UROP Project
Loneliness and Digital Health Interventions
Loneliness, men how have sex with men, HIV
Research Mentor: ikp25a@fsu.edu Isaac Keifer Payton, He/His/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: The Center for Population Sciences and Health Empowerment , Nursing
Contact Email: ikp25a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Eugenia Flores Millender She/Her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: emillender@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: The Center for Population Sciences and Health Empowerment , Nursing
Contact Email: ikp25a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Eugenia Flores Millender She/Her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: emillender@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Social Behavioral Sciences (i.e., Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, and Public Health), but also 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: 10 hours a week, 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: 3
Relevant Majors: Social Behavioral Sciences (i.e., Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, and Public Health), but also 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: 10 hours a week, 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
I am seeking the assistance of a UROP student to support an ongoing and time-sensitive literature review project. Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator, the student will be responsible for systematically screening 3,040 articles according to established inclusion and exclusion criteria and documenting eligibility determinations. Additional research-related responsibilities may be assigned as needed to facilitate the progression, synthesis, and successful completion of the literature review.Research Tasks: Literature Review
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: We will provide the selected UROP student with the training, guidance, and resources necessary to successfully perform assigned responsibilities.
Required Skills
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established protocols.
Ability to apply inclusion and exclusion criteria consistently when screening research articles.
Basic understanding of research methods and scholarly literature.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to ask questions and seek clarification when needed.
Ability to work independently while collaborating with the Principal Investigator.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and academic database searches.
Recommended Skills
Prior experience assisting with literature reviews, research projects, or evidence synthesis.
Familiarity with databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, or Web of Science.
Knowledge of citation management software (e.g., EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley).
Experience with systematic, scoping, or integrative reviews.
Ability to critically evaluate and summarize scientific literature.
Interest in nursing, public health, mental health, HIV research, or related health science fields.
Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn new research methodologies.
Mentoring Philosophy
The UROP student will receive individualized mentorship from the Principal Investigator throughout the literature review process. Training will be provided on article screening, application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, research best practices, and literature synthesis. Regular meetings will offer opportunities for feedback, skill development, and discussion of questions or challenges encountered during the project. The student will be encouraged to develop critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and evidence appraisal skills. This mentorship experience is designed to foster research competence, professional growth, and preparation for future academic and research opportunities.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Project Title: Bridging the Gap: A Qualitative Analysis of Perceived Risk Needs and Targeted Reintegration Strategies for Juvenile Offenders in the US and the Caribbean.
Juvenile Offenders, Recidivism, Qualitative
Research Mentor: Shanel Stephens, Ms. She/ Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Science, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: SPS25A@FSU.EDU
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Science, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: SPS25A@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: Criminal Justice, Social work or counseling field is preferable.
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 hrs. Weekly, 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: 2
Relevant Majors: Criminal Justice, Social work or counseling field is preferable.
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 hrs. Weekly, 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
To map and analyze existing qualitative data in a systematic research synthesis of the perceived risk-related needs of juvenile offenders transitioning from correctional facilities into the wider community and to gain insight into their lived experiences. The aim is to eventually conduct qualitative, semi-structured interviews with juvenile offenders (ages 12-18) from the US and the Caribbean region (specifically focusing on sites with high disproportionality). In our data collection, we will focus on their personal perspectives on the drivers of their recidivism, including family dynamics, school disengagement, community violence, peer pressure, and lack of other support services.Research Tasks: Mainly data collection, data analysis, supporting tasks concerning IRB Submission.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Data Entry: Typing with minimal errors.
Organization: Keep files neat and safe.
Attention to Detail: Follow exact study rules.
Basic Ethics: Know participant privacy rules.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring approach centers on a strong partnership built on mutual respect, honesty, and integrity. I set an example by leading proactively and supporting my mentee through each challenge, fostering mutual development and trust. This active engagement creates a safe environment where vulnerability becomes an opportunity for learning, and failures become steps toward growth. By understanding their individual goals, I customize my advice to help them reach their full potential and build lasting professional confidence.Core Pillars:
• Mutual Trust: Clear communication keeps our relationship honest and transparent.
• Shared Growth: We grow together by learning from each success and setback.
• Actionable Insight: Practical tips turn ideas into real, tangible results.
