UROP Project

Verb Ventures: Conquering Grammar Gaps in Spanish English MLs

Reading, Bilingual, English Learner, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds, Reading Intervention
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Research Mentor: Ms. Kiana Hines, She/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Communication and Information
Contact Email: kdhines@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Dr. Carla Wood She/Her/Hers
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: carla.wood@cci.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Linguistics
Education
Special Education
*Language or Education Related 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: 6 , Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Wednesday September 7th 1:00-1:30PM
Wednesday September 7th 6:00-6:30PM
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/6162604230


Project Description

Overview: The purpose of the project is to compare the effectiveness of implicit and explicit approaches to teaching verb tenses to Spanish-English speaking multilingual learners. See Abstract below.
Spanish-English speaking multilinguals (MLs) with Language Learning Disorders (LLD) have greater difficulty with verb morphology compared to their typically developing peers. Patterns of error are observed in both monolinguals and MLs. However, there are more studies that have explored the effectiveness of grammar intervention targeting verb morphology for monolinguals compared to MLs. Moreover, there are even fewer studies that compare the effectiveness of implicit and explicit approaches used in grammar interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine an adapted alternating treatment single case design to compare the (1) effectiveness of implicit and explicit approaches used in grammar interventions that target the inflectional past tense –ed and third person singular –s (3S) and (2) efficiency of the implicit and explicit approaches for acquiring the past tense –ed and 3S. The study includes third-fifth grade Spanish-English speaking MLs with and without LLD.

Research Tasks: The research assistants task include:
-Reviewing videos and completing fidelity checks
Specifically, the research assistants will be reviewing the intervention videos and complete checklists to ensure that the interventionist is completed all the described tasks of the intervention.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Skills include:
-Ability to navigate TEAMS and zoom (required)

Mentoring Philosophy

1. Cultivating a Growth Mindset:
A growth mindset is the cornerstone of any successful mentoring relationship. I am committed to fostering an environment where challenges are embraced as opportunities for learning, failures are seen as stepping stones to improvement, and perseverance is celebrated.
2. Leveraging Individual Strengths:
Central to my mentoring philosophy is the idea of focusing on strengths rather than fixating on weaknesses. I believe that each individual possesses a unique set of talents, skills, and qualities that can be harnessed to achieve exceptional growth.
3. Creating a Safe and Supportive Space:
An essential element of effective mentoring is the creation of a safe and supportive environment. I am committed to establishing an atmosphere where mentees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, asking questions, and sharing their challenges without fear of judgment. Open communication, active listening, and empathy are the cornerstones of this safe space.
4. Continuous Learning and Adaptation:
Mentoring is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it's an ongoing journey of growth and adaptability. I am committed to continuous learning, staying informed about the latest developments in various fields, and refining my mentoring techniques to better suit the evolving needs of my mentees.
5. Goal-Oriented and Individualized Approach:
A crucial aspect of effective mentoring is setting clear goals and objectives tailored to each mentee's aspirations and circumstances.

Additional Information

In addition to the aforementioned mentoring principles, I also implement PACT goals. PACT stands for Purposeful, Actionable, Continuous, Trackable. Essentially, I work with my research assistants to focus on how much work they have put towards a goal rather than the overarching outcome, which can seem daunting and overwhelming. To promote PACT goals, I work with my RA's to set soft deadlines and hard deadlines. Soft deadlines maintain progress and hard deadlines provide a definitive end date. I have observed soft deadlines decrease senses of being overwhelmed and help students monitor progress while tackling tasks in manageable timeframe.

Link to Publications


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Equity in Early Intervention: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study of a Professional Development Program on Culturally Responsive Practices

equity, early childhood, cultural responsiveness, early intervention
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Research Mentor: Ms. Diana Lucía Abarca, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Communication Science and Disorders, Communication and Information
Contact Email: da20dm@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Mollie Romano She/her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: mollie.romano@cci.fsu.edu
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: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: September 5: 2pm-2:30pm https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99897975711
September 7: 12:00pm-12:30pm https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99897975711

Project Description

This is a pilot study of a professional development program on culturally responsive practices (CRP) aimed towards early intervention providers. The study aims (1) to develop a professional development program for EI providers on CRP in collaboration with community stakeholders; (2) to evaluate the effects of a PD program on EI providers’ knowledge and understanding of CRP; and (3) to evaluate the social validity of a PD program for EI providers across the perspectives of various community stakeholders.

