UROP Project
Researching Research (UROP)
UROP, undergraduate research
Research Mentor: Alicia Batailles, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: CRE/UROP, Undergraduate Studies
Contact Email: alicia.batailles@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: CRE/UROP, Undergraduate Studies
Contact Email: alicia.batailles@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: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 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: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 3:00
End Time: 3:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96141209242?from=addon
Project Description
Reviewing historic data to gain a deeper understanding of patterns and trends in UROP research projects.Research Tasks: literature review, coding, thinking through analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: N/A
Mentoring Philosophy
As a mentor, I hope to inspire and encourage my RA. Through a collaborative working relationship, I hope to guide and learn with my mentee, while also supporting them in their personal and professional development. I hope to create an open and honest line of communication, as it is a critical piece of mentorship.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Interaction between Genomic Variants and Social Determinants of Health on Pain Frequency in Sickle Cell Disease: A Brazil-Based Study
genomics, social determinants of health, pain, sickle cell disease
Research Mentor: Dr. Brittany N. Taylor, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: N/A, Nursing
Contact Email: bt26i@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: N/A, Nursing
Contact Email: bt26i@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Nursing, biomedical sciences
Project Location: University of Sao Paulo
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Nursing, biomedical sciences
Project Location: University of Sao Paulo
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Friday, September 4
Start Time: 1:30
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96005757585
Project Description
This project investigates the phenotypic variability in sickle cell disease (SCD) by examining how genomic modifiers interact with social seterminants of health to influence pain frequency. Utilizing the large-scale REDS-III Brazil cohort (n=2,793), we leverage whole genome sequencing data from the NHLBI TOPMed program to identify novel gene-environment interactions. Unlike traditional studies that treat social factors as static variables, this research applies machine learning (Random Forest and XGBoost) to model how socioeconomic inequities, such as low income and education, can amplify the expression of high-risk genetic variants. The goal is to develop a biological basis for phenotypic differences and support precision medicine and health equity for marginalized SCD populations globallyResearch Tasks: Conduct comprehensive literature reviews on identified SCD genomic modifiers (e.g., CTNNA2, METTL4, UHRF2) and their interactions with social stressors. Perform data cleaning and preparation for sociodemographic variables (income, education) and clinical outcomes (VOC hospitalization frequency). Assist in the implementation and validation of machine learning models to identify non-linear predictors of high-risk pain phenotypes.
Analyze genomic data using bioinformatics pipelines (e.g., GotCloud or Hail) to adjust for the intense miscegenation of the Brazilian population.
Prepare visualizations (e.g., Manhattan plots and Heat maps) to interpret predictive model features.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Proficiency in R or Python for data analysis.
Required: Basic understanding of genetics and biostatistics.
Recommended: Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., scikit-learn or Caret).
Recommended: Strong interest in health equity, global health, and health informatics.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is rooted in fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where undergraduate and graduate students transition from learners to empowered investigators. I approach the mentor-mentee relationship as a partnership in professional development, focusing on the mastery of both technical informatics skills and critical social-scientific thinking. I provide structured guidance through regular milestones and feedback loops, ensuring students are proficient in data analysis tools like R and Python while understanding the ethical and biological implications of health equity research. My goal is to equip mentees with the expertise to address global health disparities through precision medicine, encouraging active participation in data interpretation and providing opportunities for co-authorship on peer-reviewed publicationsAdditional Information
This project is part of a multicenter international collaboration involving the University of São Paulo and the NHLBI, offering students unique exposure to global health data and high-resolution genomic resources.Link to Publications
Unpacking the Burden: A Concept Analysis of Stigma in Sickle Cell Disease Care
Sickle cell disease, stigma, health equity, literature review, concept analysis
Research Mentor: Dr. Brittany Taylor, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: N/A, Nursing
Contact Email: bt26i@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: N/A, Nursing
Contact Email: bt26i@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: Nursing
Project Location: University of Sao Paulo
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Nursing
Project Location: University of Sao Paulo
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Friday, September 4
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 1:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93838673320
Project Description
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a global health challenge characterized by phenotypic variability and significant morbidity. However, the patient experience is not only dictated by the β-globin mutation but is heavily influenced by structural injustices, institutionalized racism, and sociocultural factors. Stigma in SCD often manifests in the healthcare setting as provider mistrust and implicit or explicit bias, where patients are frequently labeled as "drug-seeking" or "over-users" of opioids during vaso-occlusive crises. Furthermore, emerging research into "genetic essentialism" shows that AI and medical literature often reduce SCD to an ethnic or national identity, which can lead to racist and stigmatizing conceptions.This project aims to perform a formal concept analysis of "stigma" within the context of SCD care. Using an established framework (such as Walker and Avant), we will synthesize existing literature to define the attributes (e.g., shame, worthlessness), antecedents (e.g., socioeconomic deprivation, historical framework of slavery), and consequences (e.g., undertreatment of pain, social isolation, and reduced quality of life) of stigma. This research is critical for developing a biological and social basis for the phenotypic differences observed across geographic populations and for supporting health equity.