Ultimately, I treat others the way I want to be treated, recognizing that this is a learning process I am also part of. I feel privileged to support and mentor someone at a different stage in their life.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
Mapping the Dimensions of AI-Driven Adaptive Feedback: A Scoping Review of Research Distribution, Contexts, and Cognitive Outcomes
AI-driven feedback , Feedback timing, Adaptive learning
Research Mentor: Jean Baptiste MBANZABUGABO, Jean Baptiste(JB)
Department, College, Affiliation: Educational Psychology & Learning Systems, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: jm22cf@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Educational Psychology & Learning Systems, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: jm22cf@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: Fully 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:
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: Fully 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:
- Day: Friday, September 4
Start Time: 1:30
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/QnMgD1euRtW70otlqbRNDA
Project Description
The objective of this study is to systematically map the existing literature to discover exactly which disciplines (e.g., medical education, computer science, military training, etc.), which populations (K-12 vs. Higher Ed), and which types of learning Tasks are actually experimenting with AI feedback and how. The ultimate goal of this review is to locate and define the critical research gaps in contemporary educational technology with AI feedback.Research Tasks: 1. Literature Search & Database Querying
2. Title and Abstract Screening
3. Perform a highly structured, deep reading of the accepted papers and extract specific data points into the codebook.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Ony required skills: Digital Literacy, Methodical Attention to Detail and collaboration skill.
RAs will be formally trained on how to conduct a scoping review from the ground up, following international reporting standards (PRISMA-ScR).
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is an intentional evolutionary partnership that shifts from top-down training to an active collaboration as colleagues. It is built on the belief that research assistants should not just provide manual labor but should actively develop into peer researchers. The core of this approach relies on two operational stages:1. The Deconstruction Stage: I clearly break down and deconstruct complex research methodology to eliminate guesswork and build a transparent, foundational skill set.
2. The Peer Collaboration Stage: As technical competence grows, the relationship transforms into a flat hierarchy. We interface as research peers. This relationship treats RA as a future colleague, fostering long-term professional independence, mutual respect, and genuine intellectual growth.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
Designing AI Agents to Support Resident Interpretation and Deliberation
AI agents, Land User Planning, Urban Planning, Human-Computer Interaction, Civic Engagement, Qualitative Research
Research Mentor: Ms. Jiwoo Seo,
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Information, Communication and Information
Contact Email: js25p@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Qunfang Wu
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: qunfang.wu@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Information, Communication and Information
Contact Email: js25p@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Qunfang Wu
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: qunfang.wu@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Urban Planning (preferred)
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 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: Urban Planning (preferred)
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 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
Public participation in land use planning is crucial, yet many residents face challenges engaging meaningfully due to the complexity of planning documents and technical jargon. While governments increasingly use AI chatbots to share information, these tools often provide generalized responses and struggle with the personalized, context-aware inquiry needed for meaningful civic engagement.This project investigates how AI agents can be co-designed to bridge this gap and better support public participation, using the Tallahassee-Leon County 2030 Comprehensive Plan. We explore how AI tools can assist residents in interpreting complex land-use policies, evaluating “what-if” scenarios, and deliberating on urban development trade-offs. By conducting interviews and co-design sessions with local residents and stakeholders, this research aims to understand the socio-technical factors that influence AI trustworthiness and ultimately design human-centered AI systems that foster inclusive and reflective civic participation.
Research Tasks: The undergraduate research assistant will primarily be involved in the qualitative data collection and analysis phases of the project. Specific tasks include:
1) Conducting Interviews: Assisting or leading semi-structured interviews with local residents and stakeholders to understand their perspectives on urban planning and AI tools.
2) Participant Recruitment: Helping with outreach efforts, such as disseminating flyers at community centers, and relevant online groups.
3) Qualitative Data Analysis: Transcribing audio recordings, reviewing interview data to identify recurring themes, and extracting key insights.
4) Literature Review (Optional): Assisting with gathering and organizing relevant literature on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and participatory urban planning.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: - Required: Excellent English communication skills (both verbal and written) for conducting interviews and interacting with diverse community members. Ability to extract key insights from the interviews.
- Recommended: A basic understanding of or strong interest in land use/urban planning (familiarity with the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive plan is a major plus) or civic participation. Interest in HCI and qualitative research methods.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy centers on developing independent analytical thinkers through guided self-motivation and mutual respect. I believe that undergraduate researchers are not just assistants, but valuable co-collaborators who bring fresh perspectives to complex problems.My approach involves three core pillars:
1) Providing Scaffolding, then Autonomy: I start by providing clear guidance and concrete examples (how to conduct a semi-structured interview or how to code qualitative data). As the mentee builds confidence, I gradually step back, empowering them to take ownership of their tasks and encouraging independent discovery.