Research Tasks: participant recruitment: sending emails out, cold-calling agencies
material development: using graphic design software to develop intervention materials
developing outcome measures: using survey software to upload survey questions
participant & data management: communicating with participants, monitoring data collection and organization
attending workshops: attend PD workshops to assist with facilitation as needed
data collection assistance: helping to conduct focus groups/interviews, sending out surveys, assisting with interview transcriptions.
data entry & analysis: analyzing interview data, assisting with inputting data into database

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: -proficient command of technology, including Microsoft office - required
-is relatable and approachable - required
-has knowledge on equity initiatives/cultural responsiveness - recommended
-is creative - recommended

Mentoring Philosophy

I have been a student in higher education for nine years now, and have had wonderful mentorship experiences, and some not-so-wonderful experiences! I use these experiences and my desire for an equitable and asset-based research lab to build my mentoring philosophy. My top priority for your mentorship experience is to impact your learning- whether that is learning of content or learning about your academic interests and disinterests. I do this through an approach in which I delegate tasks that interest you and speak to your existing talents and skills. I encourage input and communication from all in the team, regardless of your "expertise" in the subject area, as I believe that everyone has unique contributions to make to the project. I value respect, honesty, inclusion, and flexibility. I support all your interests and commitments, and will hold you up to high expectations to push you towards excellence. I expect transparent and constant communication so that I can be compassionate towards all that life hands you. I also take a stance of mentorship that expands past this research study-- I am here as a resource and support system for all your academic, and even personal, endeavors.

Additional Information


Link to Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ExvgDKEAAAAJ&hl=en
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Dante Today

digital humanities, digital archive, literature, cultural studies, language
Research Mentor: Prof. Elizabeth Coggeshall, she/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Modern Languages and Linguistics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: ecoggeshall@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: Art, Art History, Classics, Communications, Computer Science, Design, English (lit, creative writing, or EWM), History, Modern Languages and Linguistics, Philosophy, Religion.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
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

Dante Today: Citings and Sightings of Dante’s Works in Contemporary Culture is a crowd-sourced and curated digital archive that catalogs references to Dante’s Inferno (and other works) in contemporary visual and verbal culture, of the twentieth century and beyond. We have posted nearly 2000 “sightings” and “citings” of Dante’s works, and each week we receive new submissions to post, sent to us by readers from around the world. The editors (that means you!) describe, tag, and organize the contributions into general categories (Consumer Goods, Digital Media, Dining & Leisure, Music, Performing Arts, Places, Visual Art and Architecture, Written Word, and Odds & Ends), but we leave to our readers the opportunity to judge the nature and depth of each reference, to classify the references according to their own ways of reading, and to note the frequency of certain themes over others. The goals are twofold: 1) to provide a central access point for these references; and 2) to offer data that students and scholars of Dante can use to think about the “afterlife” of Dante’s works in relation to reception theory, media studies, and cultural studies.

Research Tasks: The project is an ongoing collaboration between faculty and students at FSU and at Johns Hopkins University. Although the research assistants will work independently, they will also correspond regularly with the whole research team. We will all work together to catalog and write posts for new submissions to the site; to systematize the current categories and tags; to add to the growing bibliography on the site; and to research additional contributions to be posted. Depending on the students’ interests, qualifications, and time, research assistants may have the opportunity to provide input on the design and functionality of the site, to create publicity materials for various social media platforms, and/or to contribute original research on the archive’s holdings. Knowledge of Italian is not a requirement, but knowledge of Romance languages and cultures (especially Italian), familiarity with the Wordpress platform, and/or good design sense would be very welcome.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: listening; incorporating feedback; working independently; expressing curiosity; English-language writing.
Recommended: writing skills in a language other than English; design skills; previous experience with Wordpress and other digital publishing platforms.
Students need not be language/literature/humanities majors to apply for this position: it is more important that researchers have an interest in or curiosity about the visual and verbal cultures of the 20th and 21st centuries. All students in the arts and sciences are welcome to apply.