Research Tasks: Literature Review: Conduct a systematic search for peer-reviewed articles addressing perceived racial bias, health-related stigma, and "prejudice" in SCD populations. Data Categorization: Identify and categorize "attributes" of stigma, such as the feelings of shame and worthlessness reported by patients with complications like leg ulcers. Framework Mapping: Map social determinants of health (SDOH), including income and education levels, as potential modifiers or amplifiers of the stigma experience. Dissemination: Draft a poster presentation for the FSU Undergraduate Research Symposium summarizing the findings.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Strong reading comprehension and ability to synthesize complex information.
Required: High level of organization and attention to detail.
Recommended: Interest in bioethics, medical sociology, or health disparities.
Recommended: Familiarity with basic literature review software (e.g. Covidence/Scite_) and bibliographic managers (e.g., Zotero/EndNote).
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is focused on fostering critical thinking and technical mastery in health equity research. I treat undergraduate researchers as junior colleagues, providing a structured environment where they transition from guided learners to independent investigators. In this project, I will guide the student through the process of concept analysis, emphasizing how social structures like racism and socioeconomic status impact biological health outcomes. I provide regular feedback to ensure the student feels empowered to interpret data and contribute meaningfully to the final research product, with the ultimate goal of preparing them for graduate studies or professional careers in healthcare.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Optimal potential energy via gradient descent
Gradient descent, potential energy, optimization
Research Mentor: Aleksandr Reznikov, He/Him/His
Department, College, Affiliation: Mathematics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: areznikov@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Mathematics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: areznikov@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: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7, 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: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7, 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
Put four electrons on the unit sphere and let them repel each other. They will move around until they reach the "ground state": i.e., the state, when their potential energy is minimal. If we were not too unlucky with our original placement, the electrons will end up in the vertices of the regular tetrahedron. In fact, this is a conjecture that is not yet rigorously proved.For the project, I propose to verify it experimentally; i.e., write a code that will place four random points on the sphere and move them, via the gradient descent method, to nearly-optimize the potential energy.
This project has many very interesting extensions; for example, moving to higher dimensions or to shapes other than the sphere (e.g., a donut).
Research Tasks: The most important task is to write a robust code for the gradient descent method for this specific problem. The code should ideally provide the video of points moving and eventually converging to the tetrahedron.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: strong knowledge of Calculus 1. You should be able to apply chain rule multiple times to a fairly inconvenient function.
Also required some coding skills, preferably in Python, but I do not have a strong opinion here.
Strongly recommended: partial derivatives, Calculus 3
Knowledge of physics is not required but will certainly make the project feel more applicable.