2) Fostering Critical Inquiry: I create an interactive environment where asking "why" and "how" is expected. I encourage mentees to look beyond the surface of the data, question assumptions, and develop logical arguments without fear of making mistakes. Learning from trial and error is a critical part of the research process.
3) Aligning with Individual Goals: I strive to understand what motivates each mentee (whether they are preparing for graduate school or building a resume for industry). I tailor their research tasks to build the specific analytical and practical skills that will serve their long-term professional objectives.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://sites.google.com/view/jiwooseo/research-projectsArchitectured microstructure development under the influence of magnetic fields for space applications
titanium, steel, aerospace, cryogenic
Research Mentor: Shreyas Balachandran,
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: sbalachandran@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: sbalachandran@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: Engineering- Mechanical and Aerospace, Chemical Biomedical, Electrical Engineering,
Sciences- Chemistry, Physics
Open to all with hands-on skills through other experiences
Project Location: IRCB 2001 Levy Ave, and Maglab
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5- 10 hours , During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Engineering- Mechanical and Aerospace, Chemical Biomedical, Electrical Engineering,
Sciences- Chemistry, Physics
Open to all with hands-on skills through other experiences
Project Location: IRCB 2001 Levy Ave, and Maglab
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5- 10 hours , During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Thursday, September 3
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3744762708 - Day: Friday, September 4
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3744762708 - Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3744762708
Project Description
Architectured materials are a generic term that describes a design that incorporates a combination of different material systems or spaces which offer greater functionality than either of the constituents. Most current materials are nature-inspired, such as seashells and muscle structures.In this project, you will investigate the impact of magnetic fields on a class of materials that react to a magnetic field and develop architectured material structures. Our goal is to develop strong, lightweight materials for deep space applications where temperatures range from -410F to 210F.
Research Tasks: Tasks:
Literature review
Safety Training
Performing experiments using XRD, and PPMS
Data collection
Data Analysis
Communication: Making presentations/ posters, presenting the data in group meetings, Report writing
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Good verbal and written communication. Good work ethic. Good organization
Recommended: Hands-on experience is preferred; interest and curiosity
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe you are highly capable and have a bright future, and I want to support you.My goal is to support and nurture your interests and enthusiasm across engineering and science by providing interactive environments for learning and creating opportunities:
a) to conduct independent but guided research in my group- on specific topics in the extreme environment space
b) to learn to present to a broad spectrum of audiences- by regular presentations within the group and in other settings
c) to broaden future horizons- by providing information and encouragement to explore national lab, company, and grad school opportunities.
d) to provide a safe space to learn and develop
e) to encourage ownership and promote accountability.
Most importantly, I will encourage you and want you to succeed.
Shreyas Balachandran
Additional Information
Link to Publications
State Policies Addressing Hate, Discrimination, and Bias in U.S. Schools
Hate Crime; Discrimination; School Policy; K–12 Education; Bullying
Research Mentor: Sylwia Piatkowska, Dr.
Department, College, Affiliation: Associate Professor, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Contact Email: spiatkowska@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Associate Professor, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Contact Email: spiatkowska@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: 6
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors; students in Criminology, Sociology, Political Science, Education, Public Policy, and related fields are especially encouraged to apply.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: 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:
Number of Research Assistants: 6
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors; students in Criminology, Sociology, Political Science, Education, Public Policy, and related fields are especially encouraged to apply.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: 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:
- Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: Invite Link https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91823215312
Project Description
Hate, discrimination, harassment, and bias-motivated victimization remain important concerns in K–12 schools across the United States. Although federal protections establish a broad legal framework for addressing discrimination, states vary considerably in the policies and legislation they have adopted to prevent and respond to hate, discrimination, bullying, harassment, and other forms of bias in educational settings. These differences may shape how schools respond to incidents of bias and, ultimately, students' experiences within schools.This project examines variation in state-level policies addressing discrimination, hate crime, bias-motivated behavior, bullying, and harassment in K–12 educational settings across the United States. The project will systematically identify, verify, and code relevant state laws and policies, including information about protected groups, prohibited conduct, reporting requirements, prevention efforts, training requirements, disciplinary responses, and other provisions intended to address discrimination and bias in schools.
The resulting policy measures will contribute to a broader research project examining bias-motivated victimization and observed hate in U.S. K–12 schools. Ultimately, these data will help us better understand whether and how differences in state legal and policy environments are associated with students' experiences of bias, harassment, bullying, and observed hate at school.