Mentoring Philosophy

In my role as a UROP mentor, I focus on the transferrable skills that can be acquired through humanities data collection, fostering curiosity, rigor, and clarity of expression. I know that few undergraduate students who choose to collaborate with me on my project (on the resonance of Dante’s works in contemporary culture) will go on to become scholars of medieval Italian literature, so I encourage students from the earliest stages to chart their own path within the landscape of the work that we do. The data that we collect in our archive vary greatly across different genres, media formats, content areas, and geographical provenances. I work closely with my UROP students to locate materials that most stimulate their curiosity, and then I encourage them to gravitate further toward those items for their independent research and creative projects. In doing so, I actively foster each student’s sense of ownership over the questions they ask and the ideas they produce.

Additional Information


Link to Publications

https://dantetoday.krieger.jhu.edu/
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Development of a Remote Sensing and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Handbook for Disaster Response

disaster, remote sensing, uas, writing
Research Mentor: Prof. David Merrick, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: dmerrick@em.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Prof. Jarrett Broder he/him
Faculty Collaborators Email: jbroder@em.fsu.edu
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: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 5, 12:00-12:30. https://fsu.zoom.us/my/davidmerrick
Wednesday, September 6, 12:00-12:30. https://fsu.zoom.us/my/davidmerrick
Thursday, September 7, 12:00-12:30. https://fsu.zoom.us/my/davidmerrick
Friday, September 8, 12:00-12:30. https://fsu.zoom.us/my/davidmerrick

Project Description

As the collection, analysis, and distribution of disaster remote sensing increases in emergency and disaster management, it has become clear that a simplified, standardized methodology does not exist for practitioners in the field. While there are accepted practices for assorted disaster remote sensing practices, the lack of a consolidated standard operating procedure creates a mix of technical processes and products that are sometimes difficult to integrate into existing emergency management processes. This project will create and test standard workflows, organizational structures, and product standards that will be easy for practitioners to utilize during disaster operations. The student researcher will research the needs, help develop and write workflows, and assist in the production of a Handbook to be used in future events.

Research Tasks: literature review, technical writing, reviewing, organization of content, developing supplemental materials.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Written communication skills (required), MS Office applications (required), graphics design (recommended).

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy revolves around the need for students, professionals, and citizens to understand "why things work". In emergency management, we have to understand people and communities to be able to understand why the processes work (or don't). People are successful not because of knowledge or skills gained - but because they understand the why of it and how to apply those skills. I work to understand my students, including their objectives and goals as well as their motivations.

To accomplish this, I strive to create and maintain clear communication with students, enabling them to set achievable goals, create work plans to progress toward those goals, and provide clear and consistent feedback on that progress. I strive to be open-minded and inclusive, learn from my peers and students, and accept differing opinions. By the end of their training experience, students are better prepared to perform a variety of hard and soft skills and positioned to perform in academia and professional careers.

Additional Information


Link to Publications


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Molecular impacts of sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation, mouse, RNA, protein
Research Mentor: Dr. Lisa Lyons,
Department, College, Affiliation: Biological Science/Neuroscience, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: lyons@bio.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Natalie Storch
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: nstorch@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, BMS
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10 hours per week, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

Sleep fragmentation and chronic insomnia are significant public health concerns that affect millions of children, teenagers and adults. Sleep fragmentation impairs learning and cognitive performance, increases disease risk for many diseases, and aggravates neurological disorders. Middle-aged and older adults show increased sleep fragmentation. Given the impacts of poor sleep quality and the health issues of sleep fragmentation, we are interested in the neural and molecular consequences of sleep fragmentation and sleep deprivation. We seek undergraduate research assistants to help investigate the impacts of sleep deprivation in a mouse model.

