UROP Project
Interactive Learning Tools for Mathematical Epidemiology
biomath, coding, epidemiology, modeling
Research Mentor: Bryce Morsky,
Department, College, Affiliation: Mathematics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: bmorsky@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Nishan Mudalige
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Mathematics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: bmorsky@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Nishan Mudalige
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Applied Math, Biology, Biomath, Statistics and related fields.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Applied Math, Biology, Biomath, Statistics and related fields.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 4:00
End Time: 4:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94539702544
Project Description
Our project will be to develop materials to teach epidemiology at an introductory-to-intermediate level, where we will start with basic biology and the SIR model and build up to introduce models involving social interaction dynamics and stochastic noise. The project will involve differential equations, coding in R, and simulations. https://nishanmudalige.github.io/STA258/index.html is an example of what we will be producing (but for mathematical epidemiology). We will collaborate with three other team members on this project, two from Toronto and another from Tallahassee. Much of the work will be remote and flexible, but I am also available for in-person meetings.This is a great opportunity to learn some epidemiology, mathematical modeling and coding skills! And, this project can lead to you developing your own mathematical models of disease spread.
Research Tasks: Coding, literature review, mathematical analysis, model building.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: coding skills in R (or coding skills in another language and willingness to learn R)
Required: introductory calculus
Recommended: some knowledge of differential equations
Mentoring Philosophy
I've mentored for UROP in the past. My research is highly interdisciplinary, crossing biology, mathematics, economics, and social science more generally. As such, I'm open to a wide array of students' interests and backgrounds. I've had papers with undergraduates and a high school student published in peer reviewed journals. So, this is definitely a possibility if you are interested.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Fabrication of Porous Nanofibers for High-Efficiency Water Filtration
electrospinning, nanofiber, water filtration, nano-plastics
Research Mentor: Dr. Jizhe Cai,
Department, College, Affiliation: Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: jc23dc@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: jc23dc@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: Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Access to clean water is a global challenge, with increasing demand for cost-effective and sustainable filtration technologies. Nanofiber-based membranes have emerged as promising candidates for advanced water treatment due to their high surface area-to-volume ratio, tunable pore structure, and excellent filtration efficiency. This project aims to design and fabricate porous nanofiber membranes using the electrospinning technique, optimizing their structural and functional properties for high-efficiency water filtration.Research Tasks: literature review, material synthesis and characterization, data collection, data analysis.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Technical Skills
Required – Lab safety, material handling.
Recommended – material characterization, polymer chemistry basics.
Data & Analysis
Required – Accurate recordkeeping, basic data analysis (Excel).
Recommended – Image analysis (ImageJ), interpreting experimental trends.
Soft Skills
Required – Attention to detail, time management, willingness to learn.
Recommended – Problem-solving, teamwork, communication.
Mentoring Philosophy
I aim to guide students in developing independent research skills by encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and ownership of their projects. Students gain experience in all stages of research—design, experimentation, data analysis, and academic publication—to strengthen their scientific communication and confidence. My mentoring also prepares students for graduate study by building technical expertise, fostering professional growth, and connecting them to research networks and opportunities. The goal is to help them become self-motivated, capable researchers ready for the next stage of their academic journey.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=pG99z7gAAAAJ&hl=enExploring Hurricane Characteristics and Statistics with Moody’s HWind
hurricanes, weather, meteorology, atmosphere, industry
Research Mentor: Jeremiah Otero, he/him/his
Department, College, Affiliation: Moody's HWind, N/A
Contact Email: jeremiah.otero@moodys.com
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Chana Keating she/her/hers
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: chana.keating@moodys.com
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Moody's HWind, N/A
Contact Email: jeremiah.otero@moodys.com
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Chana Keating she/her/hers