Research Tasks: Research assistants will participate in the systematic collection, verification, and coding of state-level policies and legislation related to discrimination, hate crime, bias-motivated behavior, bullying, and harassment in K–12 educational settings.
Specific responsibilities will include:
Searching state legislative websites, state departments of education, and other official governmental sources for relevant laws and policies.
Reviewing existing policy information and verifying its accuracy using primary sources.
Determining whether identified laws and policies remain in effect and identifying amendments, replacements, or other changes.
Searching for additional relevant policies and legislation.
Coding policy characteristics using an established coding protocol.
Recording and organizing sources and policy documentation.
Participating in regular research-team meetings to discuss coding decisions, inconsistencies, and difficult cases.
Assisting with data quality checks and validation.
Contributing to the interpretation and presentation of the collected information for the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Strong attention to detail; reliability and ability to meet deadlines; good organizational skills; ability to carefully read and interpret written materials; willingness to learn and follow a systematic research and coding protocol.
Recommended but not required: Interest in criminology, sociology, education, law, public policy, inequality, hate crime, or discrimination; familiarity with Microsoft Excel; prior research experience or experience locating information from governmental or legal sources.
No prior experience with policy research is required. Research assistants will receive training in locating, evaluating, and systematically coding policy information.
Mentoring Philosophy
My approach to mentoring undergraduate researchers emphasizes learning through active participation in the research process. I view undergraduate research as an opportunity for students not only to complete specific research tasks, but also to understand how those tasks contribute to larger theoretical and empirical questions.Research assistants will receive clear guidance and training at the beginning of the project, followed by regular opportunities to discuss questions, challenges, and research decisions. As students gain experience, I encourage them to work more independently, critically evaluate the information they encounter, and take increasing ownership of their work. I also encourage students to ask questions and view uncertainty and mistakes as part of the research and learning process.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
Half the Sky
global; women; music
Research Mentor: mwrightc@fsu.edu Margaret WrightCleveland, She/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Office of Faculty Development and Advancement, N/A
Contact Email: mwrightc@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. McKenna Stenson She/her
Faculty Collaborators Email: mstenson@fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Office of Faculty Development and Advancement, N/A
Contact Email: mwrightc@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. McKenna Stenson She/her
Faculty Collaborators Email: mstenson@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Community music; Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Social Work; Criminology; Creative Writing; Film.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: 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:
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Community music; Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Social Work; Criminology; Creative Writing; Film.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: 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:
- Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 6:00
End Time: 6:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/mwrightc - Day: Thursday, September 3
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 1:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/mwrightc
Project Description
This fall, Dr. Stenson is programming concert repertoire around Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. The book—and its accompanying PBS documentary—explores global issues affecting women, including sex trafficking, maternal mortality, and gender-based violence, while highlighting pathways for change through women’s economic empowerment. Throughout the semester, the FSU ensemble will engage with selected readings and documentary excerpts alongside the musical repertoire.Dr. Wright-Cleveland will direct this research project to augment that performance. Undergraduate researchers may work toward one of three outcomes:
1. research and write an essay about one of the global issues affecting women that is explored in this composition;
2. research local agencies engaged in supporting women and build a resource fair to be held in conjunction with the concert on November 3;
3. research and prepare a poster to be published in conjunction with a panel discussion about this performance during FSU's Festival of the Creative Arts in February 2027.
Research Tasks: Literature review of Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn; data collection on global issues affecting women; survey construction about impact of Half the Sky Project; conducting interviews; writing analysis of data and literature; writing a documentary.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: There are no specialized skills required for this project. Curiosity about connecting ideas across disciplines - what we call a cultural studies approach - is of great benefit.
Mentoring Philosophy
I mentor UROP students by giving mentees’ ownership of their work and promoting accountability. Under my mentorship, each undergraduate researcher should experience new ways to connect ideas and develop inquiry. In other words, mentees are expected to ask questions and build on their answers while consulting experts. When I cannot be an expert, I help mentees find the right expert.Additional Information
This is a first-time collaborative effort and we will be developing possibilities as we go. If you like to try new things and want to have an impact on our local community, talk with me about your ideas for this project.Link to Publications
Mapping Out the Face of Christ in Baroque Italy and Spain
History of Art, History of Religion, Iconography, Art Theory
Research Mentor: lpericolo@fsu.edu Lorenzo Pericolo, Dr. Prof.