Research Tasks: Student will be assisting with sleep deprivation experiments and tissue collection. Student will need to complete training necessary for working with animals on an animal care protocol. Student will be responsible for checking on animals when assigned, assisting with sleep deprivation and keeping accurate records. Student will also be expected to learn basic molecular skills in the laboratory in preparation for assisting with molecular experiments. Student will also help with lab maintenance. Student is expected to read assigned literature and attend lab meetings. This project requires all in person lab work.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Pipetting experience required. Recommended: experience with solution making

Mentoring Philosophy

I strive to help students become critical thinkers who ask questions, pay attention to details, and discuss science and scientific results from multiple angles. I encourage students to show initiative in their work and in their approach to science through a lab atmosphere that emphasizes reading scientific literature and discussing scientific questions and approaches. Everyone in the lab is encouraged to think about the research objectives and how the objectives may be achieved. I work with students to plan experiments or find solutions for problems that arise, but I encourage students to work independently to perform experiments after training.

Additional Information


Link to Publications

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34384474/
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Media, Gender, and the Climate Debate: Climate Science and Global Warming in Historic Newspapers and Periodicals

Climate, history, science, media, environment
Amico F.png
Research Mentor: Frank Amico, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: History, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: fta20@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: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

This project examines how climate science and policy were communicated and discussed in popular media from roughly 1950-1980. This period coincides with shifting perceptions towards earth’s climate and the natural world alongside scientific advances and the environmental movement.

In particular, this project looks at the role of gender in understanding the concepts of climate and global warming. Science has often reflected a culture of masculinity, mirroring societal ideas, and the natural world or environment has been gender coded as feminine through ideas such as “Mother Nature.” This study seeks to examine the disparity between the feminization of nature and the masculinity of scientific study. For instance, is the climate depicted as masculine or feminine? Are there different perspectives towards the climate between men and women? How is the masculinity of science reflected in how the climate is framed?

The research involves examining historic newspapers and periodicals that discuss climate science and policy. This includes national newspapers such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and Chicago Tribune, as well as popular broad and science-focused periodicals such as Time, Popular Science, and Nature.

Research Tasks: Literature review; collection, analysis, and cataloging of articles from online databases available through FSU Library (newspapers and periodicals)

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: There are no required skills for this position, but it is recommended that assistants have an understanding of Microsoft Office applications and/or the Google suite as well as competency using online databases. Other training will be provided through the mentorship as needed.

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy centers on collaboration and skill development. I view projects as joint efforts with research assistants, fostering open and frequent communication and shared goal-setting to align with the UROP program objectives and deadlines. I aim to provide the tools, background, and training for students to learn best practices for conducting historical research.

Additional Information


Link to Publications


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Development and validation of the test predicting spatial navigation performance

Alzheimer's Disease, spatial navigation, dementia, test validation
Research Mentor: Dorota Kossowska-Kuhn,
Department, College, Affiliation: Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: kuhn@psy.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: ZOOM
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Fully 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: Wednesday, September 6th, 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm https://fsu.zoom.us/j/6673437216
Thursday, September 7th, 12:00 pm- 12:30 pm, 1:30-2 PM https://fsu.zoom.us/j/6673437216