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: chana.keating@moodys.com
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Maybe one more
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Earth, Ocean, & Atmospheric Science
Computer Science
Project Location: 101 N Monroe Street (Monroe Park Tower)
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Earth, Ocean, & Atmospheric Science
Computer Science
Project Location: 101 N Monroe Street (Monroe Park Tower)
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 2:30
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGJjN2QyOWQtZDM3OC00YTU0LTlhOWYtNWI4M2E1MzFkYWFh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%221061a8b8-b1ee-4249-bb84-9a2cd2792fae%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e6c2a066-1418-48fc-8101-2a0d8ec6bb96%22%7d - Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 2:30
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGJjN2QyOWQtZDM3OC00YTU0LTlhOWYtNWI4M2E1MzFkYWFh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%221061a8b8-b1ee-4249-bb84-9a2cd2792fae%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e6c2a066-1418-48fc-8101-2a0d8ec6bb96%22%7d
Project Description
Curious about tropical cyclone (TC) research and operations in industry? Consider applying to work as a research assistant with Moody’s HWind. Our group monitors the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins for tropical activity and creates “snapshots” of TC winds during real-time events. Clients in insurance, government, and academia utilize HWind products to anticipate claims, prepare event responses, and perform research. The selected student will perform research aimed to help improve HWind products and operations. Specific projects are flexible depending on the student’s interest and skillset. For example, we would like to have a robust and statistical comparison of HWind and National Hurricane Center TC tracks. We are also interested in comparing the TC structure and intensity of HWind snapshots to reanalysis datasets such as ERA5. Lastly, the student researcher could work to create a dataset with relevant TC statistics that can be used for context throughout the TC season. For instance, if three Category 5 hurricanes occurred in September, how would this stand out statistically from historical records? In addition to these research related projects, the student will also observe real-time operations. The student may also learn how to provide tropical weather briefings, which provide important context for our analysts prior to shifts.Research Tasks: The student will primarily perform data analysis on preexisting datasets. This will include a combination of sorting/organizing, math, and visual plotting. We will also provide online resources and literature for the student to learn more about tropical cyclone structure and relevant processes.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required. Some experience with coding in Python is recommended. Students must have their own working laptop and be interested in studying impactful weather.
Mentoring Philosophy
I strongly value communication, as I believe it is the key to unlocking a successful mentor-mentee relationship in any environment. Early conversations about your interests, skills, and intensions will help us maximize our time together and meet your personal goals. We will certainly continue these conversations throughout the project, both formally and informally, to make sure the project remains enjoyable and goal oriented. I am very flexible with working hours and understanding of anything that may be happening in your life outside of work. With transparency we can adapt and accommodate.I also believe that people work best when they feel comfortable and accepted within the workplace. I welcome all colleagues that are passionate and hard-working, regardless of gender, race/ethnicity, ability, etc. In addition to meeting the scientific objectives outlined previously, my goal for mentees is to gain confidence in this type of workspace, take ownership of their projects, and strive for independence. I am happy to provide the general and technical support needed to help you achieve that. As a recent graduate (I completed my Ph.D. in 2024), I can relate to students who are considering various career paths, and I hope I can help by speaking from personal experience.
Additional Information
The student will primarily meet and interact with both me (Jeremiah) and Chana. Our small HWind team in Tallahassee includes two other full-time employees, one of whom works remotely. We also currently have five student analysts (two undergraduate, three graduate) who largely produce HWind snapshots and work on their own research projects. The group is tight knit and very collaborative; questions and curiosity are welcomed. HWind is part of Moody’s, which is a global professional services and risk management company.Our office, downtown in the Monroe-Park Tower, is only open three days a week; the rest of the time we work from home. In-office days change semester to semester depending on analysts’ availability. As such, it is not expected for the student researcher to work in person every week. We plan on working out a hybrid schedule and the student should be comfortable working mostly out of the office. This flexibility will also help us navigate what should be a very active hurricane season.
