UROP Project | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

biology, genetics, gene expression, traits

Research Mentor: Dr. Amy Webster, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: akwebster@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors, but most relevant to Biology, Biological Science, Biomathematics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Wednesday, September 4 from 2-2:30pm
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/5190171463?omn=99891415346

Friday, September 6 from 12-12:30pm
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/5190171463?omn=99073885907

Project Description

While identical twins exhibit many similarities, they also exhibit differences, including in their propensity for complex diseases (e.g., one twin develops cancer and the other doesn’t). While we know the cause of such differences is non-genetic, it is difficult to parse exactly what molecular process may be important since humans’ environments are not controlled. To address this problem in our lab, we take advantage of a premier animal model for genetics research, Caenorhabditis elegans. This microscopic nematode allows us to easily generate thousands of genetically identical animals in a matter of days and carefully control the environment they experience in the lab. We previously found that genetically identical C. elegans in a common lab environment produced different numbers of offspring. To determine what might be causing differences in offspring number, we assayed the level of gene expression (i.e., the amount of mRNA produced for each gene) for all protein-coding genes in the genome. We found that animals that produced more offspring had significantly higher or lower levels of gene expression for specific genes. The focus of the research project is to causally test in the lab whether these genes affect the number of offspring produced. The genes of interest fall into two classes based on what we know about how gene expression differences were generated:
1) Some genes differ apparently randomly across individuals, so stochastic processes or microenvironmental differences may be driving gene expression differences that effect reproduction.
2) Some genes differ across individuals because their parents were different ages, meaning that parents of different ages provision progeny differently in some way, which has consequences on reproduction.
For both classes of genes, we will use an approach called RNA interference to reduce the level of mRNA for a genes of interest and measure the number of progeny produced. For ambitious students, there are many opportunities for further follow-up once causal genes are identified. Ultimately, this project will help us understand the molecular mechanisms that drive non-genetic differences between individuals at the level of the whole organism.

Research Tasks: Literature review on genes of interest
Data collection
Data analysis (graph and perform statistics on data)
Write up results

Data collection must be performed in person in the lab, all other tasks can be done remotely if desired

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: The main requirement is a strong interest in genetics research and curiosity about the questions our lab is trying to answer. While only a high-school level of biology background is initially expected, I expect students interested in the lab will have plans to take biology and genetics.

Mentoring Philosophy

In mentoring, my goal is to foster students’ development as burgeoning scientists in a way that aligns with their future goals. I prioritize regular meetings and ongoing communication with students to plan and problem solve. It is not expected that students enter the lab with the skills needed for a project from the beginning, and training will be available for students to gradually work toward independence in the lab. The most important qualities for success on a scientific project are commitment and curiosity, and I am eager to work with students to carry a project from start to finish. This will involve mentorship on how to effectively design and perform experiments, how to write, and how to analyze and graph data. Beyond the scope of an individual project, I am also happy to discuss with students ways they can reach other goals they may have for their careers.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

amykwebster.github.io

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metabolism; epigenetics; genomics; lipid; liver disease

Research Mentor: James M. Jordan,
Department, College, Affiliation: Biology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: jmjordan@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: 4
Relevant Majors: 1. Biology
2. Genetics
3. Chemistry
4. Computer Science
5. Computational Biology
(But open to all majors.)
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Sep. 3, 2024, 11-11:30a, https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91614446007
Sep. 4, 2024, 11-11:30a, https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91614446007
Sep. 5, 2024, 11-11:30a, https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91614446007

Project Description

Our project is about understanding how different environmental factors, like undernutrition or overnutrition, can change the way our cells function and how these changes can lead to health problems or diseases later in life. For example, more than 40% of Americans are obese, which can lead to serious health issues like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver problems, and even cancer.

Cells have to constantly adjust to changes in their environment. One way they do this is by controlling which genes are turned on or off using proteins called transcription factors. In the liver, these transcription factors tightly control the expression of genes involved in whole-body metabolism. However, when someone becomes obese due to a high-fat diet, the normal subcellular localization pattern of these transcription factors is disrupted, leading to harmful patterns of gene expression.

