UROP Project
creative writing, fiction, novel, medieval literature, literature, English, ecocriticism, nature
Research Mentor: Laura Biagi, she/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: English Department, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: LBiagi@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: English Department, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: LBiagi@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: Creative Writing
Literature Media & Culture
Editing Writing & Media
Literature
English
Humanities
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, 9/3, from 12:30-1 (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9377824317)
Thursday, 9/5, from 5:30-6 (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9377824317)
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Creative Writing
Literature Media & Culture
Editing Writing & Media
Literature
English
Humanities
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, 9/3, from 12:30-1 (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9377824317)
Thursday, 9/5, from 5:30-6 (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9377824317)
Project Description
Are you curious how a creative writer/novelist creates and researches their work? In this project, you’ll work closely with me to flesh out the research mind of one of my novel’s main characters, Gwen, and key research information of hers that the novel’s plot hinges upon. Gwen is a medieval literature PhD student interested in notions of love, romance, lust, and sexuality in the medieval era, plus how these may or may not intertwine with nature and ecocriticism. You will be a library database sleuth, identifying potentially intriguing articles that apply to Gwen’s research interests, then summarizing those articles and discussing with me how they might fit into the novel. In addition to getting to see the behind-the-scenes process of how a novel is researched, we’ll talk about the process of novel-creating in general and the publishing process based on my past experience as a literary agent.Research Tasks: Identifying article candidates
Summarizing articles/creating annotated bibliographies
Writing literature reviews or a running analysis of common themes and ideas
Discussing articles with me
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Ability to summarize articles (required)
Ability to analyze articles and themes (required)
Strong communication (required)
Library database familiarity (recommended)
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe in giving back to my mentees as much as they give to me. I want to know your own aspirational goals for FSU and after and how I can help you achieve those. This will be one of our first topics of discussion, and I’ll tailor how I talk about this project based on helping you build relevant skills. I believe in touching base regularly in weekly meetings (usually in person) to guide you in the project and allow us a chance to discuss your questions and novel-writing in general, while also giving you flexibility with a primarily remote work schedule. It’s important to me to allow you to follow what excites you as you conduct this research, too; we will work together to be collaboratively creative. The project is scaffolded with building blocks that make it easy to begin finding articles then move into summarizing and analyzing them. My goal is to be organized, clear, and communicative so you have no trouble delving into your work and so we build a strong, mutually productive mentor-mentee relationship.Additional Information
Information about another published work of mine can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Fair-Day-Laura-Biagi/dp/1941617719/Link to Publications
https://www.triquarterly.org/issue-163/a-train-to-catch
inequality, discrimination, alcoholism, lived experience, depression, anxiety, India, violence, health disparities
Research Mentor: cchakrabarti@fsu.edu Choeeta Chakrabarti, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Anthropology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: cchakrabarti@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Anthropology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: cchakrabarti@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: 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: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Availability:
Tuesday, Sept 3:
10-11am, and 2-4pm
Thursday , Sept 5:
10-4pm
Preferred:
Sept 3 and Sept 5: 11-11:30am
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: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Availability:
Tuesday, Sept 3:
10-11am, and 2-4pm
Thursday , Sept 5:
10-4pm
Preferred:
Sept 3 and Sept 5: 11-11:30am
Project Description
This project aims to document the health outcomes and lived experiences of male manual scavengers—individuals forced to clean, handle, and dispose of human excrement from septic tanks, open drains, and other sewage systems. These scavengers typically belong to the lowest rung of India’s caste hierarchy, the Dalits (formerly known as 'Untouchables'), a group historically relegated to this stigmatized, caste-based occupation for generations. Despite the legal prohibition of manual scavenging in India, the practice persists in impoverished communities, where these individuals face compounded discrimination: one based on their caste, and another tied to the degrading nature of their work. Many men resort to alcohol as a coping mechanism for the severe social isolation and harsh working conditions.This project is the result of three months of fieldwork conducted in Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, in Mumbai. It is divided into qualitative and quantitative components. The qualitative section will explore the experiences of discrimination, structural barriers, and health consequences faced by male manual scavengers. The quantitative section will assess their health outcomes by measuring cortisol levels (from both hair and saliva) and correlating these with psychometric test results for depression, stress, loneliness, and alcoholism. Additional health indicators, such as BMI and blood pressure, will also be analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the physical and psychological toll on this marginalized population.
Research Tasks: Literature review, qualitative coding, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, synthesizing results, lab work (if interested)
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: For the rest of the spots, I am looking for students who have quantitative data analysis skills to analyze survey data (through a software package like SPSS, SAS, STAT, R etc.)