Mentoring Philosophy
The main point of my mentoring philosophy is that I want the mentee to be fairly independent and, most importantly, responsible. I will not nudge you every week and remind you to do your homework. On the other hand, if you run into a specific obstacle, I will be happy to help with it and learn the solution togetherAdditional Information
Link to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=x5-srkIAAAAJ&hl=enIntegrating behavior, genetics, and neurobiology to understand speciation in natural populations of chorus frogs
speciation, genomics, behavior, evolution, neurobiology, computational biology
Research Mentor: Dr. Emily Lemmon; Alan Lemmon,
Department, College, Affiliation: Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: chorusfrog@bio.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Alan Lemmon
Faculty Collaborators Email: alemmon@fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: chorusfrog@bio.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Alan Lemmon
Faculty Collaborators Email: alemmon@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Open to all relevant majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
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:
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Open to all relevant majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 1:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92940850329 - Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 4:30
End Time: 5:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97382400034
Project Description
Students will join an integrative research team investigating the genetic and neural basis of mating behaviors that drive speciation in frogs. For nearly 20 years, our lab has studied the chorus frog system to understand how reproductive behaviors—male acoustic signals and female preferences for those signals—diverge as new species form. We are now beginning to uncover the neural and genetic mechanisms that underlie these evolutionary changes.Possible UROP projects include:
• Genotyping specimens in the molecular lab
• Videorecording frogs during behavioral tests
• Scoring behavior in videos to generate AI training datasets
• Developing and testing new designs for high-throughput behavioral testing arenas
Students may also participate in spring fieldwork with wild frog populations, record calling males in acoustic chambers, test female preference behaviors in the lab, cryosection brains for immunohistochemistry, attend a molecular workshop offered by our lab, and assist with statistical analyses to identify genetic markers associated with call variation. Interested students can further engage in our ongoing science outreach to local elementary and middle school students.
During the UROP project, students will be co-advised by Dr. Emily Lemmon (Dept. Biological Science) and Dr. Alan Lemmon (Dept. Scientific Computing).
Research Tasks: Examples of tasks: experiment design, data collection, data analysis, literature review, fieldwork, labwork.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Interest and enthusiasm for scientific research; motivation to work hard and persevere through challenges; a positive attitude; determination to learn; and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Recommended (but not required): Experience in statistics and/or fieldwork.
Mentoring Philosophy
My approach to mentoring is to welcome into our laboratory anyone with a passion for science, a willingness to work hard, and the ability to persevere. Over 18 years as faculty members in Biological Science and Scientific Computing at FSU, we have mentored more than 100+ undergraduates from very different backgrounds. Most have gone on to graduate, medical, or veterinary programs and to careers in academia, industry, and medicine.When new undergraduate researchers join the lab, we meet with them individually to learn about their backgrounds, experiences, aspirations, and career goals. Together we develop multi-year plans with semester-by-semester goals that help them become strong candidates for their chosen paths. Students are immediately engaged in our many ongoing projects spanning fieldwork, behavioral experiments, genetics lab work, computational bioinformatics, and neuroscience. Our goal is to give undergraduates direct experience across multiple branches of biology so they can better identify the scientific directions they wish to pursue.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wNmwYS4AAAAJ&hl=en. https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=2xR_OmsAAAAJ&hl=enDevelopment of a Low-Cost Remotely Operated Vehicle for Underwater Structural Damage Inspection
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV); Underwater Inspection; Structural Health Monitoring; Structural Damage Detection; Computer Vision; Robotics; Underwater Imaging; Post-Disaster Assessment; Data Collection; Image Annotation
Research Mentor: Dr. Juyeong Choi, Juyeong
Department, College, Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: jchoi3@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Roshan Panahi Roshan
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: rp25q@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: jchoi3@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Roshan Panahi Roshan
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: rp25q@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Civil Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Computer Engineering; and Computer Science
Project Location: RIDER Center (1753 W Paul Dirac Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32310)
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Civil Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Computer Engineering; and Computer Science
Project Location: RIDER Center (1753 W Paul Dirac Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32310)
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 3:00
End Time: 3:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96730743395?from=addon - Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 4:00
End Time: 4:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96536756460?from=addon - Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 3:00
End Time: 3:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98752633677?from=addon - Day: Thursday, September 3
Start Time: 4:00
End Time: 4:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93376900133
Project Description
This project aims to develop and evaluate a low-cost remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for post-disaster underwater structural damage inspection. The ROV will be assembled using commercially available components and tested under realistic underwater conditions, including variations in lighting, turbidity, suspended particles, and occlusion. The platform will be used to collect underwater images and videos of structural components and damage. These data will support the evaluation and improvement of computer vision models developed by the research team for automated structural damage detection. Ultimately, the project seeks to advance safer, more accessible, and cost-effective methods for underwater structural health monitoring following natural disasters.Research Tasks: • Attend training sessions in the machine lab, as needed, to become familiar with the required tools, equipment, and safety procedures.