Department, College, Affiliation: Art History, Fine Arts
Contact Email: lpericolo@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Art History, Fine Arts
Contact Email: lpericolo@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: Art History/ Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: 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: Art History/ Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: 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
"Mapping Out the Face of Christ in Baroque Italy Spain" aims to build a database of all the depictions of Christ's face in painting, print, drawing, and sculpture executed in Italy and Spain during the period 1580–1660. The overall objective of this research is to establish a chart of typologies necessary to 1) determine the impact of Counter-Reformation archaeological and historical studies devoted to the human appearance of Christ and its specificities on late sixteenth- and seventeenth-century artists; 2) identify the reasons for possible divergences between the Counter-Reformation's instructions in matter of sacred iconography and the practice and conventions of artists; 3) circumscribe the role and strength of traditional iconography in conveying depictions of Christ at odds with historical and archaeological knowledge promoted by the Counter-Reformation; 4) assess the role of the ancient canon of beauty in reinforcing or disrupting the Christian aesthetics of divinity; 5) determine the independent role of artists in reconfiguring the depiction of Christ in accordance with specific notions of devotion or beauty. This research project is destined to 1) the development and expansion of undergraduate and graduate courses in early modern art; 2) the development of a major monograph on the body in the baroque age.Research Tasks: The student selected for this project will 1) build a database in conformity with the criteria discussed in advance with the mentor 2) identify typologies as the project advances and create a chart accordingly (data analysis) 3) gather the relevant literature review in relation to the typologies identified and/or proposed.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: a basic knowledge of early modern art history; critical aptitude; analytical mindset; strong taste for research rooted in curiosity; mental flexibility.
Recommended: basic knowledge of either Italian or Spanish.
Mentoring Philosophy
I love research: it is both a profession and a passion. I also consider myself a humanist and a historian. As a humanist, I intend to create a relationship with the mentee based on dialogue and respectful discussion. As a historian, I value accuracy and subtlety immensely, and I also cultivate a sense of distance (the discipline of reining in our natural tendency to interpret facts subjectively and in support of an ideology and/or pre-established notion). I want the mentee to acquire all the necessary tools for research step by step, joyously if possible, engaging with the research in a personal manner. When the mentorship works, mentees not only assist the mentor; they start thinking how they could independently develop their own research. I would like to inspire my mentees to undertake a graduate degree and use the material they gathered as a catalyst for their future research projects.Additional Information
I am very happy to reconfigure aspects of this project in light of a mentee's own interests: to be discussed.Link to Publications
https://fsu.academia.edu/LorenzoPericoloVoices of the Andes: Intonation and language contact in Peru and Argentina
Linguistics, Spanish, bilingualism, language contact, indigenous language
Research Mentor: Alexander Rice,
Department, College, Affiliation: Modern Languages and Linguistics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: ar25br@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Antje Muntendam
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: amuntendam@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Modern Languages and Linguistics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: ar25br@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Antje Muntendam
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: amuntendam@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: 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: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96540873113 - Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96540873113 - Day: Thursday, September 3
Start Time: 1:30
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96540873113 - Day: Friday, September 4
Start Time: 2:30
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96540873113
Project Description
This project examines the linguistic outcomes of language contact between Spanish and Quechua in Peru and Argentina, with particular attention to intonation. Quechua is an indigenous language spoken across the Andes, and has been in contact with Spanish for almost 500 years. This long-term contact situation as well as differences between the two languages have led to cross-linguistic influence.This project specifically investigates intonation, which is an area that has been relatively unexplored in language contact studies in general, and in Quechua-Spanish contact studies in particular. Intonation is the melody of a sentence and corresponds to changes in pitch (e.g., high and low tones), which may cause changes in meaning. For instance, in many varieties of Spanish, intonation is used to make a distinction between questions and statements (e.g., ¿Tienes un gato? ‘Do you have a cat?’ vs. Tienes un gato. ‘You have a cat'). Intonation systems vary highly across languages and language varieties, and based on intonation, we can recognize where someone is from (e.g., from Spain, Peru, Argentina, or Cuba).
This project specifically focuses on the marking of yes/no-questions (e.g., Do you have a cat?), wh-questions (e.g., What do you have?), and statements in Quechua and Spanish. Quechua and Spanish use different strategies to mark questions and statements. In Quechua, questions are marked in morphology, that is, with an interrogative particle. Importantly, in Quechua questions and statements are not distinguished intonationally: both have a falling intonation. In Spanish, however, intonation is used to distinguish questions and statements and questions often have a rising intonation. The question is what happens when these languages come into contact. The specific research questions of this project are: (1) Do Quechua-Spanish bilinguals in Peru and Argentina use intonation and/or morphology (i.e., interrogative particles) to mark questions and statements in Quechua and Spanish? (2) How do Spanish monolinguals use intonation to mark questions and statements? (3) Are bilingual Quechua and Spanish in Peru and Argentina affected by language contact? If so, how?