We’ve compared the proteins in the nuclei of liver cells from healthy mice to those from mice fed a high-fat diet for their entire lives. We found that certain transcription factors don’t go where they should during periods of fasting and feeding. To figure out which of these proteins are causing problems in liver metabolism, we will change the levels of these proteins in liver cells and observe the effects on gene and protein expression, sugar and fat metabolism, and how the cells produce energy. If we find a protein that seems to cause or prevent problems, we’ll study it more closely to understand how it works and test its effects in mice. This research could lead to new ways to treat metabolic diseases by targeting these key proteins and the processes they control.

Research Tasks: 1. Benchwork including working with human and mouse cell lines, genetic manipulation of cell lines, and phenotyping of cells using qPCR, Western blotting, microscopy, metabolic assays, and 'omics-based approaches.
2. Students will conduct data collection, statistical analysis and visualization of data, interpretation of complex datasets, and will integrate their findings into our existing body of knowledge.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Training will be provided.

Mentoring Philosophy

I am committed to creating an environment that nurtures both personal and professional growth, where students are empowered to explore and achieve their full potential. I offer my time and guidance, actively listening to my students and providing thoughtful advice to help them define realistic goals, manage their time effectively, and translate their findings into publishable work. While I provide the necessary structure to support their endeavors, I believe deeply in leaving room for creativity, encouraging students to follow their data and imagination wherever it may lead. Collaboration is the cornerstone of modern scientific research, and I envision my lab as a cohesive unit, where each member’s unique strengths contribute to our collective progress. I am dedicated to fostering a lab culture built on honesty, transparency, and scientific rigor, where every student, regardless of background, feels welcome and valued.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7z2K9jUAAAAJ&hl=en

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wetland, water quality, amphibian, invertebrate, water chemistry

Research Mentor: Rebecca Means, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Conservation Pathways, N/A
Contact Email: RebeccaPharrM@gmail.com
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Science/Policy,
Project Location: 2106 N Meridian Rd, Thomasville, GA 31792
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday Sept 3, 10-10:30 am (https://us05web.zoom.us/j/82751116546?pwd=REbn3TxCfxe0s9zfMlqYTVSxTKdtB7.1)
Thursday, Sept 5, 4-4:30 (https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81993627319?pwd=eRygHAr9SYR3WhyJrL72kKdwWN1azO.1)

Project Description

We will be conducting an assessment of the wetlands on Birdsong Nature Center to assess their quality and condition. Student will research various methods that are used to assess the quality of wetlands. These may include, but are not limited to, water chemistry parameters, upland condition assessment, and invertebrate, amphibian, vegetation community sampling. Student will develop a step-by-step methodology to the assessment and a materials list. We will take trips on site for inspiration, to test methodologies, and if time allows, to conduct an assessment of a wetland. Transportation to the Nature Preserve will be provided as needed.

Research Tasks: Literature review, writing methodology, data collection, possibly data analysis

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: ability to conduct literature searches, especially related to journal articles recommended
ability to summarize information learned during searches required
Interest in wetland ecology and field work recommended

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy centers on fostering an environment of open communication and creative exploration. I believe that every individual brings unique strengths to the table, and my role as a mentor is to help identify, cultivate, and build upon these strengths. Open communication is the key to this relationship. By establishing a partnership where both mentor and mentee feel valued as individuals, we can collaboratively set goals, address challenges, and celebrate successes.
I encourage exploring challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and learning. By working together to find creative solutions, we can turn these challenges into stepping stones for personal and professional development. Feedback plays a crucial role in this process, and I very much value frequent discussions about what is working and what is not working. Two-way exchange of feedback helps to foster continuous improvement and deeper understanding.
Exposure to diverse experiences is also a key element of my mentoring approach. By providing opportunities to explore different topics and methodologies, engage with different professionals, and to participate in a wide range of field experiences, I aim to broaden the mentee’s horizons and help them develop a well-rounded skill set. Whether it’s through hands-on projects, networking, or other forms of experiential learning, I believe that real-world experiences are invaluable in preparing individuals for future challenges.
Ultimately, my goal as a mentor is to inspire and guide others on their journey to uncovering their full potential, providing them with the tools, confidence, and perspective to succeed.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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Psychedelics, law, religion, spirituality, drug policy

Research Mentor: Mason Marks, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: College of Law, Law
Contact Email: mmarks@law.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 but may be of particular interest to students of religion, political science, criminal justice, anthropology, and history.
Project Location: Online
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 - 10 depending on student preferences and availability,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Friday, September 6, 4 - 4:30pm and 6-6:30pm.

Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95904316476
Meeting ID: 959 0431 6476

Please email mmarks@law.fsu.edu if you have any difficulty joining the meeting.

Project Description

With support from a professor at the FSU College of Law, students will research state and federal laws regarding the spiritual and religious use of psychedelic substances such as mescaline, ibogaine, psilocybin, and LSD. Indigenous communities around the world have long used plants and fungi containing psychedelics in healing and religious ceremonies. Recently, with the increasing popularity of psychedelics and psychedelic research, states have started decriminalizing or regulating these substances despite their federally prohibited status as Schedule I controlled substances. Research assistants will compile, review, analyze, and summarize historic and contemporary materials regarding law and the religious use of psychedelics, including legal opinions, legislative materials, news stories, academic articles, and historical documents.

Research Tasks: Literature search and review, data analysis (non-quantitative), data summary, and potentially preliminary drafting.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Experience conducting literature searches and summarizing the results or motivation to learn. Strong organizational and writing skills. Interest in learning about drug policy, regulation, and/or the religious use of psychedelic substances.
Recommended: Interest in or knowledge of drug policy, drug law, criminal justice, religion, psychedelic history, or psychedelic anthropology.

Mentoring Philosophy

I aim to create a supportive work environment where mentees feel comfortable learning new things and developing new skills. I learn about mentees’ strengths and career goals and attempt to tailor assignments to their strengths and preferences. I share my experience as a former student and current researcher with mentees to illustrate common challenges and how they might be overcome. I can also serve as a resource to help mentees clarify and achieve their educational, academic, and professional goals.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://law.fsu.edu/faculty-staff/mason-marks

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quantum, photonics, qubits, spin

Research Mentor: Prof. Lukasz Dusanowski, he/him/his
Department, College, Affiliation: Electrical & Computer Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: dusanowski@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU buss runs between the main campus and College of Engineering every 30 minutes
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 hours a week,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

Quantum technologies hold immense potential for revolutionizing computing, communication, and sensing, offering unprecedented capabilities beyond the limits of classical technologies. The ability to control qubits - fundamental units of quantum information, analogous to a bit in classical computing, with high precision is crucial for realizing practical quantum systems. This research project aims to investigate new types of qubits in solid-state materials and develop techniques to manipulate them using light. This will pave the way for generating multi-particle entanglement, quantum state transfer, quantum networks, and optical quantum information processing. For that purpose, we will explore different types of nanophotonic structures and utilize their unique properties, such as their ability to confine light at the nanoscale to enhance the interaction between light and qubits. By joining our group, you will be involved in the design, fabrication, and experimental investigations of nanophotonic devices in various platforms hosting spin-qubits. You will have the unique opportunity to gain expertise in multiple fields, such as photonics, quantum optics, and materials science. In particular, you might be involved in designing nanophotonic devices using advanced simulation techniques, such as Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations, and incorporating machine learning concepts to explore a vast design space and identify optimal configurations for specific quantum applications. The fabrication of these photonic devices will utilize cutting-edge nanofabrication techniques, such as Focused Ion Beam milling, which allows for precise patterning and sculpting of nanostructures with high spatial resolution. Experimental investigations will be conducted using state-of-the-art optical spectroscopy techniques. No prior experience in photonics or quantum technologies is required.

Research Tasks: Literature review,
Numerical simulations,
Building optical setups,
Running spectroscopic experiments,
Data collection and analysis.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Time management: required,
Problem-solving: required,
Laboratory skills: recommended,
Programming (Python, Matlab): recommended,
Data collection and analysis: recommended.

Mentoring Philosophy

As a mentor, my primary focus is to provide academic guidance and support tailored to each student's unique needs and aspirations. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences with the younger generation, not only to help them achieve their goals but also to gain fresh perspectives that each student brings to the table. Mentorship is a reciprocal relationship, and I value the opportunity to learn from the diverse viewpoints and ideas that my mentees contribute. I am committed to helping students navigate their academic and professional journeys by offering personalized advice and resources that align with their individual career goals. My approach is hands-on, ensuring that each mentee receives the attention and feedback necessary to thrive in their respective fields. Participants in my research program will be part of a recently established group, which presents unique opportunities to shape its dynamics and influence the direction of our research directions and activities. This environment allows for a very personal approach, where quick feedback and open communication are integral to our success. I believe that fostering a supportive and dynamic mentoring relationship is key to empowering students to reach their full potential.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

