will begin studies into one of the three sub-complexes of the m26S, the mBase, the sub-complex that contains the ATPases that unfold the proteins as they are fed into the chamber of the proteasome for degradation. Any differences between the m26S and the human 26S can serve as potential targets for treatment of microsporidiosis.

Research Tasks: Molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression and purification; standard yeast genetic and cell work

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Any lab experience is recommended for sophomores. This would include lab courses within the undergraduate curriculum (i.e., CHM1045L, CHM1046L, etc.). Freshmen would not be expected any lab experience.

Health, drugs, Pharmaceutical Markets, Economics, Prescriptions

Research Mentor: Prof. Tuba Tuncel,
Department, College, Affiliation: Economics, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: ttuncel@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 9,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Friday, September 8 from 2:00 to 2:30 (Zoomlink: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98992251781 )

Project Description

We will investigate consumers’ choices when the set of options in the market changes. We will focus on a strictly regulated industry, namely the pharmaceutical industry. We will explore physicians’ treatment decisions when the available drug options change. There can be various reasons why the set of drugs available changes, such as new drug entries, exit of existing drugs, or new information on the safety and effectiveness of drugs. We will also examine pharmaceutical firms’ decisions on their product portfolios, which is an important determinant of available products in the market, for instance, whether they voluntarily discontinue drugs when they are to enter the market with a new drug or new version of the same drug with gradual improvements. Old drugs often provide more affordable treatment options due to higher market competition after the patent expires or because they are exposed to price regulations like the Inflation Reduction Act. Using data on the treatment choices, we will examine the impact of voluntary drug discontinuations, which are unrelated to safety concerns, on adherence to treatment, cost of treatment, and consumer surplus.

Research Tasks: Literature review
Data collection
Simple data analysis

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Excel
Stata (recommended)

neuroscience, sensory system, neuropeptides, olfactory system

Research Mentor: Leticia Leong, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: lleong@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr Douglas Storace
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Neuroscience, Biology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

The brain uses chemicals to provide signaling across neurons, classically referred to as neurotransmitters. There is a growing understanding that there are many more neurochemicals that are involved in this process than previously understood. We are interested in understanding the role of neuropeptides in sensory processing. We use the olfactory system as a model to study this.

Research Tasks: The student will begin by learning about the different techniques used in the laboratory by shadowing a current lab member (e.g., graduate student or postdoctoral fellow). As the student develops experience, they will participate in data collection and analysis. This can include learning how to analyze in vivo calcium imaging data which can include learning MATLAB and other software programs. Other experiments may include learning to perform histology on mouse brain tissue (e.g., preparing samples on slides for imaging), processing of histological tissue (e.g., immunohistochemistry), imaging and documenting the slides.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: An interest in learning, respect, focus, self-motivation
Recommended: Interest in neuroscience