Mentoring Philosophy
My approach to mentoring is grounded in fostering relationships that prioritize mutual respect, personal growth, and the professional development of my mentees. To me, mentorship is not limited to advising on research projects but involves guiding students as they navigate their academic, career, and personal paths. The following principles guide my mentorship philosophy:1. Identifying and Supporting Goals
I work closely with mentees to understand their individual academic, professional, and personal goals, helping them explore career options and growth opportunities. Open dialogue ensures these goals remain central to our relationship.
2. Fostering Mutual Respect and Collaboration
I create an environment of mutual respect where mentees can comfortably share challenges and motivations. Through honest feedback and collaboration, I encourage my mentees to take ownership of their academic journey and make informed decisions.
Sharing Experience and Encouraging Growth
I draw on my own experiences and guide mentees through the complexities of academia, sharing both my successes and failures. I help them develop research skills and critical thinking through these practical examples.
Open Communication
Ultimately, mentorship is a two-way relationship built on trust. I prioritize open communication and a safe space for feedback. Regular evaluations of progress and a clear structure of expectations help my mentees stay on track and foster continuous growth.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
cosa excavations museum roman archaeology
Research Mentor: Andrea De Giorgi,
Department, College, Affiliation: Classics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: adegiorgi@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Christina Cha
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: ccha@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Classics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: adegiorgi@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Christina Cha
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: ccha@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Classics, Anthropology, Art History
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Classics, Anthropology, Art History
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Project Description
This research project is designed to work with archaeological collections to create a permanent museum installation on a bathhouse from the ancient Roman city of Cosa. This project aims to curate a series of artifacts to highlight the bathing practices of ancient Cosa's inhabitants, as well as present a synthesized overview of the bathhouse's development over the centuries.Research Tasks: Research tasks include assisting with digital data organization and analysis, such as composing catalog entries for museum artifacts.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Experience working with databases is welcomed, but not required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (or similar) programs is recommended.
Mentoring Philosophy
To support and guide students to develop their own research interests within the scope of the project, and ultimately facilitate a collaborative relationship with mentees, while assisting them to enhance their academic research skills.Additional Information
Link to Publications
http://www.cosaexcavations.org/
Power, Behavioral Game Theory, Committees
Research Mentor: Dr. Kai Ou,
Department, College, Affiliation: Political Science, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: kou@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Political Science, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: kou@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, but priorities will be given to students with political science and economics majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Thursday, September 5, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm, Zoom link https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95727589730?pwd=ONmVbo5YdhYZMzoNwQ3OJNEifDyDnR.1
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors, but priorities will be given to students with political science and economics majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Thursday, September 5, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm, Zoom link https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95727589730?pwd=ONmVbo5YdhYZMzoNwQ3OJNEifDyDnR.1
Project Description
While committee chairs can wield decisive influence over outcomes, effective control sometimes lies with actors who do not hold specific roles or powers. Identifying the mechanisms that drive these political outcomes is challenging. This research project aims to identify the mechanisms of power dynamics within a committee both theoretically and experimentally using behavioral models and experiments through a series of innovative research tasks. We will compare how tie-breaking power, veto power, and agenda control power influence the chair’s impact on committee outcomes. Also, we will identify how social preferences affect power utilization. Moreover, we will explore gender differences in information acquisition across varying gender compositions and information structures.Research Tasks: The UROP research assistants will engage in various research-related tasks, including literature reviews, data collection, data entry, conducting interviews, and other pertinent assignments. These tasks will be structured as weekly assignments. Mentees will receive email notifications detailing their assignments at the start of each week, typically on Monday morning, with the expectation that the work will be completed by Friday afternoon. Most tasks can be executed asynchronously and remotely, although regular research meetings between the mentor and mentee will be held every 2 weeks. Mentees are anticipated to possess the necessary skills for their assigned tasks, and they may be encouraged to acquire new skills as needed to effectively complete their assignments. Most work will be conducted and submitted electronically. Therefore, it is expected that mentees have proficiency in using software such as MS Office, Adobe, and any other relevant applications.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Native in English communication, professional in English writing, knowledgeable about American Politics and Policy
Recommended:
Knowledgeable about game theory, mathematical models, or statistics (quantitative methods); Editing imagines and videos
Mentoring Philosophy
I view mentoring as creative work that keeps mentees’ curiosity alive and turns them from passive receptors to active learners. My primary goal in mentoring is to help mentees develop a systematic approach to analyzing their questions. I always aim to let mentees acquire something more important: the passion for understanding politics, the ability to examine conventional wisdom, and the creativity to solve puzzles.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://cosspp.fsu.edu/polisci/faculty/kai-ou/