Project Description

In general, older adults perform worse on spatial abilities tests than younger adults in respect to both time and accuracy measures (Techentin et al., 2014). Some studies indicate that age-related changes in certain spatial abilities start in midlife (Williams et al., 2019; Yu et al., 2021). Spatial orientation seems relatively underestimated as a cognitive marker for Alzheimer disease, in comparison to the widely recognized episodic memory, even if the latter lacks sensitivity and specificity (Coughlan et al. 2018). Spatial navigation tests seem sensitive for preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (Coughlan et al. 2020), predict the risk of converting to dementia (Verghese, 2017), as well as the progression of the disease (Levine et al., 2020), and help to differentiate the diagnosis between behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (Tu et al., 2017).
The age-related change in spatial abilities concerns not only performance but also the preference of strategies used in spatial tasks. One example of this is the evidence that older adults prefer egocentric navigation (Rodgers et al., 2012; Wiener et al., 2013; Goeke et al., 2015). Egocentric navigation is based on self-centered representations as opposed to world-centered representations in allocentric navigation (Colombo et al., 2017). Deficits in allocentric spatial abilities in middle age are associated with an increased risk of AD (Ritchie et al., 2018), and are present in amnestic version of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) (Hort et al., 2006).
Taking into consideration its potential value as a marker of AD risk, and the possible impact of wayfinding strategies on the impairments in AD (Davis, 2021), it might be particularly useful to validate an online, short procedure, easily portable to other languages that can show the performance in both egocentric and allocentric spatial abilities, in a comparable way.


Research Tasks: -literature review
- data collection
- data analysis

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: No specific skills are needed.

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy revolves around empowering undergraduate students to excel in their project work through a combination of ownership, accountability, shared experience, and interactive learning. I believe in fostering an environment that nurtures their growth and encourages independent thinking.
I emphasize giving mentees ownership of their work by involving them in project decisions, from goal setting to execution. This not only bolsters their confidence but also instills a sense of responsibility for their outcomes. I promote accountability by setting clear expectations and milestones, enabling them to track their progress and take pride in their achievements.
Drawing from my own experience, I share stories of challenges and successes, illustrating the real-world applications of their efforts. This bridges the gap between theory and practice, enhancing their understanding and motivation. I also encourage open dialogue, where questions and ideas are welcomed, creating an interactive platform for collaborative learning.
I understand that each student is unique, with varying skills and aspirations. To accommodate this, I tailor my guidance, offering guidance that aligns with their interests and goals. I provide resources, recommend reading materials, and suggest relevant workshops, fostering holistic development.
In conclusion, my approach to mentoring undergraduates centers on nurturing their autonomy, cultivating responsibility, leveraging shared experiences, and fostering an interactive learning ecosystem. By doing so, I aim to not only support their immediate project objectives but also to equip them with lifelong skills for success.

Additional Information


Link to Publications


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How can we offer support?”: Investigating service needs and barriers among a collegiate recovery program through qualitative analysis.”

Recovery, Substance use, Addiction, Qualitative
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Research Mentor: Mr. Nicholas Reese,
Department, College, Affiliation: The Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness, N/A
Contact Email: nhr21@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Mrs. Rose Renzaei, M.Ed. She/her/hers
Faculty Collaborators Email: rrezaei@fsu.edu
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: N/A
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
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

This project will utilize focus group and in-depth interview based exploratory investigation to analyze potential barriers and service needs of current students who self-identify as in substance use recovery and current LIFT collegiate recovery program (CRP) members The study objectives would be to explore recovery support service and resource needs within participants to garner student recommendations for CRP improvements/changes (structure, programming, physical resources) by inquiring about potential barriers to involvement and success of a collegiate recovery program. Data collection would include a short demographic screener along with a series of open-ended questions created to capture the aforementioned study objectives. For data analysis, thematic analysis would be used, including chunking and coding of recorded in-depth interviews/focus group transcriptions to derive common themes between participants found from notable statements in the conversational transcripts. The results would be produced by presenting the overarching themes found from the data analysis, which would then be expounded upon and contextualized through extant empirical research within the field of substance use recovery. Recommendations would then be produced for possible methods and interventions to strengthen resources and address the barriers found in the study for collegiate recovery programs and university students whom identify as in recovery.