Group website - www.dusanowskilab.eng.famu.fsu.edu ; Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=j8RLr90AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

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wave data, oceanography, Big Bend region, data analysis

Research Mentor: Cathrine Hancock, She, her
Department, College, Affiliation: Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: chancock@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: STEM majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

Organize, quality control and basic statistical analysis of four years of wave data from three moorings in the northern region of Florida's Big Bend. Data span the years 2008-2012 and are recorded with two different types of ADCP's (Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers). The goal is to present a report of the wave environment in this region to inform projects on High Frequency Radar, which uses waves to extract sea surface velocity.

Research Tasks: Tasks will include: (1) organizing and quality controlling data, (2) saving them in netCDF file formats that can be submitted to national data repositories, (3) reading up on the current research completed in this area, (4) basic statistical analysis of the data, (5) completing a report on the wave environment to inform High Frequency Radar projects in the area.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: (1) MATLAB, python or some coding experience and (2) basic statistical analysis (mean, standard deviation, distributions, etc.)
Required: Good verbal and written communication

Mentoring Philosophy

Time – It is important to spend time with the mentee for mutual understanding. The more comfortable we are with each other, the easier it is to communicate within the mentor-mentee relationship.
Listening – The mentor and mentee must be on the same page. To accomplish this, I strive to ask pointed questions and listen to the mentee’s responses.
Goals – Goals need to be definable. What will you do, how will you do it, how long will it take and what will the end result be.
Organization/Time management: I have weekly meetings where the mentee updates me on their progress, any difficulties they encountered, any issues/questions they currently have, any new ideas, and their plan for the next week.
Ownership: For success the student must take ownership of the project. This includes trying out new ideas, as well as offering thoughts and solutions. I will provide direction, but believe it is important for the mentee to attempt solutions on their own.
Independence: I expect the mentee to work independently and attempt to solve problems before coming to me.
Failure: In science you will have many ideas and some of them are bound to fail. This is fine. You learn from failure just like you do success.
Everyone is a teacher: I will learn something from the mentor-mentee relationship. I will also learn something from the mentee. You have a unique background with experiences I don’t have and my hope is that you will share some of these with me.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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Superconductors; Topological insulators, Condensed Matter Experiment

Research Mentor: mirfan2@fsu.edu Mohammad Irfan,
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida state University, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mirfan2@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: Physics, Chemistry, Material Science and Engineering
Project Location: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU Buses (Innovation)
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6-8,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

The student will be involved in a range of experimental activities primarily focusing on fabrication of planar tunnel junction to understand the behavior of superconductors and topological insulators. The student will gain knowledge about thin film processing, vacuum techniques and low temperature physics. The project will provide a deep insight to the student about the mechanism of superconductivity in unconventional superconductors

Research Tasks: Student is supposed to do hands-on thin film growth and measurements on tunnel junctions. The project includes learning the data collection using Matlab and data analysis.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: A basic knowledge of physics is required. Basic knowledge about MatLab programming will be helpful but not required.

Mentoring Philosophy

As a mentorship group, our philosophy to assign the task according to interest and strength of the mentees by which student's learning can be maximised.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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waves, polar oceans, sea ice, hand-on demonstration

Research Mentor: Cathrine Hancock, She, Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: chancock@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,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

The project will address the outreach portion of my current NSF funded project on circulation in the Weddell Sea (Southern Ocean). The Weddell Sea is ice covered for large portions of the year, which means any waves impinging from the north will be affected by sea ice. I want to create a hands-on demonstration for students to better understand how sea ice modifies wave motion. In addition, I would like to create a 1-page visualization of the feedbacks from wave-sea ice interactions, targeting K-12 students. The ultimate goal would be to test this demonstration out on one K-12 class in Tallahassee.

Research Tasks: Tasks include: (1) Learning how sea ice affects waves and any associated feedbacks, (2) creating a visualization conveying this message to K-12, (3) creating a hands-on demonstration for students to better understand this concept, (4) testing this out on one K-12 class in Tallahassee.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: (1) Creativity and (2) communicating complicated concepts in a simple manner.
Required: Good verbal and written communication.

