UROP Project | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

guns, firearms, family, health, adolescence, young adulthood, childhood

Research Mentor: Amy M Burdette, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Sociology, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: aburdette@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: Preference for Public Health or Sociology, but 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

This project seeks to understand the social and health impacts of public mass shootings on individuals directly impacted by these events. For this project, victims of mass shootings include both those who have experienced these events and those who have lost loved ones due to these tragedies. The following research questions drive this study:
1) How does surviving a public mass shooting impact mental and physical health?
2) What coping mechanisms do survivors utilize?
3) What are the individual financial and legal ramifications of these events?
4) How do these events impact family and community life?
5) Following these events, what are the victims' experiences with law enforcement, government officials, and media (including social media)?
This study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, drawing on in-depth interviews with survivors and publicly available data from the AP/USA TODAY/ Northeastern University Mass Killing Database. This data contains information on incidents, offenders, victims, and weapons for all multiple homicides, with four or more victims killed in the United States from 2006 to the present. I will also employ data I have used in previous research, such as the Chapman University Survey on American Fears, U.S. Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, Masculinity, Sexual Health, and Politics Survey, and the Crime, Health, and Politics Survey. These additional data sources include measures of American experiences with gun violence, gun purchasing behaviors, attitudes about firearm policies, and fears surrounding mass shootings. I am particularly familiar with the latter two data sources as I was involved with the survey design and initial data cleaning.

Research Tasks: Literature review and conducting interviews

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Self-motivated, Curious, and Enthusiastic with a preference for someone with training in qualitative data methods (not required)

Mentoring Philosophy

I view mentorship as a collaborative, evolving relationship built on mutual respect, intellectual curiosity, and shared growth. Students thrive when they are challenged to think independently, encouraged to explore diverse perspectives, and supported in developing their academic and personal voice. In my mentoring relationships, I create an environment where undergraduate research assistants are treated as emerging scholars. I welcome questions, expect thoughtful engagement, and value initiative. My goal is to support students in becoming confident, critical thinkers who are comfortable navigating complexity, skills essential in sociology and public health. I believe that learning happens best in a space where feedback is welcomed as a tool for growth rather than a judgment of worth. I aim to provide precise, constructive, and actionable feedback and encourage my mentees to offer feedback in return. Mentorship should be reciprocal: while I guide students in developing their research skills, analytical thinking, and professional confidence, I also learn from their unique perspectives and experiences. Above all, I am committed to fostering a mentoring relationship grounded in equity and empathy. I encourage my students to bring their whole selves to the work, and I strive to cultivate a culture that values inclusion, curiosity, and academic integrity. If you are enthusiastic about research, open to constructive dialogue, and ready to grow as a scholar, I would be excited to work with you.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=EnAre94AAAAJ&hl=en

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Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) , Horror Video Games Decision-Making, Existential Horror

Research Mentor: Gabrielle Lamura, She/Her/Hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Communication PhD, Communication and Information
Contact Email: glg24a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors but must be okay with video game jumpscares
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,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

This study investigates the persuasive mechanisms within horror video games by applying the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) to the 2015 science fiction horror game SOMA. While horror games are often associated with jump scares and visceral reactions, this project contends that they also facilitate complex cognitive and emotional engagement through narrative, atmosphere, and existential themes. By integrating ELM with Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), this research explores how central and peripheral cues embedded in SOMA; such as dialogue, lore artifacts, sound design, and environmental aesthetics affect players’ elaboration and decision-making processes. The study will employ a conceptual content analysis of SOMA using a human-coded dataset derived from a no-commentary YouTube playthrough. Coded variables include atmospheric horror, jump scares, decision points, and existential themes, each analyzed for frequency, prominence, and effectiveness. The research aims to distinguish which cues prompt high versus low elaboration and how these mechanisms contribute to persuasive effects in gameplay. By bridging media psychology and game studies, this research positions horror video games as underexplored yet valuable artifacts in the study of communication and persuasion. The findings provide groundwork for future academic inquiry into how immersive narrative media can influence cognitive processing and player agency, extending the relevance of ELM to interactive digital environments.

