UROP Project
Big Data, AI, Visualization, Smart Cities
Research Mentor: Guang Wang,
Department, College, Affiliation: Computer Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: guang.wang@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: guang.wang@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
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: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Project Description
This project aims to harness the power of large-scale, diverse, and real-time urban data to address critical challenges in city planning, sustainability, mobility, and public services. As cities become increasingly digitized, massive volumes of data, ranging from traffic flows, environmental sensors, social media, utility usage, and public transit records, offer unprecedented opportunities to understand and improve urban systems. However, effectively analyzing and visualizing these heterogeneous data sources to support timely and effective decision-making remains a significant challenge.This research project will develop a comprehensive urban big data analytics and visualization framework that integrates spatiotemporal data mining, machine learning, and interactive visualization techniques to support smart city applications. Specifically, the project will:
Design scalable data pipelines to collect, clean, and integrate multimodal urban data streams;
Develop advanced analytics models to detect patterns, predict urban dynamics, and identify anomalies in domains such as mobility, energy consumption, housing, and public health;
Create intuitive, user-centered visualization tools that enable policymakers, city planners, and community stakeholders to explore insights, simulate scenarios, and support evidence-based decision-making.
Research Tasks: Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of recent advancements in urban informatics, smart city initiatives, big data analytics, and interactive visualization tools.
Data Collection: Gather and curate diverse urban datasets, including transportation logs, air quality data, social media feeds, utility usage records, census information, and IoT sensor data.
Data Analysis: Apply statistical and machine learning methods to discover patterns, trends, and anomalies in urban dynamics (e.g., traffic congestion, pollution hotspots, energy usage patterns).
Visualization Design and Implementation: Design user-friendly, interactive dashboards and visual analytics tools tailored to different user groups (e.g., city officials, community leaders, researchers).
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Data collection and analysis skills are required.
Experience in Python is required.
Familiar with ArcGIS (recommended).
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring goal is to encourage every student to learn something. Based on my previous mentoring experiences, I think all students are talented and my role as a teacher is to guide them to knock on the correct door. To this end, my mentoring philosophy concentrates on encouraging students to ask questions. I treat all students with respect and maintain academic fairness. In addition, I strive to create a friendly learning environment and make students feel comfortable and supported. I think students can improve their performance after they know what they do not know, and a very effective way is by asking questions, so I usually encourage students to ask questions.Additional Information
Link to Publications
guangwang.me
Education, Community Outreach, STEM education, Stem Education for All, Summer Camps
Research Mentor: Ilya Litvak, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: Magnet Lab, N/A
Contact Email: litvak@magnet.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Malathy Elumalai
Faculty Collaborators Email: melumalai@magnet.fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Magnet Lab, N/A
Contact Email: litvak@magnet.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Malathy Elumalai
Faculty Collaborators Email: melumalai@magnet.fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors. The following majors are especially encouraged to apply:
FSU Teach, FSU-Teach, Secondary Science or Mathematics Teaching,
Biochemistry, Biological Science, Biomathematics, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, Chemical Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering,
Environmental Science, Geology, Meteorology, Physical Science, Physics,
Medical Sciences, Nursing, Public Health, Social Work
Project Location: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Dogwood, Live Oak; Innovation Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors. The following majors are especially encouraged to apply:
FSU Teach, FSU-Teach, Secondary Science or Mathematics Teaching,
Biochemistry, Biological Science, Biomathematics, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, Chemical Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering,
Environmental Science, Geology, Meteorology, Physical Science, Physics,
Medical Sciences, Nursing, Public Health, Social Work
Project Location: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Dogwood, Live Oak; Innovation Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Project Description
Neigborhood Camp Fair project aims to connect K-12 population from low-income areas of Tallahassee with free STEM education opportunities. Launched in 2018, the project has seenover 450 K-12 students attend our annual community events where public can find free or subsidized summer camp programs. 60-70% of attendees come from local Title I schools.
The intern will join our small team which organizes Neighborhood Camp Fair events.
This project is operated in collaboration with the Tallahassee Scientific Society.