Health Intervention, Artificial Intelligence, Information retrieval, Cancer Prevention
Research Mentor: Dr. Ruosi Shao, She/Her/Hers
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Communication, Communication and Information
Contact Email: rshao@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Communication, Communication and Information
Contact Email: rshao@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: Public health & health sciences;
Communication;
Psychology;
Human development and family studies;
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-8,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Sep 4 from 10 am to 1 pm:
Zoom link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/8397097603
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Public health & health sciences;
Communication;
Psychology;
Human development and family studies;
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-8,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Sep 4 from 10 am to 1 pm:
Zoom link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/8397097603
Project Description
This project is funded by the NSF Accelerating Research Translation award. We aim to develop, empirically test, and clinically implement AI chatbots to provide cancer education and prevention interventions tailored to underserved populations. At the FSU site, we will work together to develop patient-centered chatbot interventions by identifying psychological and communication mechanisms that can facilitate human-chatbot cancer communication and increase screening adherence. This includes the iterative process of 1) designing and optimizing LLMs with domain-specific data, 2) developing evidence-based cancer prevention interventions, and 3) conducting clinical trials and expert evaluations.Research Tasks: You are expected to help with data collection (remotely through online experiments), data cleaning, text analysis (coding), etc. You will have first-hand research experiences with guidance from our interdisciplinary team, involving researchers from communication, computer science, public health, etc.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: It could be great if you have knowledge on cancer prevention and health communication in general, nothing required.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy centers on fostering a supportive and empowering environment where mentees can thrive and grow. I begin by identifying each mentee’s unique goals and talents, recognizing that a personalized approach is essential for meaningful development. By evaluating their strengths, I aim to build on what they do well while guiding them toward new areas of growth. Mutual respect forms the foundation of our relationship, ensuring that mentees feel valued and heard. I am committed to creating a safe space where they can take risks, make mistakes, and learn without fear of judgment. I encourage growth by challenging mentees to step out of their comfort zones, knowing that true learning often occurs in moments of difficulty. Through inquiry-based learning, I promote curiosity and critical thinking, helping mentees not only acquire knowledge but also develop the skills to ask the right questions and seek deeper understanding.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://dl.acm.org/doi/full/10.1145/3613904.3641965
social psychology, relationships, evolution
Research Mentor: Dr. Andrea Meltzer, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: meltzer@psy.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Isabella Napoles she/her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: napoles@psy.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: meltzer@psy.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Isabella Napoles she/her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: napoles@psy.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Psychology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Psychology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Project Description
Attend lab meetings (to be held on Fridays from 11-11:50) and assist with ongoing virtual speed-dating study.Research Tasks: Hosting virtual speed-dating events, corresponding with participants, collecting data
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: comfort using Zoom and Excel
Mentoring Philosophy
In my social psychology research lab, we study the development, maintenance, and deterioration of romantic relationships. We like to give undergraduate students as much hands-on research experience in this domain as possible. In doing so, we strive to create a comfortable, interactive environment that promotes learning and diversity.Additional Information
Link to Publications
www.andreameltzer.com
learning, teachers, children, elementary
Research Mentor: lbw17@fsu.edu Lori Walter-Carro, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Early Childhood, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: lbw17@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Early Childhood, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: lbw17@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: education, math education, math, open, child development,
Project Location: remote
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: education, math education, math, open, child development,
Project Location: remote
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Project Description
Survey of Early Childhood Educators regarding their use of block play to teach academic content. This study seeks to examine the correlation between teacher beliefs about play and learning with their stated use of blocks. This type of learning is possible through teacher interaction, so it also seeks to document the role of the teacher during block play episodes. Lastly, the study seeks to determine what barriers may be present to discourage this type of learning.Research Tasks: data collection, clean up, and analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: critical thinking, knowledge of education and learning theory, can use FSU virtual lab to access SPSS software
Ideal: understanding of statistics and logistical regression
Mentoring Philosophy
For me, mentoring is about understanding the mentee's goals, so that the tasks agreed upon are mutually beneficial. As a former classroom coach, I have developed a "warm demander" mentality. In that I am here to support you, help you problem solve, ensure you have the background knowledge you need to be successful, and offer new ideas. In the interest of meeting agreed upon outcomes, I am going to hold you accountable to the agreed upon tasks that meet your professional goals, as well as mine.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Dementia, cognitive impairment, aging, risk scores
Research Mentor: Dr. Zhuo Meng, She/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity, Nursing
Contact Email: zmeng@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity, Nursing