Mentoring Philosophy

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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Human disease

Research Mentor: Wen Zhu, She/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: wzhu@chem.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

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

Project Description

Nearly 1500 human enzymes are associated with over 2500 clinically identified inherited diseases, most of which are orphan diseases without effective treatment. In this project, you will work with my team to use a literature search and various databases to establish a literature review and a dataset summarizing the current progress in understanding missense mutations in enzymes and inherited diseases.

Research Tasks: Literature review, data collection, data analysis, and presentation

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: 1) Biology and chemistry relevant coursework. 2) Literature search, reading, and ability to write a summary. 3) Excellent communication skills, 4) Team spirit, 5) internet access when working remotely.
Recommended: Fast learner

Mentoring Philosophy

We will clarify the research scope at the beginning of the project and develop individual development plans together. This development plan includes the research objectives for each month, and we will create timely feedback through biweekly catchup meetings.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemical-biology/articles/10.3389/fchbi.2024.1410435/full?utm_source=Email_to_authors_&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author&utm_campaign=Email_publication&field&journalName=Frontiers_in_Chemical_Biology&id=141

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performing differential stains of live specimens uncultured for bacterial diagnosis in less than 30 minutes

Research Mentor: Christopher Richard Ripley,
Department, College, Affiliation: graduate, Nursing
Contact Email: cr09c@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Preference - Medical/Biological/Nursing. Students that will have direct interactions with patients.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 we can make happen,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Wednesday September 6th 12:30pm-1:00pm zoom link https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83488739148?pwd=yqmlWwIO50am5vs1l7Nj3S5uN8VB3d.1
Meeting ID: 834 8873 9148
Passcode: 9N9b0n

Project Description

On my own time I purchased a high power microscope and have started to collect live samples from patients. I have been performing differential stains to see if i could develop a technique of identifying bacterial infection characteristics within 30 minutes. It works!

Typical antibiotic prescription for sepsis involves evaluation of signs and symptoms with best guess of appropriate broad spectrum antibiotics until cultures ect resolve which normally takes 3-5 days. The purpose of project is to create a quick and efficient technique of identifying bacterial characteristics that can provide more actuate antibiotic prescription in that 0-3 day window.

*******Currently Do not have clearance to collect samples*********
I previously had access to live samples when I was working in the hospital as a nurse in Virginia. I worked as a travel nurse all through covid and enrolled in the FSU DNP acute care program part time. I am transitioning to full time school this semester and will be working as a TA instead of working full time in the hospital. However I have already hundreds of hours perfecting a technique and beginning to create a data base.

If UROP is looking for extra people to work with students I would be happy to do so. It would also provide me with some motivation.

It would not be difficult to start right back up. There are no overhead costs to the patient or the facility at all. I would just have to ask around for a clinic, hospital, infectious disease doc... ect that would allow us to collect samples. FSU has a walk in clinic that may be a good place to start. I MAY HAVE ENOUGH SAMPLES AND WORK TO OCCUPY STUDENTS FOR GREATER THAN 5 HOURS PER WEEK WITHOUT CLINIC ACCESS.

Research Tasks: I will teach them everything. The students will have to learn to work with a microscope, take pictures of organisms, potentially speak with patients, collect live specimens, perform differential stains.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Drive. Desire to learn. The ability to see these skills as something they can use in their career later in life.

Mentoring Philosophy

There are no silly questions, I am just as much a student as they are, mutual respect, Its okay for teachers to be wrong and students to be right this does not intimidate me in fact I hope these students can teach me something new, Motivate, if students can see what i'm teaching as something useful for their careers then they will be more motivated, Practice makes perfect, repetition, practice, and committing time to things is what makes us better.

Additional Information

The first email I received about the UROP opportunity I was excited about but I feared I may not have enough resources to offer students. The second email and the extension was an indicator to me that I should go ahead and submit the information I have and see what happens. I can hustle and find a new source to collect specimens and when I think about it further it will take students awhile before they are ready for live specimens.

I am not sponsored, I do not have a link, publications, or video clips. I do have plenty of microscope images I can submit.

I would consider my project if you are looking for extra mentors or if there is a high demand from medical/bio majors to learn this process. I started learning out of curiosity and so I could potentially incorporate this in my as an acute care NP. I can see how someone that would like to be a infectious disease doctor would greatly benefit from learning bedside microscopy

Link to Publications

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