To answer these questions, data were collected from Quechua-Spanish bilinguals from Cusco (Peru), and Quechua-Spanish bilinguals and Spanish monolinguals from Santiago del Estero (Argentina). The tasks included sociolinguistic background questionnaires, proficiency tasks, elicitation tasks to elicit questions and statements (including a game and a map task), a story telling task, and spontaneous data. The project is ongoing and additional bilingual and monolingual data will be collected in Peru and Argentina.
In all, this project will provide new empirical data on understudied Quechua and Spanish varieties and will contribute to our understanding of the outcomes of language contact, in particular in the area of intonation.
Research Tasks: Research assistants will be working in a team consisting of the a postdoctoral researcher (the PI), a full time faculty member, graduate students, undergraduate research assistants, and consultants. The research assistants will focus on the analysis of the Spanish data and questionnaire data. Their tasks consist of transcribing the data from the story-telling task, and segmenting, transcribing, annotating and acoustically analyzing data from the elicitation tasks. The research assistants will receive detailed instructions on all aspects of the project and will work closely with their mentors. There will be in-person meetings for instructions and checking work. The research tasks can be carried out on a computer in the lab or on a laptop computer, as all the software is freely available.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: The required skill for this project is (basic) knowledge of Spanish. There are no other required skills as students will be trained in all aspects of the research, but some background in Linguistics (e.g., LIN 2004 World Languages, LIN 3041 Introduction to Linguistics, IDS 2291 Language Birth, Language Death, or another course) or in Spanish Linguistics (e.g., LIN 4700 Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics, LIN 4780 Spanish Phonetics, or another course) is a plus.
Mentoring Philosophy
Mentoring is a collaborative process wherein both the student and the mentor and student are actively actively engaged and stand to benefit. My main goals are to provide an excellent education beyond the classroom, motivate students, and offer them opportunities to grow and to become independent thinkers. Clear communication is essential in this collaborative effort. From the start, I discuss responsibilities and expectations, and I ask my students to share their goals, creating a mutual understanding. To enhance student engagement, I find out students' prior knowledge and skills and build on them. I provide instructions tailored to my students' background, and I regularly discuss the students' work to ensure we are on the same page. Creating a positive interaction is crucial for a productive collaboration and active engagement. I strive to make my lab a supportive environment, where students feel comfortable and motivated. I treat students with respect, encourage them to take risk, and praise effort through positive, constructive feedback. I also encourage students to ask for help when they need it. Students have opportunities to work independently in my lab, but I also promote collaboration between students, so they will not only learn from me but also from each other. Finally, I offer students opportunities to grow by teaching them new analyses and involving them in different aspects of my research.Additional Information
Link to Publications
AI That Remembers: Making Language Models Faster by Recycling Their Memory
LLM, KV cache, AI efficiency, ML systems
Research Mentor: Oteo Mamo,
Department, College, Affiliation: Computer Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: om21d@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Computer Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: om21d@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: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or any major with Python experience and curiosity about AI
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 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: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or any major with Python experience and curiosity about AI
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 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: 12:00
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/om9740 - Day: Wednesday, September 2
Start Time: 4:30
End Time: 5:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/om9740 - Day: Thursday, September 3
Start Time: 5:00
End Time: 7:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/om9740
Project Description
Every time an AI model like ChatGPT reads a document, it builds an internal "memory" of what it read, and today that memory is constantly thrown away: when the model is updated, when the conversation ends, when space runs out. Rebuilding it from scratch wastes enormous amounts of GPU time, money, and energy. Our group develops methods that let models keep, compress, and reuse this memory, and we release them as open-source tools (SALT - accepted at EMNLP 2026, one of the top AI conferences). As a research assistant you'll run real experiments on GPUs, analyze the results, and contribute to open-source software. No prior AI experience required.Research Tasks: Literature review of recent AI efficiency papers.
Running experiments on GPU servers, data analysis and visualization in Python, and reproducing results from published papers.
Testing, documentation, and issue triage for our open-source repositories (SALT, CRELAY).
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: basic Python, curiosity.
Recommended: Git/GitHub, Linux command line, NumPy or PyTorch.