• Using the provided tools and components, assemble the ROV by following the video and written instructions shown in Figure 1.
• Test and evaluate the ROV in a pool environment.
• Assist the research team with collecting underwater data from real-world structures.
• Assist our computer vision expert in data annotation, analysis, writing reports, and presentations as needed.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Ability to work in person in the research lab approximately 7 hours per week
Self-motivation and ability to work independently
Dependability and discipline
Strong attention to detail
Interest in hands-on experimental work
Willingness to learn how to use laboratory tools, equipment, and electronic components
Ability to follow written instructions, safety procedures, and experimental protocols
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty members, graduate students, and other researchers
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe that open and consistent communication is essential to a successful mentor-mentee relationship. To support this, I will hold bi-weekly meetings with my UROP students to help them define their goals, monitor their progress, and reflect on their development. In addition, I will invite them to my research group’s Slack channel, where they can easily reach out to me or other mentors at any time for guidance, feedback, or support.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Using AI to Predict Relationship Outcomes from Coded Couple Communication
Psychology, Relationships, Communication, AI
Research Mentor: Dr. James McNulty, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mcnulty@psy.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Megan Marowski She/Her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: marowski@psy.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mcnulty@psy.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Megan Marowski She/Her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: marowski@psy.fsu.edu
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: In-person
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: In-person
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
BackgroundBehavioral observation of couple interactions provides exceptional predictive validity for relationship outcomes. Gottman (1994) demonstrated that observational coding of 15-minute conflict discussions could predict divorce with 90% accuracy, and this predictive power has been validated longitudinally, with observational data from early marriage predicting relationship dissolution 6 years later (Gottman & Levenson, 1992). Despite this evidence for observation’s superior validity, most relationship research relies on self-report measures, which are subject to sentiment override bias — the tendency for global relationship satisfaction to bias reports of specific behaviors (Weiss, 1980) — and demonstrate limited predictive validity for relationship outcomes (Joel et al., 2025).
Work in our laboratory (McNulty et al., 2021) and elsewhere has demonstrated observation’s explanatory power for understanding relationship processes, yet this work required substantial resources, illustrating a key limitation of current observational methods. Recent studies have identified distinct relationship satisfaction trajectories (Joiner et al., 2023) and documented that distressed couples show more rigid communication patterns (Eldridge et al., 2007), yet these studies examine either satisfaction without behavioral observation or behavior at only a single timepoint.
What remains unexplored is whether observational coding of couple communication at multiple timepoints can predict longitudinal changes in relationship outcomes. Do couples whose communication patterns change over time show corresponding changes in satisfaction? Which communication properties best predict relationship change? Research has established that observed communication patterns predict relationship satisfaction over time (Cohan & Bradbury, 1997), yet we lack understanding of whether changes in communication drive changes in outcomes. This research has been limited by practical constraints, as human-coding multiple interactions from hundreds of couples across years requires substantial time and resources, making large-scale longitudinal observational studies economically infeasible for most researchers.
Research Question
The central research question is: Do AI-generated behavioral codes from couple conflict transcripts predict longitudinal changes in relationship satisfaction and dissolution?