Research Tasks: 1. Propose, implement, and evaluate strategies to engage with target community
2. Publicize the project and its benefits to local residents through social media, flyers, direct engagement, and other means
3. Publicize the project and its benefits to STEM program providers
4. Study the impact of the camp fairs on STEM awareness among K-12 students
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
1. Organizational skills
2. Presentation skills
3. Written and oral communication skills including writing articles, emails, making phone calls, etc.
It may significantly benefit the project if the applicant had exposure to challenges faced by target communities through their work- or volunteer-related, or personal experience.
Mentoring Philosophy
The Neighborhood Camp Fair project predominantly operates on volunteer power and intuition. Each participant is part of the team and contributes their best effort and best judgement.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://tallysci.wptallahassee.com/2025-share-your-story-video-grant-challenge/
NMR, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Ultra-High Magnetic Field, Field Homogeneits, Passive shims
Research Mentor: Ilya Litvak,
Department, College, Affiliation: Magnet Lab, N/A
Contact Email: litvak@magnet.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Magnet Lab, N/A
Contact Email: litvak@magnet.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: Physical Sciences, Engineering, including but not limited to: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics,
Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Project Location: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Dogwood, Live Oak; Innovation Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Physical Sciences, Engineering, including but not limited to: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics,
Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Project Location: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Dogwood, Live Oak; Innovation Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Project Description
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory houses seven world-record magnets at its Tallahassee location. Some applications, such as NMR and MRI require high uniformity of the magnetic field across the sample, in addition to high field. A student with a strong interest in scientific instrumentation will work with a team at NHMFL to support and improve user operations. The student will help develop, build, and test various designs, and develop techniques to improve the field quality of the world record 36 tesla high-resolution magnet. The project will involve using specialized equipment and techniques to map and correct the field of the magnet.Research Tasks: The student will help develop, build, and test various designs, and develop techniques to improve the field quality of the world record 36 tesla high-resolution magnet. The project will involve using specialized equipment and techniques to map and correct the field of the magnet. The project may also involve performing calculations of magnetic field for different patterns, and coding for data processing. Part of the work will be performed around strong magnetic fields.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Adherence to safety
Recommended: comfortable with Excel, math background
Mentoring Philosophy
In research projects, students are our essential contributors. I see and treat students as collaborators in pursuit of the goals we aim to achieve together.Additional Information
https://nationalmaglab.org/news-events/news/national-maglab-racks-up-another-recordhttps://nationalmaglab.org/magnet-development/magnet-science-technology/publicationsmst/ highlightsmst/
world-first-1-5-ghz-nmr-magnet
https://nationalmaglab.org/userfacilities/ dc-field/instrumentsdcfield/hybrid-magnets/36-tesla-series-connected-hybrid
Link to Publications
History Cold War International Affairs
Research Mentor: Ms. Madeleine Stout, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: History, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mestout@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: History, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mestout@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: History
International Affairs
Political Science
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,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: History
International Affairs
Political Science
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,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Project Description
The Cold War is traditionally thought to take place from 1946-1989. When World War II ended the international stage focused on a fight against United States democracy and Soviet communism. As the Allied Powers split Germany into different zones they also tasked themselves with reshaping how the world would be postwar. The Cold War was more than militarized border control of the Iron Curtain and proxy wars. The world was flooded with pamphlets, posters, and broadcasts arguing whether communism or capitalism was a better economic and political system. I argue that when scholars analyze propaganda in the 1940s-1960s they engage with a battle that began in the 1920s. As such when we look at the Cold War through the lens of propaganda materials and messages we see that the Cold War began in the 1920s and not the 1940s.Research Tasks: Data collection - I.E. posters, pamphlets, newspaper advertisements, radio transcripts
Literature Review
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Writing - skills in Microsoft word
Organization - skills in Microsoft excel/spreadsheets to create a list/database
Research - ability to navigate databases and Strozier library to collect information
Creative/Critical Thinking - to question and analyze images
Mentoring Philosophy