Research Tasks: Assist with content coding of video game footage (no-commentary walkthroughs)

Maintain data spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel) and ensure coding reliability

Annotate examples of narrative, atmospheric, and fear-based elements

Conduct targeted literature reviews on persuasion, horror media, and game studies

Assist in organizing references and formatting documents (APA style)

Participate in team meetings and contribute to analytical discussions

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:

Strong interest in media studies, communication, psychology, or game studies

Detail-oriented with strong organizational and critical thinking skills

Experience with spreadsheet software (Excel or Google Sheets)

Basic understanding of research design and content analysis/willing to learn

Recommended:

Familiarity with ELM, fear appeal, or PMT theories/willing to learn

Experience with horror video games (especially SOMA, Amnesia, Resident Evil)

Mentoring Philosophy

I believe in cultivating a collaborative, respectful, and intellectually rigorous environment that empowers students to grow as independent thinkers, ethical researchers, and confident contributors to scholarly discourse.
First, I strive to be an accessible mentor, one who is approachable and supportive, recognizing that students come from diverse academic, personal, and cultural backgrounds. I actively encourage open dialogue and questions, and I meet students where they are while helping them identify clear pathways to where they want to be. I view research as a co-creative process. I do not see assistants merely as helpers, but as emerging scholars whose insights and interpretations are vital to the research process. I aim to give students space to explore their interests within the scope of the project, and I welcome their input on theory, design, and analysis. This approach fosters mutual respect and shared investment. I also would like to tailor mentorship according to each student’s experience level and goals (providing structure and skill-building opportunities for early-stage students, and increasing independence and leadership for those further along. Whether it involves teaching how to conduct literature reviews, code media artifacts, or think through theoretical frameworks, I prioritize growth and reflection over perfection. I want my mentees to leave the research experience with deeper confidence in their abilities, a clearer understanding of their academic identity, and a sense of belonging in scholarly spaces.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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Sculpture, Metalworking, Art, Asian American history, Japanese Diaspora

Research Mentor: Kea Kamiya, She/Her/Hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Studio Art , Fine Arts
Contact Email: ksk23a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all Majors, though a Major in Art or History could be helpful
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

This project involves the creation of two approximately seven-foot sculptures memorializing Yetsu Kamiya and Masa Kamiya. They were a mother and daughter who lived in the Japanese American settlement of Yamato in what is now Delray Beach, Florida. The project requires creation of sculptures via welding, metalworking, painting, sewing, and other multimedia work. The structure of the sculpture will be welded steel in the shape of a koi with painted fabric panels sewn into the structure. The painted panels will be drawn from research surrounding the Yamato colony and the lives and experiences of these Japanese American women.

Research Tasks: Digitize resources, literature review, assistance with grinding and sanding, prepping canvases, measuring, applying for shows

Research tasks for this project would be separated into studio assignments and historic record assignments. The major historic records assignment would be to digitize paper journal entries from the early 1900s. These journals span many years and are dense with information. A digitized version of this resource would make it searchable and allow it to be secured in an additional form. Historic record assignments would also include searching interviews and online databases for information about Yamato, Masa, and Yetsu. Studio assignments would involve assisting with the creation of the sculptures. Tasks like assisting in mapping where the painted panels will be sewn in, assistance with grinding and sanding, prepping canvases, measuring, and applying for shows.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Typing, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Attention to detail, Comfortable online with database and online research, Willingness to learn and use power tools
Recommended:
Experience writing applications and writing about art, prior experience with power tools and basic art processes

Mentoring Philosophy

I approach mentoring as a collaborative process with communication at its core. I hope to give research assistants a glimpse into the world of researching for the arts and sculpture as research. Mentees’ goals and understanding will be assessed at meetings that will be held every two weeks. Most of the time the mentee will be working directly with me, so that I am able to get to know their talents, interest, and motivations throughout the project. Art is wonderfully flexible and allows for errors to become learning without much loss. Because of this, positive reinforcement and space to fail and improve are imbedded in this project. Serving as a mentee myself allowed me to become the artist that I am today. I hope to give my mentees a similar experience.

Additional Information

The linked website is not for this project specifically, but gives examples of similar projects.