Link to Publications
https://www.moodys.com/web/en/us/capabilities/catastrophe-modeling/hwind.htmlFrom Waste to Value: Sustainable Strategies Connecting Recycling with Local Upcycling Enterprises
Sustainability, Local business, Recycling, Upcycling, Start-up
Research Mentor: Dr. Changhyun Nam,
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
Contact Email: cn12@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
Contact Email: cn12@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: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Waste recycling is widely recognized as a critical component of sustainable resource management and environmental conservation. However, despite increased awareness, recycling participation and effectiveness in the United States remain inconsistent and often insufficient compared to other developed nations. The absence of a standardized national recycling system, coupled with variations in municipal programs, has created confusion and discouraged active engagement. In addition, factors such as convenience, low economic incentives, inadequate infrastructure, and cultural perceptions further limit the impact of recycling initiatives.Countries such as Germany, Norway, Italy, and Spain have demonstrated higher participation rates through consistent policies, deposit-return systems, and stronger public engagement strategies. In contrast, many Americans view recycling as an optional individual choice rather than a shared societal responsibility. Moreover, environmental messaging has not consistently connected recycling to tangible personal or community benefits, resulting in a weak link between awareness and action.
To address these challenges, this study proposes a holistic approach that combines technological innovation, policy development, and behavioral change strategies—while placing special emphasis on linking recycling efforts with local upcycling businesses. Such partnerships can extend the life of recovered materials, create local economic opportunities, and make sustainability efforts more visible and meaningful to communities. By integrating repair and reuse programs before recycling, and ensuring recovered materials are channeled into creative, value-added applications, the study aims to transform recycling from a passive activity into an active, community-driven circular economy system.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to identify, design, and evaluate the most effective and sustainable strategies for integrating waste recycling into everyday life. The research will combine technological innovation, policy frameworks, and behavioral change approaches to create a recycling system that is efficient, accessible, and widely adopted. A core focus will be establishing partnerships between recycling programs and local upcycling businesses, enabling recovered materials to be transformed into new, value-added products within the community. By channeling recyclable materials into local creative and manufacturing enterprises, the study seeks to generate economic opportunities, reduce waste transportation emissions, and strengthen community engagement with sustainability. In addition, the framework will incorporate material-specific solutions, improved infrastructure models, and public awareness campaigns, with an emphasis on repair and reuse before recycling.
Research Questions
RQ1. What combination of technological tools, local policies, and behavioral strategies most effectively increases public participation in recycling programs that supply materials to local upcycling businesses?
RQ2. How can recycling and collection infrastructure be designed to ensure high-quality material recovery that meets the needs of local upcycling enterprises while remaining convenient and accessible to the public?
RQ3. What role do public awareness, education, and community engagement play in connecting household recycling habits with the success of local upcycling businesses?
RQ4. Which waste materials present the greatest challenges for both recycling and upcycling, and what innovative local solutions can address these barriers to create value-added products?
RQ5. How can recycling–upcycling partnerships be integrated into a broader circular economy framework to promote long-term environmental sustainability, local economic growth, and community resilience?
Expected Contribution
This research will provide both theoretical and practical contributions to waste management studies. It will identify effective integration points between technological systems, policy interventions, and behavioral strategies, while also applying Nudge Theory to drive measurable increases in recycling participation. The findings are expected to produce a scalable framework that can be adapted by municipalities, policy-makers, and environmental organizations to improve recycling systems nationwide. By focusing on tangible benefits, accessibility, and community engagement, the study will promote a cultural shift toward resource recovery and circular economy practices.
Research Tasks: literature review, data collection (interview and survey), review/editing paper
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: It would be perfect to have research experience for academic papers. Also, if students know how to operate NVivo software, it would be great (additional skill)
Mentoring Philosophy
My primary research area revolves around functional product development and wear performance, both of which are central to my product development research. My main mentoring goal is to provide mentees with innovative learning techniques and research experiences that nurture their growth into lifelong learners and successful leaders. To achieve this, my mentoring philosophy emphasizes being prepared, honest, and collaborative. For my mentees, I channel my efforts into honing my research skills and assessing my research performance by engaging in idea sharing, consulting with fellow professionals, and constantly refining my approach. I am dedicated to ensuring efficient learning for my mentees within the UPOP Research Mentor Project Program. To fulfill this objective, I will bring a positive attitude, unwavering commitment, and a focus on professional development, all of which are highly valued traits among mentees in the program. These attributes collectively equip me to be well-prepared for my research role. Outlined below are examples of my past and ongoing research endeavors, along with my future aspirations in the field of product development and sustainability. My research goals encompass:• Bridging the gap between well-designed academic findings and practical effectiveness in real-world usage, particularly within the domains of sportswear, functional clothing, and the fashion industry.