As a research mentor I believe in creating a positive environment where students can feel comfortable asking questions and gaining skills. Being a mentor is more than overseeing a project, it is about helping mentees develop as scholars and learn best practices for a specific field or fields. When serving as a UROP mentor in 2023-2024 I held weekly individual meetings with my mentees to touch base and answer any inquiries they had. I try to get to know my mentees and cater the tasks I give them to what they are interested in. Part of conducting research is failing or making mistakes, as a mentor I do not chastise students when this happens, instead I help them navigate ways to grow from hardships. Finally, I see serving as a UROP mentor to go beyond the UROP year. I have continued to keep in contact with my past mentees and written multiple recommendation letters for Kaysyn Jones. I do not leave my mentees out in the cold and always offer to help them after UROP ends.Additional Information
This is my second time serving as a UROP mentor. In 2023-2024 I worked as a mentor to three students while teaching and conducting my dissertation. I love to work with students who are interested and passionate in research and learning.Link to Publications
Hospital management, Market competition, Medicaid, Medicare, Hospital financial sustainability
Research Mentor: Hyunji Christine Kim, She
Department, College, Affiliation: Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: hk22a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: hk22a@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: Public health, Public policy, Public administration, Business, Other relevant social science
Project Location: Zoom and email
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6 hours per week,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Public health, Public policy, Public administration, Business, Other relevant social science
Project Location: Zoom and email
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6 hours per week,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Project Description
This study examines whether hospitals can financially benefit from a greater reliance on public insurance programs, specifically Medicaid and Medicare, by analyzing how the relationship between the proportion of Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement and hospital financial sustainability varies under different structural conditions. The independent variable is the Medicaid/Medicare payer mix, measured as the percentage of total revenue or discharges from these public insurers, and the dependent variable is hospital financial sustainability, captured through metrics such as operating margin, net income, or days cash on hand. Two key contextual moderators are considered: market competition, assessed using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), and geographic location, categorized as urban or rural. The first hypothesis (H1) examines whether a higher Medicaid/Medicare payer mix is positively associated with hospital financial sustainability. Building on this, H2a proposes that this positive association is stronger in markets with lower competition, while H2b suggests the relationship is more favorable for hospitals located in rural areas. By testing these interactions through a moderated regression model, the study challenges the prevailing view that public payer reliance undermines financial health and instead argues that, under the right structural conditions, hospitals can strategically benefit from serving more publicly insured patients—providing important insights for health system leaders and policymakers seeking sustainable and equitable healthcare delivery models.Research Tasks: literature review, data collection, and sorting and organizing the literature
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Basic idea about literature review and understanding of APA reference style required
No other specific skills required but punctuality and respect, if we can call these skills as well
Mentoring Philosophy
Establishing a relationship rooted in mutual respect is the foundation of my mentoring approach, as it fosters trust, open communication, and a safe space for learning. I actively evaluate each mentee’s understanding and identify their strengths to guide their development with intention and clarity. Most of all, I emphasize learning and nurturing accountability and the importance of taking ownership of their work, encouraging them to meet responsibilities within given timelines, because I believe this is a very critical foundation for any occasion, whether study or work. Through interactive learning and consistent engagement, I create an environment where mentees are challenged, supported, and empowered to take responsibility for their progress.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Environment, Experiment, PFAS, Measurement, Pollution
Research Mentor: Dr. Youneng Tang, He/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: ytang@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dennis Ssekimpi He/him
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: ds21k@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: ytang@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dennis Ssekimpi He/him
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: ds21k@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Environmental Engineering; Civil Engineering; Chemical Engineering
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Environmental Engineering; Civil Engineering; Chemical Engineering
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Project Description
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have attracted significant public attention due to their toxicity, widespread use in commercial and consumer products, and recalcitrance to degradation in the environment. PFAS is ubiquitous in solid waste. To prevent solid waste in landfills contaminating groundwater and air, landfills are usually contained by bottom liners and covers. The objective of this project is to determine the PFAS transport characteristics through the bottom liners and covers such as the breakthrough time. We welcome one or two UROP scholar to participate in this research project. Professor Tang and his graduate student will supervise the UROP scholar. The graduate student will provide most of the direct supervision.Research Tasks: The UROP scholar is expected to:
1) Complete a few lab safety training sessions.
2) Shadow the graduate student.
3) Review the literature to understand PFAS and their contamination.
4) Learn the method based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for measuring one type of PFAS.
5) Use the measurement method to determine the PFAS transport characteristics in diffusion cells.
6) Summarize and discuss the research results in a poster and a white paper.