Specifically, we examine whether changes in communication patterns over time — such as reductions in opposition, increases in integration, or changes in interaction rigidity — predict whether couples maintain, improve, or decline in relationship satisfaction, or ultimately dissolve their relationships.
Methodology
This study will pool couple interaction transcripts from multiple longitudinal studies with assessments at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. AI-generated behavioral codes will be created using the Verbal Tactics Coding System (VTCS; Sillars et al., 1982), which codes each speaking turn as expressing opposition (critical, blaming, attacking behavior) or integration (cooperative, solution-focused behavior). Using these coded data, we will employ multilevel modeling to examine how communication patterns change over time within couples and whether these changes predict relationship outcomes. This approach identifies which specific communication properties best predict downstream relationship change.
Significance
This research demonstrates the potential of AI-assisted behavioral coding to enable large-scale longitudinal observational research that addresses fundamental questions in relationship science. By reducing the resource demands of behavioral coding, AI makes it feasible to conduct studies examining how couples’ communication patterns change over time and predict relationship outcomes. This work establishes AI-generated codes as a valid tool for predicting meaningful relationship outcomes, validating its utility for future large-scale longitudinal investigations and potentially expanding observational research accessibility beyond well-resourced laboratories.
Research Tasks: Literature review, data cleaning, data analysis, presentation
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Statistical analysis (recommended)
Mentoring Philosophy
Our mentoring philosophy is student centered, beginning by understanding their goals and strengths, which we intentionally build upon throughout the project. By recognizing what motivates each student, we create a learning environment tailored to their needs and interests.We want our students to genuinely understand the research they’re doing, so we pair hands-on work with readings from psychological journals that give context for each phase of the research project. When we do statistical analyses, we walk through the logic of what we’re doing and why, rather than treating it as a black box. This matters because we want students to feel confident explaining their work, as well as be prepared for future research projects or graduate school, where analytical thinking is essential.
We also recognize the importance of mistakes and challenges. We create an environment where it’s encouraged to ask questions, work through feedback, and learn from setbacks.
Finally, we give students real ownership over their work. They’re involved in all aspects of the project, from the initial hypothesis forming all the way to presenting the findings. We also share our own experiences as researchers, showing students that science is messy and iterative, and that motivation and persistence are of utmost importance.
We’re aiming to develop researchers who are thoughtful, curious, and confident in their ability to contribute to the field.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://cairlab-fsu.vercel.app/Plant Propagation and Plant Reproduction in Longleaf Pine Savannas Ecosystems.
Conservation, Botany, Horticulture, Greenhouse, Biology
Research Mentor: Dr. Leynar Leyton, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: University of Florida, N/A
Contact Email: L.LeytonNaranjo@ufl.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Carolina Baruzzi She/her
Faculty Collaborators Email: Carolina.Baruzzi@ufl.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: University of Florida, N/A
Contact Email: L.LeytonNaranjo@ufl.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Carolina Baruzzi She/her
Faculty Collaborators Email: Carolina.Baruzzi@ufl.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 5
Relevant Majors: Ecology, evolution, botany, environmental science, or conservation majors.
Project Location: 155 Research Rd. UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center. Quincy, FL 32351
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 5
Relevant Majors: Ecology, evolution, botany, environmental science, or conservation majors.
Project Location: 155 Research Rd. UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center. Quincy, FL 32351
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 1:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99639366923
Project Description
Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) savannas once extended throughout the southeastern coastal plain but now occupy less than 3% of their initial range. This ecosystem supports high plant and wildlife diversity, including many endemic species. To conserve longleaf pine savannas and the species they support, it is essential not only to understand the ecological processes that maintain their vegetation, such as prescribed fire, but also to improve methods for restoring these systems.Our project focuses on plant propagation and reproduction in longleaf pine savannas ecosystems. Between fall 2026 and spring 2027, we will conduct field vegetation surveys to monitor plant flowering and seed production in longleaf pine savannas across restored and old-growth sites maintained with varying fire regimes. We will also conduct laboratory and greenhouse experiments to evaluate seed germination and test treatments that can improve the germination and propagation of native plants for restoration.