• Crafting functional products like sportswear, gloves, and protective clothing tailored for disabled and elderly individuals, athletes, and workers exposed to hazardous environments.
• Exploring and evaluating various materials to design wearable products.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://www.linkedin.com/in/changhyun-lyon-nam-ph-d-aa23278b/Considering historical sundown towns in the modern context
Racial exclusion, segregation, prejudice, hate crimes, communities, history
Research Mentor: Brendan Lantz,
Department, College, Affiliation: Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Contact Email: blantz@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): First name Jack Mills
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: jmills4@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Contact Email: blantz@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): First name Jack Mills
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: jmills4@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 6
Relevant Majors: All are welcome to apply - emphasis on criminology, sociology, history, other social sciences
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 6
Relevant Majors: All are welcome to apply - emphasis on criminology, sociology, history, other social sciences
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
This project examines communities identified by James Loewen as "sundown towns," communities wherein non-White people were not allowed to live, nor often even be seen. While Loewen's work offers a strong historical analysis of these communities, less is known about those communities today. In our project, we explore—through open-source searching methods—intergroup violence and prejudice, including evidence of hate crimes, non-violent prejudice, and segregation in these places. Our research team uses Discord for co-working, Q&A's, and meetings.Research Tasks: Data collection
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Media literacy is expected. All other skills, including knowledge about Google/Microsoft Suite packages are recommended and not required.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentor philosophy is centered on community building. I believe any kind of success is fostered, principally, by a supportive environment and a sense of belonging. As such, my goal is to create a space where ideas can be freely exchanged and any challenges that appear can be met with collective problem-solving. I prioritize open communication, empathy, and mutual respect.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Conservation implications of novel mutations in a federally endangered plant
ecology, evolution, conservation, biology, botany, fitness
Research Mentor: Mr. Josh Rowe, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: FSU Department of Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: jbr22f@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: FSU Department of Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: jbr22f@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: Biological Science and Environmental Science (or those interested in Botanical Science, Conservation Biology, or related majors)
Project Location: Working primarily in King Life Sciences Building but field site is Torreya State Park in Bristol, Florida.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Biological Science and Environmental Science (or those interested in Botanical Science, Conservation Biology, or related majors)
Project Location: Working primarily in King Life Sciences Building but field site is Torreya State Park in Bristol, Florida.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98536005503 - Day: Wednesday, September 3
Start Time: 3:30
End Time: 4:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98776019723 - Day: Thursday, September 4
Start Time: 5:00
End Time: 5:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96806195221
Project Description
This project, developed in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, investigates the causes of low reproductive rates in the federally endangered mint, Apalachicola rosemary (Conradina glabra). This species has evolved unusual floral mutations that may influence its ability to persist despite habitat loss and other threats. By combining seed set data, pollination experiments, germination experiments, and mutation surveys, this research seeks to identify the ecological and genetic factors shaping its reproductive health. The findings will guide conservation strategies for C. glabra and offer broader insights into managing endangered plant species.Research Tasks: Students will gain experience in literature reviews, lab work, data analysis, and field research. Activities may include:
- Dissecting and cataloguing seeds
- Performing digital image analyses
- Preparing and maintaining germination experiments
- Co-developing and conducting pollination studies
- Assisting with mutation and population field surveys
Because much about this species remains unknown, projects could also branch into related intersectional topics such as parasitism, fire ecology, or ant behavior, depending on student interests.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Willingness to learn, time management, attention to detail, communication, adaptability
Recommended: Basic scientific literacy, basic statistics, familiarity with plant terminology, basic fieldwork experience
Mentoring Philosophy
My research interests and approaches to mentoring are informed by my diverse background as a wildland firefighter, Everglades restoration coordinator, and wildlife biologist. In my experience:1) The best working relationships are built on clear communication and mutual respect.