After the UROP project is completed, there may be an opportunity for the UROP scholar to further study PFAS through undergraduate or graduate research assistantship.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Lab safety training
Recommended: Strong interest in experiments
Mentoring Philosophy
Three themes of mentoring philosophies:1) Believing quality is more important than quantity
2) Encouraging growth through challenges
3) Developing a relationship founded on mutual respect
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://eng.famu.fsu.edu/cee/people/tang
experimental economics, research including contests, public goods, land assembly
Research Mentor: Prof. Mark Isaac,
Department, College, Affiliation: Economics, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: misaac@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Economics, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: misaac@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: Economics Majors or minors preferred
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Economics Majors or minors preferred
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Project Description
I am a faculty member (actually, the senior scholar) in the experimental social sciences research cluster (XS/FS). In the coming year, I hope to be working on projects on land assembly, public goods provision, and market contests.Research Tasks: 1 ) Following the pandemic, we (our research cluster, XS/FS) have noticed that traditional e-mail solicitations are falling short in our goals of getting undergraduate students to sign up through our ORSEE subject recruitment system. We would like to expand our outreach to include things like tabling on Wednesday, posting (legally) flyers, putting out and removing sandwich boards, and so forth.
2 ) There is some possibility of doing "coding" --- not computer coding, but text coding --- of some experiments this term; we don't know how much of this will be able to be handled by AI.
3 ) Having someone to proofread papers and check references would be very helpful.
4 ) FSU IT has been talking for years about abandoning the "myweb" hosting system. If they do, I will need a great deal of help in transitioning to a new system. I need a GoogleSites page in principle, but in practice GoogleSites may not be ideal for transitioning the links and info on my site.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: REQUIRED: Because our research is controlled by the FSU Human Subjects Committee, we have very strict parameters about interacting with potential subjects. A UROP student would need to understand this and have excellent judgment, integrity, and character reflecting the international principles of human subjects protection. In fact, one of my first requirements would be that the students go through student CITI training for human subjects protection.
RECOMMENDED: Being tech savvy as in a typical "stem"-oriented undergrad.
Mentoring Philosophy
The experimental social sciences laboratory is one of the most successful interdisciplinary clusters on campus, yet few majors or minors in economics or political science know about it. Graduating from FSU with a mentorship in XS/FS would be quite an external signal of intellectual curiosity. While most of my work is with Ph.D. students, I have had undergraduate students in my experimental economics class go on to graduate work including co-authoring with me (see Dr. Phil Solimine, an FSU undergraduate and graduate student as an example). Most economics major probably don't even realize that economics can be an experimental science, and I would like to change that. Even when I teach the topic in my undergraduate course on experimental economics, I teach it in an experience-based format. If you would like to consider an analogy that I like best, read up on the story of Prof. Richard Feynman and the bowling ball.Additional Information
My picture on my website is out of date. Ohh to think that I looked so young.Link to Publications
myweb.fsu.edu/misaac
Film Studies, Bollywood, Media Studies, Gender Studies, South Asia
Research Mentor: Dr. Rebecca Peters, She, Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Program in Humanities, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: rlp08c@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Program in Humanities, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: rlp08c@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
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:
Number of Research Assistants: 6
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:
- Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 1:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94453690549 - Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 6:30
End Time: 7:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96608265006 - Day: Wednesday, September 3
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 1:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92702128629
Project Description
This project looks to quantify whether women directors impact the representation of women characters in their films. We are doing so by analyzing Bollywood films directed by women. To determine the number and quality of female characters, we will utilize what is called "film coding." "Film coding" is done through through close watching and marking every time we see certain things. Basically, we're looking to see what real impact having a woman in the role of director has on a film.Research Tasks: The student research assistant will watch subtitled Bollywood films (no language proficiency or other experience in or knowledge of India is necessary), and complete surveys on their computers about each woman character onscreen. The student will receive training and will have the support of the mentor for any questions or points of clarification. The process allows for a flexibility of when it can be completed within the week, for students who have more unusual schedules. NO prior film knowledge and no coding knowledge is necessary.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: None
Recommended: Access to Netflix and Prime; An understanding of Excel; Understanding of Google drive folders and files organization