Research Tasks: -Laboratory assessments of seed viability and germination.
-Laboratory tests to improve seed germination (plant growth regulator treatments, physical treatments, temperature treatments)
-Greenhouse clonal propagation studies (use of different potting media, plant growth regulators, and explants)
-Flowering and seed production evaluation in Greenhouse settings
-Flowering and sees production evaluation in Longleaf pine Savannas Ecosystems (Field evaluation)
-Tentative hybridization studies in greenhouse settings.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Attention to detail, good communicator, growth-oriented, strategic planner, adaptive learner.
Recommended: basic botany/horticulture and/or plant knowledge, scientific literacy, fieldwork experience (beginner)
Mentoring Philosophy
Our philosophy is more than just showing and transmitting horticultural and conservation knowledge. We aim to be true mentors, inside and outside the lab, greenhouse, and field. As first-generation college graduates, and first-generation in obtained a graduate degree, we have experienced firsthand how education opens doors, transforms, and empowers people. We are here to help students discover their interests in the many areas that horticulture and conservation have to offer; helping them to find their passion.Students have different identities, backgrounds, and interests (talents) that must be acknowledged. We are committed to developing safe learning environments where students feel comfortable, welcome, and they can explore their full potential, while providing constructive feedback to improve their skills.
Finally, thanks to the multiple mentoring and teaching experiences in our careers with undergraduate and graduate education in Chile, Italy, and The United States, we have become skillful at interacting with students with a variety of perspectives, values, and cultural backgrounds. We do not only aspire to be good mentors and provide up to date horticultural and conservation knowledge. We want to instill passion for horticulture, conservation, native plants, wildlife, restoration and research in our students. We want to show them how a significant impact our knowledge can have in the world.
Additional Information
Out team includes collaboration with UROP Project Submission #1600https://cre.fsu.edu/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/submissions/22573
Link to Publications
Wildfire and smoke
Understanding how people perceive smoke and wildfires
Research Mentor: pmerle@fsu.edu Patrick Merle,
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Communication, Communication and Information
Contact Email: pmerle@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: pmerle@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: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, 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: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, 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
the idea is to put together a survey and distribute that to people who live in southeastern states (GA, AL, FL, SC) so we can understand how they perceive smoke and how they perceive wildfires that are more and more prevalent.Research Tasks: literature review, survey design, data analysis.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: punctuality, seriousness, meticulous, attentive, reliable.
Mentoring Philosophy
I strive to create a space where the student can become the best version of themselves through mutual respect, understanding, empathy, and empowerment. i strive to challenge the student to really achieve their potential through a motivating learning environment customized to each mentee.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Habitat Characterization of Hawaiian Ridge Seamounts
Video Analyses, Substrate, Deep-Sea Corals
Research Mentor: Dr or Prof Amy Baco-Taylor,
Department, College, Affiliation: EOAS, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: abacotaylor@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Julianne McHenry
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: jm24do@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: EOAS, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: abacotaylor@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Julianne McHenry
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: jm24do@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Environmental Science, Biology, Geology, Computer Science
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Environmental Science, Biology, Geology, Computer Science
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
The goal of this project is to review deep-sea remotely operated vehicle videos to helpcharacterize substrate on seamounts of the Hawaiian Ridge and Emperor Seamount Chain
in the North Pacific. There is potential for this project to develop into characterization of
habitats and comparisons among sites.
Research Tasks: Video annotation, Data Entry, Data Management
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Strong excel skills are required
Image J, coral point count, or BIIGLE software experience not required but would be
helpful
R or GIS software experience helpful but not required
Experience with automated image analyses would be ideal but not required
Mentoring Philosophy
We will aid research assistants in learning valuable research skills such as basic dataacquisition, time management, spreadsheet management, and methods of data analysis.
By contributing to the larger overall goals of the lab, research assistants will have the
opportunity to participate in meaningful scientific processes and gain research experience.