2) All complex skills are learnable with patience, practice, and guidance.
3) Ownership of your work builds confidence and competence.
4) Mistakes are opportunities to refine methods and strengthen understanding.
5) Different backgrounds and perspectives lead to better problem-solving and more creative solutions.
Additional Information
I hope to work with a student who is interested in continuing beyond UROP for Directed Individual Study (DIS) credits. Extended involvement offers substantial benefits: in-depth research experience, exemption from Experimental Biology Lab (BSC 3402L), opportunities to present at conferences, and potential co-authorship on publications. These experiences are especially valuable for students considering graduate school or careers in academic research, endangered species conservation, and/or environmental protection.Link to Publications
Interested in learning more about Apalachicola rosemary? Check out US Fish and Wildlife's most recent assessment: https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/tess/species_nonpublish/3667.pdfTribology of PTFE Composites
wear, friction, PTFE
Research Mentor: Catherine Fidd, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: cf22k@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: cf22k@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: AME Building- 2003 Levy Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Bus Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all Majors
Project Location: AME Building- 2003 Levy Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Bus Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 3:30
End Time: 5:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92219172548 - Day: Thursday, September 4
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92219172548
Project Description
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a popular polymer for tribological applications due to it's remarkably low coefficient of friction. Unfortunately, it's high wear rate limits many of its applications. To combat this issue, composites of PTFE filled with microparticles or polymer blends have been created to reduce the wear rate with minimal impacts on frictional properties. This project is centered around creating PTFE composites and testing their friction and wear capabilities in various environmental conditions on an in-house made tribometer. Additionally, characterization of the polymer composites with be performed with electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, and other characterization methods to determine the mechanism for the observed friction and wear properties in the polymer.Research Tasks: -Polymer manufacturing
-Surface energy measurements using contact angle
-Post-processing of sample (sintering)
-Machining of manufactured polymer into testable samples
-Testing of sample on tribometer, data collection
-Data processing in MATLAB
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: -MATLAB (recommended)
-Calculus
-Machining (recommended)
-Understanding of basic mechanics, especially friction
*all skills necessary for this project will be taught
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy revolves around fostering independence while providing support and guidance. In the context of polymer processing and mechanical testing, my approach emphasizes empowering students to take ownership of their project, starting with foundational training and evolving into self-directed work. I believe in the ultimate goal of developing critical thinking skills through data processing and analysis. I encourage students to delve deeply into relevant literature, linking past research with their experimental results. By maintaining open lines of communication, I aim to create an environment where questions are welcomed, and curiosity is nurtured. Our lab has a multi-tiered mentoring structure, where the student will be able to talk to both the graduate student and faculty advisor regarding the project. My role is to guide and support, helping students navigate challenges and refine their understanding, ultimately leading to a more profound grasp of both the theoretical and practical aspects of their project.Additional Information
This project has some work that can be conducted on main campus as well.Link to Publications
https://web1.eng.famu.fsu.edu/~bkrick/A multiphase project to improve use of responsive feeding among vulnerable mother-infant dyads
infant feeding, qualitative research, maternal-child home visiting programs
Research Mentor: Dr. Jessica Bahorski,
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, College of Nursing, Nursing
Contact Email: jbahorski@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, College of Nursing, Nursing
Contact Email: jbahorski@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: nursing, medicine, psychology, interdisciplinary medical sciences, child health and development, nutrition - could be others but these come to mind.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: nursing, medicine, psychology, interdisciplinary medical sciences, child health and development, nutrition - could be others but these come to mind.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Infant feeding practices include both what infants are fed and how infants are fed.1-3 Breastfeeding for longer durations, the introduction of complementary foods after 4 months of age, and responsive feeding contribute to healthy infant growth.2,4,5 Healthy infant growth is associated with healthy weight later in childhood.6,7 Responsive feeding occurs when a caregiver learns, recognizes, and responds promptly and appropriately to the infant’s cues of hunger and satiation.8 Theory posits that responsive feeding promotes awareness of internal cues for the infant, and thus, self-regulation that contributes to healthy eating and weight trajectories across developmental stages. Interventions to promote responsive feeding in mother-infant dyads have proven successful in promoting responsive feeding,9,10 healthy infant weight gain,10,11 and infant eating behaviors.12-14 Prior work supports that mothers who breastfeed are more likely to engage in responsive feeding.15,16 A novel premise of the current proposal (Aim 1) is that a bidirectional association between breastfeeding and responsive feeding may exist (Figure 1). The latter finding would support the value of training mothers in responsive feeding techniques to increase the likelihood and duration of breastfeeding.The Candidate and her team developed an individualized responsive feeding intervention, Learning Early Infant Feeding Cues (LEIFc). LEIFc comprises brief videos, written material, and face-to-face coaching sessions guided by a validated coaching approach called SS-OO-PP-RR (or “super,” Setting the Stage, Observation and Opportunities to Embed, Problem Solving and Planning, Reflection and Review).17 A feasibility and fidelity study of the LEIFc intervention is complete. The proposed study aimed to understand needs of mothers enrolled in government funded maternal-child home visiting programs (Early Head Start, Healthy Start) related to infant feeding. Additionally, input from the maternal-child home visiting program personnel was also sough. Interviews were conducted with mothers and home visiting personnel staff. The data need to be analyzed.
Research Tasks: qualitative data analysis, assistance with intervention refinement, literature review
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required - ability to conduct literature searchers, use of word and excel, will need to complete CITI training
Recommended - ability to navigate in Teams
Will teach qualitative analysis techniques
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe that individuals learn by doing thus my mentoring philosophy is to coach students in learning new tasks then allowing them to complete the tasks. I provide a lot of resources for which I expect the student to review and then we can discuss any questions or gaps that remain. Although this project can be completed from afar, I believe face-to-face meetings enhance engagement between mentor and mentee.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33358252/; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36853761/Coral fossil geochemistry in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
coral geochemistry, climate science, carbon dating
Research Mentor: Neda Mobasher, she/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: nam22e@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: nam22e@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: chemistry, geology, meteorology, environmental science, environmental science and policy, biology, mathematics, geography
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: chemistry, geology, meteorology, environmental science, environmental science and policy, biology, mathematics, geography
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
The eastern and central Pacific are the key action sites for monitoring ENSO activity in the tropical Pacific. Scleractinian ("stony") corals fossils (up to 5,000 years old) are deposited along the shores of islands and coral atolls in the central and eastern Pacific and collected for paleoclimate reconstruction due to their distinct geochemical signals that can tract past changes in oceanographic conditions (e.g. sea surface temperature (SST), salinity, etc). However, there many questions surrouding the coral geochemistry and paleoclimatology of the tropical Pacific. A couple of these questions include: 1) how has climate variability changed in the past 5,000 years? 2) What do past differences in climate variability in the eastern versus central pacific look like?Interested students will assist graduate research assistants in studying how the tropical Pacific Ocean has been changing from the mid- to late Holocene using the geochemistry of coral skeletons as a natural archive of ocean temperature and hydrology. The student will work in a laboratory setting collecting and analyzing geochemical data in fossil corals from Kiritimati, Kiribati and the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Specifically, the student will assist in preparing samples for radiocarbon dating, drilling coral skeletons for geochemical analysis, assisting with geochemical experiments, and assisting graduate students with general laboratory tasks.
Research Tasks: Tasks may include literature and data review, drilling and imaging coral samples, preparing coral samples for radiocarbon age dating, using various analytical instrumentations, microscope work, and assisting graduate students in a variety of tasks.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: strong attention to detail - required
strong work ethic - required
great communication skills - required
Mentoring Philosophy
I see mentoring as a web, where everyone is entitled to and encouraged to have multiple mentors that will fit various needs. As a mentor, I seek to aid a mentee in their development as a researcher and individual to display their progress in a positive light and will aid the student in their future aspirations and ambitions towards pursuing their individual goals. I will discuss information with the mentee in an honest and direct manner.Additional Information
Interested students should email both the Graduate Student and Faculty Advisor for more information.Link to Publications
https://alyssaatwood.weebly.com/Comparing phosphorus content of coastal wetland soils in north, central, and south Florida
wetlands, soils, environmental chemistry
Research Mentor: Dr. Dr. Josh Breithaupt,
Department, College, Affiliation: FSU Coastal & Marine Laboratory, N/A
Contact Email: jbreithaupt@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: FSU Coastal & Marine Laboratory, N/A
Contact Email: jbreithaupt@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: Environmental Science, Biology (Ecology emphasis), Geography, Chemistry (Environmental emphasis)
Project Location: 3618 US-98, St Teresa, FL 32358 (approximately a 1-hour drive south of campus)
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10 (not including drive time), During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Environmental Science, Biology (Ecology emphasis), Geography, Chemistry (Environmental emphasis)
Project Location: 3618 US-98, St Teresa, FL 32358 (approximately a 1-hour drive south of campus)
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10 (not including drive time), During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Phosphorus is an important limiting element that influences primary production in all ecosystems. In Florida, phosphorus limitation in coastal wetlands generally decreases from north to south with the increase in carbonate sediments in south Florida. For this project, I am looking for 1-2 research assistants to investigate phosphorus content of soil cores that have been collected from wetlands in Apalachicola Bay (north Florida), Tampa Bay (central Florida) and Naples bay (south Florida). The student(s) will have the opportunity to learn about Florida coastal wetlands including possible involvement in field work (depending on class schedules and availability).Research Tasks: Research tasks will primarily consist of laboratory analysis of total phosphorus content of soil samples. The work consists of four primary steps for which training will be provided. These steps include: 1) weighing and combustion of samples, 2) acid digestion, 3) reagent preparation and instrumental analysis, and 4) data analysis.
Because this work is time-consuming, candidates should only apply if they are able to be present at the Marine Lab for 1-2 large blocks of time each week, preferably at least 4+ hours. Work needs to be completed during regular business hours (8-5, M-F).
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: The research assistant should have a general knowledge of environmental science, marine science, ecology, or physical geography as demonstrated by completion of such coursework in high school or college. Applicants should have strong attention to detail, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for contributing to a supportive and productive lab environment. The student will need reliable transportation to the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory (1 hour drive south of Tallahassee), though sometimes there are opportunities for carpooling.
Mentoring Philosophy
There are four key ideas I focus on in my mentoring approach. First, I’ve learned the importance of setting and maintaining high expectations. I expect you to work hard, do excellent work, and exceed your own expectations for what you are capable of. Second: mistakes happen and they provide great learning opportunities; we’ll acknowledge mistakes and talk about ways to avoid them, but we’ll also focus on the extraordinary and clever things you’re doing to advance the research. Third, I want to meet regularly and I want you to set the agenda and run the meeting rather depending on me. It’s important for your skills as a researcher to take time to develop and articulate your questions and ideas for which I can give guidance and feedback. Fourth, if you’re looking forward to a career in science you must become a good writer and the only way that will happen is with practice. We’ll work on writing in several ways throughout the course of the research project. Students who indicate a level of interest, effort, and aptitude may have the opportunity to participate as co-authors on scientific publications stemming from this research.Additional Information
The best way to communicate with me is via email. I will respond to all emails generally within a few hours, and expect students to respond within 24 hours.We will meet weekly at the FSU Coastal & Marine Lab and discuss progress and project schedules during weekly lab work.
I would like the student to update me weekly about upcoming deadlines and projects in the UROP classrooms. Specifically, I would like to be involved as early as possible in discussing UROP project tasks including development of hypothesis, methods, Abstracts, reference lists etc.