Mentoring Philosophy
As a mentor, I view myself as a facilitator, an individual trained in specific fields of study that enables me to create the necessary environment and conditions where mentees can learn and grow. I view the mentee as someone whose aim is to increase their understanding of the world and to prioritize learning over finishing. Further, I accept that experience is one of the best and most lasting conduits for learning. In the mentor/mentee exchange, I commit to providing clear and straightforward expectations, to being available for any and all questions or concerns, and to creating work and environment productive to learning. I expect mentees to approach projects with open minds and inquisitive natures; it is never inappropriate to ask for clarification or repetition of expectations.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Alzheimer's Disease, statistics, dementia, meta-analysis, memory
Research Mentor: Dr. Dorota Kossowska-Kuhn,
Department, College, Affiliation: Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: kuhn@psy.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: kuhn@psy.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 6
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Zoom
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 6
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Zoom
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Project Description
The proportion of individuals aged 65 and over is expected to nearly double by 2050, reaching 1.6 billion people. Consequently, the prevalence of dementia, primarily driven by aging, is anticipated to rise sharply. Dementia, currently the 7th leading cause of death globally, significantly contributes to disability and dependency among older adults. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form, comprising 60-80% of dementia cases. Early diagnosis allows patients and their families to understand the challenges ahead and develop strategies for managing current and future issues. With emerging medical treatments, early and accurate diagnosis is increasingly critical.Spatial navigation tests have shown promise in diagnosing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition that often precedes AD, predicting the risk of conversion from MCI to dementia, and monitoring AD progression. Our meta-analysis on spatial navigation skills in individuals with MCI revealed significant differences between this group and cognitively healthy older adults at the level of standardized mean difference Hedges g = 0.88 (Kossowska-Kuhn et al., in prep). We plan to take the next step towards conducting a model-based meta-analysis that will allow us to compare the effectiveness of various potential predictors of Alzheimer's disease in predicting its presence, as well as identify which of these predictors make independent contributions to the prediction.
Research Tasks: -literature review
- data collection
-data analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: All motivated and hard-working students are welcome.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy revolves around empowering undergraduate students to excel in their project work through a combination of ownership, accountability, shared experience, and interactive learning. I believe in fostering an environment that nurtures their growth and encourages independent thinking.I emphasize giving mentees ownership of their work by involving them in project decisions, from goal setting to execution. This not only bolsters their confidence but also instills a sense of responsibility for their outcomes. I promote accountability by setting clear expectations and milestones, enabling them to track their progress and take pride in their achievements.
Drawing from my own experience, I share stories of challenges and successes, illustrating the real-world applications of their efforts. This bridges the gap between theory and practice, enhancing their understanding and motivation. I also encourage open dialogue, where questions and ideas are welcomed, creating an interactive platform for collaborative learning.
I understand that each student is unique, with varying skills and aspirations. To accommodate this, I tailor my guidance, offering guidance that aligns with their interests and goals. I provide resources, recommend reading materials, and suggest relevant workshops, fostering holistic development.
In conclusion, my approach to mentoring undergraduates centers on nurturing their autonomy, cultivating responsibility, leveraging shared experiences, and fostering an interactive learning ecosystem. By doing so, I aim to not only support their immediate project objectives but also to equip them with lifelong skills for success.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1587003/full
Design, art, digital fabrication, history, culture
Research Mentor: Dr Marlo Ransdell, Mrs
Department, College, Affiliation: Interior Architecture and Design, Fine Arts
Contact Email: mransdell@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Interior Architecture and Design, Fine Arts
Contact Email: mransdell@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Carnagie Arts Building (CAB) 2214 Bellevue way
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Carnagie Arts Building (CAB) 2214 Bellevue way
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Project Description
This project is an art installation in a public art space for Thomasville Center for Arts. The exhibit will feature historic quilt patterns and blocks as reinterpreted through wood and acrylic. The focus will be the historical and cultural significance of long used quilt patterns and blocks and will result in a large scale installation for March 2026.Research Tasks: Tasks will include:
Research and review of blocks and patterns
Review and/or production of CAD files for testing
Sanding, painting, drilling in the wood shop
Designing or assisting with design of historical narrative for installation
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended skills would be: use of CAD software, graphic design skills, comfort with wood hand tools and/or digital fabrication equipment.