Link to Publications

https://keasuiko.wixsite.com/kea-kamiya

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LLM, intervention, substance use, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Research Mentor: Dr. Wang Liying Wang, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: college of nursing, Nursing
Contact Email: lw24y@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: CS, informations, UI/UX design, health related (e.g., ,public health)
Project Location: work is done mostly remote online
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

HIV and substance use are highly co-occurring epidemics in the US. Syndemic theory posits that epidemics with shared drivers interact synergistically and produce multiplying effects on the morbidity and mortality of the communities affected. Impulsivity, defined as a tendency to react to internal or external stimuli without considering the negative consequences to individuals or others, is a key driver of risky behaviors related to HIV and substance use, including heavy alcohol use, illicit drug use, and risk sexual behavior. Adaptive coping, defined as intentionally engaging in cognitive or behavioral effort to manage perceived stress, is consistently associated with less frequent alcohol and drug use, lower rates of sexual risk behavior (can use intervention research evidence), and better engagement in HIV prevention and treatment.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a gold standard treatment to reduce behavioral impulsivity and increase adaptive coping behaviors among individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). DBT, with its unique/customizable modules of behavioral coping skills training centered around two core psychological constructs (behavioral impulsivity and emotional dysregulation), demonstrated versatile applications across a range of interventions on psychopathologies and health behavior promotion. DBT-based interventions are effective in reducing craving for substance and increased rates of marijuana cessation through reducing impulsivity, cognitive disinhibition, and improving emotion regulation, and tolerance of distress. Similarly, DBT coping skills training were found to reduce emotion dysregulation, sexual risk behavior, depression, and anxiety, and improve life satisfaction among people living with HIV. Our own feasibility pilot RCT found a 4-week long DBT skills training reduced depressive symptoms, emotion dysregulation, and improved HIV mastery, life satisfaction, coping efficacy around emotions, and seeking social support among people living with HIV (Wang et al., under review).
Context plays a crucial role in understanding environmental contingencies of HIV and substance use risky behaviors.() Effective and lasting behavior change requires highly customizable, context-sensitive approaches that address the unique psychological, social, and environmental circumstances of each individual. Large language models (LLMs)-powered tools offer a scalable solution to augment the customized DBT skills training in varied intensity tailored to needs, selective skills content tailored to context, and on-demand support unrestricted by business hours/human resources. LLM-powered conversation agents have demonstrated preliminary capabilities in screening for substance use,15 assessment of mental disorder, psychoeducation, skill coaching, alcohol use counseling with empathy and adaptive conversation skills 16 in user native languages, addressing linguistic barriers and fostering trust. Personalization can be realized through contextual alignment of LLMs.
This proposal seeks to develop an LLM-powered DBT coach to address substance use, HIV risk behaviors, and improve engagement with HIV prevention services among individuals with high HIV risk. We will partner with Access to Prevention Advocacy Intervention and Treatment (APAIT) in Los Angeles, California. APAIT has served the community at risk for HIV/STI in the broader LA area, providing behavioral health and HIV-related services. Partnership with APAIT will align our intervention with existing workflows and support sustainable implementation.

Research Tasks: Developer tasks: front-end, back-end programming.
Designer tasks: user interface design using figma, and user experience research (e.g., usability testing)
Research tasks: literature review, reference search, participant recruitment

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: We have written documents on the specific expectations. Please follow the links to see details for each role.
1. Research assistant: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fYnE4zDil3Cm5BMIry4Yy52LqJMr0FyKDziDJhUX9WU/edit?usp=sharing
2. Developer focused assistant: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nkVfBBCpFewzkeJO0r7KzvIBQzCu1KMh/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104341887369091777051&rtpof=true&sd=true
3. Designer focused assistant: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13P6Rn7FDwVPpqAdMkwM5vGQ4SB0Y0cK9/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104341887369091777051&rtpof=true&sd=true