Contact Email: zmeng@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, social work, and other health-related majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8 hours,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday Sep.3 4:30 - 5:00 pm
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91701935412
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Nursing, social work, and other health-related majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8 hours,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday Sep.3 4:30 - 5:00 pm
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91701935412
Project Description
Several dementia prediction tools have been developed to help with preventing cognitive impairment, such as Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) score, Brief Dementia Screening Indicator (BDSI), Australian National University Alzheimer Disease Risk Index (ANU-ADRI]). These scores were mostly developed and validated among non-US populations. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of these tools using a U.S.-based database.Research Tasks: Mainly focus on literature review and manuscript drafting. Participant in data analysis if interested.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: literature review, good verbal and written communication skills
Recommended: statistical analysis skills
Mentoring Philosophy
Creating a collaborative and mutually respective environment. Identifying mentees' goals to help them success. Evaluating mentees’ talents and building on them. Sharing my experience. Learn together.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=FMgHB5wAAAAJ
religion, FBI, records, polygamy, fundamentalism
Research Mentor: Paul Anthony, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Religion, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: panthony2@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Religion, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: panthony2@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: Remote
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Remote
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Project Description
Researchers would be responsible for reviewing, cataloguing, and flagging particularly relevant or interesting FBI records pertaining to a federal investigation of polygamists under the federal White Slavery Act from the 1930s through the 1970s.Research Tasks: Document review, data entry, data analysis, document summary, document organizing
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Comfort with basic use of Excel, Dropbox, and Google Drive, ability to accurately summarize and distill information from primary source material, strong organizational skills, and self-motivated.
Mentoring Philosophy
This project is part of my dissertation into the relationship between the state and polygamous Mormons and ex-Mormons in Utah, Arizona, and Texas. My philosophy is that research is a collaborative effort. Mentors and researchers work together, sharing what they learn with each other because that's how knowledge should work. Any successful academic project requires cooperation, transparency, and mutual respect. my hope is that researchers helping with this project will join me in learning about how to use federal law enforcement records to tell a story about marginalized religious practices in the United States, as well as how to organize and distill decades-old information to make telling that story easier.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Alumni, Mentors, Speakers, Professional Development, Student Success
Research Mentor: Ms. Jacey Darrah, She/Her/Hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Alumni Association, Undergraduate Studies
Contact Email: jdarrah@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Alumni Association, Undergraduate Studies
Contact Email: jdarrah@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: FSU Seminole Express Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 hours. ,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 3rd from 12pm - 12:30pm
Wednesday, September 4th from 4:30pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday, September 5th from 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97022052373
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU Seminole Express Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 hours. ,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 3rd from 12pm - 12:30pm
Wednesday, September 4th from 4:30pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday, September 5th from 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97022052373
Project Description
This research project aims to assess how alumni engagement initiatives influence the academic and professional success of current students. By analyzing various engagement activities and their outcomes, the project seeks to provide actionable insights to enhance the effectiveness of alumni relations programs.Research Tasks: Data Collection: Gather data through surveys, interviews, and focus groups with students and alumni.
Data Analysis: Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends and correlations.
Event Evaluation: Attend alumni speaking events to analyze the event and conduct research.
Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing research on alumni engagement and student success.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: Strong analytical skills, proficiency in data analysis software (e.g. Excel), and excellent communication abilities.
Mentoring Philosophy
My professional mentorship philosophy encompasses integrity, humility, and empowerment. I believe that effective mentorship is built on a foundation of mutual respect and a commitment to the growth and development of the mentee. I strive to create an environment where the mentee feels heard and can enhance their current strengths. Here are the key principles that guide my approach:1. Identifying Mentees' Goals: Understanding the unique aspirations of the mentee is crucial to the mentorship experience to be able to evaluate the mentee, measure their success, and help them research effectively. Mentees are encouraged to use their talents to enhance the research project and develop new ways of collecting data.
2. Giving Mentees Ownership: Empowering mentees to take the lead inspires responsibility and accountability. I will strive to empower the mentee to develop independence and confidence when researching the project.
3. Encouraging Growth and Promoting Learning: I believe in the effectiveness of building strong leaders through mentorship, encouraging them to take risks and make mistakes as it leads to the success of the mentee and project. I motivate the mentees to reach new heights and develop new skills to foster their growth as a leader.
4. Sharing My Experience: I encourage the mentees to ask me questions, learn more about my role, and use my experience to help them with their research. I will share the good, the bad, and the random experiences that have happened during my career that shaped the outline of this research project.