Research Tasks: Literature reviews, conducting interviews, data analysis, participant recruitment, etc.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Literature Review Skills (search empirical databases, review peer reviewed articles, identify research questions)
Recommended: Research Design Skills (familiarity with qualitative research designs)

Mentoring Philosophy

Mentoring Philosophy: Mentoring is not just a role. It is a dynamic partnership that empowers individuals to flourish academically, personally, and professionally. My mentoring philosophy centers around the concept of unwavering support. I believe consistent positive support is the cornerstone of nurturing potential and inspiring meaningful progress between a mentor and mentee. My approach aims to create a safe and inclusive space where mentees can explore their research interests, navigate challenges, and cultivate their future trajectories. My approach includes three primary tenets:

1. Building Trust and Rapport: Central to effective mentoring is the establishment of trust and rapport. I prioritize open communication and active listening to understand the unique goals, aspirations, and concerns of each mentee. By creating a nonjudgmental environment, I encourage mentees to share their thoughts and experiences honestly.
2. Tailored Guidance: Every mentee is on a distinct journey, and my role is to offer personalized guidance. I work closely with mentees to identify their strengths, areas of growth, and learning preferences. Together, we co-create a roadmap that aligns with their ambitions, ensuring that the guidance provided is relevant and meaningful.
3. Nurturing Confidence: I view my role as a mentor as that of a steadfast cheerleader. I help mentees recognize their potential and encourage them to step out of their comfort zones. Through constructive feedback and affirmations, I aim to instill confidence in their abilities and empower them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Additional Information

N/A

Link to Publications

https://chaw.fsu.edu/lift
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Eye Tracking and Comics

comics, eye tracking, gaze
AaronRodriguez.png
Research Mentor: Aaron Aaron Rodriguez, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: English, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: arodriguez12@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: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Wednesday, Sept. 6 3-3:30pm (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91673325563)

Project Description

This research project aims to investigate the relationship between eye movements and visual communication in the context of comic books. By utilizing eye tracking technology, we seek to uncover the intricate patterns of visual attention in readers when engaging with comic book narratives.

Research Tasks: data collection, data analysis, helping administer tests to participants

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Familiarity with iOS and Android devices.

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy for undergraduate students is rooted in the belief that every individual possesses unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. I aim to foster a supportive and engaging environment that encourages students to explore their academic and personal growth. I prioritize personalized guidance tailored to students' individual needs, drawing on active listening and open communication. By providing constructive feedback, encouraging self-reflection, and promoting goal-setting, I strive to empower students to take ownership of their academic journey. Through mentorship, I aim to inspire curiosity, nurture critical thinking skills, and instill a lifelong love for learning, helping students develop the skills necessary to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.

Additional Information


Link to Publications


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Archaeology and Artifacts of the African Diaspora at Evergreen Plantation

Archaeology, Labwork, Photography
Jayur-Mehta-1-headshot2023small.jpg
Research Mentor: Dr. Jayur Mehta,
Department, College, Affiliation: FSU Anthropology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: jmehta@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: Anthropology or any other field science, history, art history, geography, English. Open to all but some preferred majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6-8, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday Sep 5 at 11.30 am.

Project Description

Students will learn to process, analyze, describe, photograph, and interpret archaeological artifacts recovered from Evergreen Plantation, St John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. Students will learn the history of Evergreen Plantation and use this history to interpret findings excavated in Summer 2023. One student research assistant is needed with a specialty in video editing and composition to compose a short (3 min) documentary of the excavations. Other students need to be willing to wash and process artifacts.

This project describes the daily, lived experiences of free and enslaved people of color who lived at Evergreen Plantation. Excavations were conducted near a church that was used after the Civil War.


Research Tasks: Washing, drawing, and photographing artifacts. Using manuals, guides, and internet searches to classify and interpret archaeological artifacts. Interpreting finds based on the history of Evergreen Plantation. Processing visual media for the excavation documentary. Creating displays of objects from the site.




Skills that research assistant(s) may need: willingness to work independently.

Mentoring Philosophy

I like for students to be independent and self-motivated. What I will provide are ideas and recommendations, which students then need to investigate on their own. I can provide assistance with interpretation and act as an overall supervisor, but I don't like to micro-manage. I expect students to show up on time and regularly according to a schedule. Artifact processing, data management, analysis, and video processing will happen in my labs in the Carraway Building.

Additional Information


Link to Publications

www.evergreensurvey.org
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