Mentoring Philosophy

Effective mentoring thrives on the principle of mutual benefit, where both mentor and mentee contribute to a dynamic learning partnership. I believe that mentoring is a collaborative exchange where I learn as much from my mentees as they learn from me. This reciprocal relationship enriches both perspectives and creates a foundation for genuine professional growth.
At the heart of my approach is a student-centered philosophy that prioritizes each mentee's unique needs, aspirations, and learning style. I recognize that effective mentoring requires adapting my guidance to align with individual goals rather than imposing a standardized approach. Every mentee brings distinct experiences and objectives that deserve personalized attention and support.
Open, honest communication forms the cornerstone of successful mentoring relationships. I foster an environment where questions are welcomed, feedback flows freely in both directions, and difficult conversations are approached with empathy and respect. Regular check-ins and transparent dialogue ensure that expectations remain clear and relationships stay productive.
Growth and goal orientation drive every mentoring interaction. Together, we establish concrete, measurable objectives that align with both immediate needs and long-term career aspirations. I help mentees develop actionable plans while celebrating milestones along their journey toward professional development.
Finally, I emphasize teamwork and collaboration, recognizing that success rarely occurs in isolation. I encourage mentees to build networks, seek diverse perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to their professional communities. Through this collaborative mindset, mentees develop not only individual competencies but also the interpersonal skills essential for leadership and sustained career success.

Additional Information

The three roles are for three different RAs/students.

Link to Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=-1EVeEoAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

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Family of Origin, Attachment, Intergenerational Influence, Narrative Analysis, Qualitative Research

Research Mentor: Yinan Li,
Department, College, Affiliation: Human Development & Family Science - Marriage & Family Therapy, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: yl24a@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: Communication, Psychology, Human Development & Family Studies, Social Work, Sociology, or related fields, open to all majors!
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: September 2nd, 4:30-5:30 pm

Project Description

Are you curious about how our childhood experiences shape who we are today? Have you ever heard of terms like intergenerational influence, attachment, or family of origin (FOO)? Family-of-origin experiences have been studied in clinical settings for decades, but those spaces can be emotionally and financially challenging to access. Our study aims to explore more accessible and meaningful ways for people to reflect on and grow from their early life experiences.

This is a qualitative project that analyzes several in-depth narratives shared by adults from China. These interviews were conducted by trained professionals and are filled with personal reflections, emotional insights, and the journey of their growth.
Topics explored in this project include:
- How relationships with primary caregivers shaped one’s adulthood
- Core childhood memories and their long-term impact
- How childhood thoughts and emotions transformed into adulthood
- The role of early attachment in adult romantic and parent-child relationships
- How reflecting on the past can lead to healing and moving forward

In the later phase of this project, we also aim to promote the awareness of exploring FOO experiences among young adults. So you could help with designing interviews and focus groups to support yourself and your peers in processing your FOO stories. Or you can help with preparing quantitative projects on the relationship between early experiences and young adults' well-being.

Research Tasks: - Help analyze data using qualitative data analysis software (like NVivo, we will learn this together!)
- Assist in identifying key themes and patterns in interviews
- Contribute to the design of interviews and focus groups
- Explore ways to help young adults reflect on their own FOO experiences
- Support the development of future quantitative studies on FOO and well-being

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: - Self-motivation: Find the part of the project that sparks your curiosity
- Patience & attention to detail: Especially when working with qualitative data
- Willingness to learn: We’ll explore new tools and ideas together
- Fluent in Mandarin (preferred, but not required): since all interviews are in Mandarin

Mentoring Philosophy

As a second-year PhD student, I’m still early in my research journey and not far from where you are now. Because of that, I remember what it feels like to step into research with curiosity, uncertainty, and excitement to make a contribution. My goal is to offer mentorship that is collaborative, transparent, and person-centered.

I’m also a marriage and family therapist in training, and those values naturally shape how I mentor. I believe in meeting you where you are, supporting your growth, and encouraging you to discover what genuinely moves you in this work. I hope you'll approach this experience with a growth mindset, open to learning both about research and about yourself. That being said, this project may also invite personal reflection, so I encourage you to be open and courageous in those moments, and I’ll be here to support you in the best way I can.

As someone who grew up in China and is now navigating academia as an international student, I value humility, open-mindedness, and cultural awareness. I’m excited to learn with and from you, and I hope to help you connect your interests with meaningful research, and I wish to inspire you to come up with your own research project.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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Identity, painting, passport number, print making, migration, travel bags, movement, folds, sewing, sculpture, figurative

Research Mentor: Amarachi K. Odimba, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Studio Arts, Fine Arts
Contact Email: ako23@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): nil
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: open to all majors
Project Location:
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 hours,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable