UROP Project
Social Cognitive Processing of Gratitude Expressions
gratitude, gratitude expressions, selective memory, social perceptions, social cognition, social psychology, personality psychology
Research Mentor: Julia Lombard, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: jlombard@psy.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Dr. Irmak Olcaysoy Okten
Faculty Collaborators Email: io22c@fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Psychology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: jlombard@psy.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Dr. Irmak Olcaysoy Okten
Faculty Collaborators Email: io22c@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Psychology, but I am open to other majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 9, 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: Psychology, but I am open to other majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 9, 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: 2:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97361116184
Project Description
This study explores how people respond to expressions of gratitude in relationship formation contexts. First, we’re interested in whether people remember more about someone who expresses gratitude, such as by saying “thank you,” compared to someone who remains neutral. We predict that people will perceive those who express gratitude more positively and will be more likely to want to interact with them in social situations. We will also investigate how personality traits affect how people think about and remember grateful versus neutral individuals. Overall, this study examines social cognitions (e.g., memory, attitudes, perceptions, and social preferences) for grateful as opposed to neutral people.Research Tasks: Data collection: Facilitating in-person data collection in the laboratory by helping to schedule participants, greeting participants respectfully when they arrive, guiding participants through research tasks, and granting research credits when appropriate.
Qualitative analysis: Using a coding scheme (a written guide for scoring content) to analyze written responses collected from participants' data.
Literature review: Helping to review relevant literature and generating citations in APA 7th edition format.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Experience using Excel
Recommended (but not required): Experience with APA 7th format
Mentoring Philosophy
Julia Lombard’s mentorship philosophy centers on cultivating a safe and inclusive environment where mentees can freely explore their interests, engage in respectful collaboration, and grow through challenging experiences. In her work, she actively welcomes diverse insights and values perspectives from all walks of life. By guiding students in setting clear goals and encouraging thoughtful questions and interdisciplinary thinking, Julia strives to fuel intellectual curiosity, foster critical reflection, and develop lifelong organizational skills. Her mentorship style emphasizes open and frequent communication, aiming to ensure mentees feel supported in voicing concerns, sharing their viewpoints, and seeking guidance.Additional Information
Link to Publications
Toys for Animals: Documenting and Assessing Animal Enrichment in Coordination with Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
animals,enrichment,welfare,toys,jacksonville,zoo
Research Mentor: Prof. Rob Duarte, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Art, Fine Arts
Contact Email: rduarte@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Art, Fine Arts
Contact Email: rduarte@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: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, 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: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Toys for Animals is a long-running project of Handshouse Studio in Norwell, Massachusetts. I am a long-time collaborator with this organization that focuses on hands-on experiential research and learning. In the Fall of 2025, I am beginning a collaboration with the Jacksonville Zoo to develop animal enrichment objects to contribute to research being conducted at the zoo. A Fall course in the Department of Art will have students from a variety of majors work to conduct research, develop ideas for enrichment objects, present those ideas to the zoo, and construct the finished products. While part of the course will involve documenting and assessing the success of the enrichment objects, this part of the process is one that will require continued work beyond the Fall semester. The UROP student researcher assigned to this project will be able to contribute to the collaborative project in the Fall and continue to document and assess its success, in coordination with researchers at the zoo, in the Spring semester.Research Tasks: Collaborate with student researchers on the development/construction of enrichment objects and document the design process; Remotely observe animals' usage of the enrichment objects; Communicate with zoo researchers to collect data; Organize and store data for future research; Visiting the zoo to observe animals or communicate in-person with researchers may be possible.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Interest in the welfare of animals under human care (required); Ability to communicate with subject matter experts in email and in-person (required); Organizational, note-taking, and basic computer skills (required); Interest in participating in the hands-on, collaborative work of designing and constructing the animal enrichment objects (recommended)
Mentoring Philosophy
My main interest in mentoring student researchers is to provide them with opportunities to do important, real-world, hands-on work on a project that they are excited about. I am an artist who is interested contributing to the research that incorporates universal design / design for all. As such, I am excited about research in which I work directly with subject matter experts. This often puts me and the students that I mentor in the position of sharing the experience of learning in real-time and finding the places where we can become important contributors using our own developing skills and experiences. These goals mirror the kinds of unique, meaningful learning opportunities that I was afforded in my time as a student and my goal is to create those same types of opportunities for students that I work with. Finally, it is very important to me that students are recognized and credited for their work, so they can use the research they've done to help propel them forward to even bigger and more meaningful work in future.Additional Information
Students are encouraged, but not required, to attend some of the meetings of the ART3920C Interspecies Sculpture Studio: Toys for Animals course this Fall. They are also welcome to join our trip to the Zoo near the end of the Fall semester.Link to Publications
https://www.handshouse.org/work#/toys-for-animals/Empowering Individuals to Source and Make from Secondhand Materials via Visual-Language Models
Visual-language models, AI-assisted making, Object recognition, Upcycling, Human-AI collaboration, Sustainable design
Research Mentor: Te-Yen Wu,
Department, College, Affiliation: Computer Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: teyen.wu@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: teyen.wu@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Computer Science, Civil Engineering
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Computer Science, Civil Engineering
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
This project explores how AI can help people creatively reuse secondhand materials. Using visual-language models, we aim to build a system that can identify discarded materials, suggest ways to repurpose them, and guide users step by step to make functional or creative objects.As an undergraduate researcher, you’ll help develop AI tools, test material and defect recognition, and explore how people interact with AI-guided making. This is a hands-on opportunity to combine AI, design, and sustainability, while learning how technology can support creative problem-solving with everyday materials.
Research Tasks: 1. Collect and document secondhand materials (photos, dimensions, conditions).
2. Test and evaluate visual-language models for material recognition.
3. Generate and refine AI-guided instructions for making projects.
4. Conduct user studies to observe how people interact with AI-guided making tools.
5. Assist in designing simple prototypes using repurposed materials.
6. Analyze data and summarize results in reports or presentations.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: 1. Basic programming (Python preferred)
2. Familiarity with AI/ML concepts (especially computer vision or NLP)
3. Hands-on fabrication or DIY skills
4. Creativity and problem-solving for repurposing materials
5. Communication and teamwork for collaborative research
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is to cultivate students' passion, critical thinking, and self-learning capabilities in interdisciplinary research, and foster an inclusive, collaborative, and interactive environment where students can work and learn from each other, and enjoy the process of discovery and innovation. Throughout my career, I have mentored over 10 graduate students and 20 undergraduate students in interdisciplinary research. Most of them were capable of developing their passion, critical thinking, and research skills, eventually publishing papers in top conferences. Many of these students have gone on to pursue PhDs at prestigious universities, such as the University of Toronto, the University of Michigan, and Carnegie Mellon University, becoming independent researchers.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://teyenwu.comComparing Marsh and Forest Soil Nutrients in the Apalachicola River Delta
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): Ms. Simone Schuster She/her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: sschuster@bio.fsu.edu
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): Ms. Simone Schuster She/her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: sschuster@bio.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
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 FSU main campus)
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 , During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
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 FSU main campus)
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 , During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
The Apalachicola River Delta (ARD) is a river delta with tidal influence, affecting the hydrology and geomorphology of the wetland ecosystems. The ARD is the largest river delta in the state of Florida and is affected by nutrient loading upstream from Georgia and Alabama. Soil is an important part of the wetland ecosystem and can tell a lot about the general state of the river delta. A research assistant will be joining this project to complete a day of field work to collect samples (tentatively scheduled for all day on October 10) followed by laboratory analyses of soil physical and chemical properties to investigate differences in nutrient storage between marsh and forest wetlands of the ARD.Research Tasks: - Join us on a day of rigorous field work to collect samples and data.
- Conduct lab work preparing and analyzing soil samples for physical and chemical analysis.
- Conduct a brief literature review to understand the history and existing knowledge of the region.
- Learn good data management and analysis practices working with data in Microsoft Excel and R.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: REQUIRED
- Interest in Florida’s natural ecosystems
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Be able and willing to work in wetlands carrying equipment and collecting soil cores. The locations are beautiful, but you will get wet and very muddy.
- Aptitude and willingness to learn scientific reading and writing skills.
- Prior knowledge of Microsoft suite.
- Available to work at the Coastal & Marine Lab on Mondays or Wednesdays.
RECOMMENDED
- Ideally, applicants will be available for a full day of field work on Friday October 10th, but this is not a requirement.
- Having some experience with R studio.
- Having some statistics experience.
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.
Link to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=j8OcRBgAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdatePatterns of Voter Participation in American Local Elections
American Politics, Local Elections, Public Policy, Statistical Analysis, Data Analytics
Research Mentor: Yimeng Li,
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Political Science and LeRoy Collins Institute, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: yimeng.li@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Political Science and LeRoy Collins Institute, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: yimeng.li@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: political science, economics, statistics, or related majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: political science, economics, statistics, or related majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Voter participation in American local elections has long been a concern of academics and reformers, with participation rates significantly lower than in state and federal elections. In this project, we seek to study the patterns of voter participation in American local elections. In particular, this research project focuses on three questions: (1) What are the rates of voter participation for different local offices? (2) What is the relationship between jurisdiction characteristics (such as demographic composition) and local election participation? (3) What is the relationship between ballot characteristics (such as ballot length) and voter engagement in local elections?This research project involves processing data on election data and demographic information from different jurisdictions across the U.S., conducting statistical analysis with processed data, and generating tables and figures for result visualization.
Research Tasks: This research project includes the following tasks: (1) literature review, (2) data processing, (3) statistical analysis, and (4) creating tables and figures.
(1) Literature review: Research assistants will read and summarize a few academic articles on political participation and local elections to have a better understanding of this research project.
(2) Data processing: Research assistants will learn how to use R or Python for standard data handling under the guidance of the mentor. Research assistants will then use these skills to process election data and demographic information from different jurisdictions across the U.S. into a usable format for subsequent analysis.
(3) Statistical analysis: Research assistants will calculate voter participation rates in local elections in different jurisdictions across the U.S. Research assistants will then conduct statistical analyses to determine the association between participation rates and jurisdiction characteristics. Steps involved include generating summary statistics, conducting data visualization, and running regression analyses.
(4) Creating tables and figures: In this final step, research assistants will create tables and figures to show the results from the statistical analysis. These tables and figures will be included in the poster presentation at the UROP symposium.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Proficiency with Microsoft Excel is preferred. Willingness to learn statistical software (R or Python) under the guidance of the mentor is required. Attention to detail is critical to this project.
Preferences will be given to students with a strong interest in academic research and strong academic records, as evidenced in their CVs.
Mentoring Philosophy
Every mentee is different. I will identify each mentee's goals, aspirations, and existing knowledge. I will try to help mentees achieve their goals and aspirations through the mentoring process. I will accommodate the assigned work schedule that fits the mentee's other classes and activities and will not assign work during Thanksgiving or finals.Communication is key. I will establish clear expectations with the mentee at the beginning of the mentorship. I will maintain weekly meetings to discuss progress and challenges encountered, and will promptly respond to emails throughout the mentoring process and beyond.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://yimeng-li.com/all_research/Exploring the Impact of Social Justice Research Projects Conducted by Emerging Scholars
Social justice, educational research, educational psychology, community-engaged research, social-emotional learning, culturally-responsive practices
Research Mentor: Betsy Staudt Willet, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: PURPOSE Research Training Fellowship, Anne's College Office of Research, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: betsy.staudtwillet@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Jeannine Turner she/her
Faculty Collaborators Email: jeturner@fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: PURPOSE Research Training Fellowship, Anne's College Office of Research, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: betsy.staudtwillet@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Jeannine Turner she/her
Faculty Collaborators Email: jeturner@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors. Interest in service-learning, social justice, or educational inequities preferred
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors. Interest in service-learning, social justice, or educational inequities preferred
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96269507681
Project Description
For eight years, students at FAMU and FSU have participated in the PURPOSE Research Training Fellowship and conducted their first independent research projects in education and psychology. This UROP project will analyze the fellowship products, focusing on the research posters created and presented by the PURPOSE fellows. The PURPOSE leadership team has a good understanding of what the students learn from the fellowship experience and how it relates to their graduate school progress, but we haven't explored the scope and impact of the students' research. We want to understand the research output from PURPOSE, what our students are motivated to study, and the various ways the student research has touched the real world: How many classrooms have been involved? How many summer campers have been served by PURPOSE students? What types of educational problems are emerging scholars excited to study? Join this UROP team to study the themes of the PURPOSE research projects, the range of educational settings we served, and the types of educational and psychological studies conducted. This project will be a mix of numbers work and thematic analysis.Research Tasks: 1) Literature review: read about the PURPOSE Research Training Fellowship and similar programs, read about artifact/product analysis and procedures
2) Co-create product analysis research procedures for PURPOSE
3) Data analysis: cataloging products, documenting product features, compiling categories, analyzing themes within and across categories, documenting differences between the different fellowship cohorts.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Communicate and coordinate through email (required)
Basic cloud document skills (OneDrive or Google Drive) (required)
Ability to take initiative and ask questions (required)
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is to provide an experience that is comfortable enough for you to see through to the end and challenging enough that you will grow in skills, knowledge, and confidence. I cultivate a relationship with my mentees, seeking to understand them and their goals on their own terms. I have a collaborative, strengths-based approach - I like to adapt plans according to my team members' interests, cultures, and needs. Being adaptive and responsive means I communicate regularly and with clarity about expectations. In my experience, being attentive to the learning and development process enables progress toward project goals. While healthy mentorship relationships take time, they are worthwhile and more productive, leading to personal/professional growth and project completion.Additional Information
This project will have applications beyond academic research: 1) add to the PURPOSE line of research, 2) support funding and grant requests, and 3) contribute to the design of new training programs.Link to Publications
https://purposetraining.create.fsu.edu/Development of Optical Diagnostics for High-Speed Aerodynamics
Optical Diagnostics Hypersonic Supersonic Aerodynamics
Research Mentor: Dr. Alexandre Berger,
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: aberger2@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: aberger2@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: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Project Location: Engineering campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU shuttle Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Project Location: Engineering campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU shuttle Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 1:00
End Time: 1:30
Zoom Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDA2ZjJhNGUtZjc1Yi00NjEzLWJkM2QtZTA0ZjAwZGQyNWU0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a36450eb-db06-42a7-8d1b-026719f701e3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22de0da904-31d8-4897-9341-135e029a2b14%22%7d - Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 1:30
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDA2ZjJhNGUtZjc1Yi00NjEzLWJkM2QtZTA0ZjAwZGQyNWU0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a36450eb-db06-42a7-8d1b-026719f701e3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22de0da904-31d8-4897-9341-135e029a2b14%22%7d - Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 2:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDA2ZjJhNGUtZjc1Yi00NjEzLWJkM2QtZTA0ZjAwZGQyNWU0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a36450eb-db06-42a7-8d1b-026719f701e3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22de0da904-31d8-4897-9341-135e029a2b14%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_ZDA2ZjJhNGUtZjc1Yi00NjEzLWJkM2QtZTA0ZjAwZGQyNWU0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a36450eb-db06-42a7-8d1b-026719f701e3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22de0da904-31d8-4897-9341-135e029a2b14%22%7d
Project Description
This project aims to improve two advanced optical flow diagnostics — Self-Aligned Focusing Schlieren (SAFS) and Focused Laser Differential Interferometry (FLDI) — by testing and implementing larger diameter field lenses. The work will take place in the experimental aerodynamics laboratory and involve hands-on alignment, calibration, and testing of optical systems that use lasers to visualize and measure flow structures. The goal is to increase measurement sensitivity and field of view while maintaining system stability.Research Tasks: Assist with setup, alignment, and calibration of SAFS and FLDI optical systems.
Replace and test field lenses of various diameters, recording any changes in image quality and measurement sensitivity.
Collect optical data from controlled flow experiments and document test configurations.
Analyze image and signal data to compare system performance with different lens setups.
Maintain lab safety protocols when working with lasers and optical equipment.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Attention to detail, ability to follow laboratory safety procedures, willingness to work hands-on with optical equipment and lasers (training will be provided).
Recommended: Basic knowledge of optics or physics, experience with experimental setups, familiarity with data analysis software (MATLAB, Python, or similar).
Mentoring Philosophy
Initial communication will take place via email, with the potential for creating a Microsoft Teams group as needed. Timely communication is essential, and responses are expected within 24 hours at the latest, though quicker replies are encouraged.Weekly group meetings will be held with all UROP students working under Dr. Berger’s supervision on similar projects. While every week is the target, meetings may occasionally shift to a biweekly schedule under constrained circumstances. During these meetings, students are expected to present progress reports and establish objectives for the upcoming week.
Students are encouraged to reach out to their advisor via email or Teams if they require assistance.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
Using Pop Culture to Analyze Hidden Meaning in "Garbage Pail Kids" Trading Cards
Trading cards, Pop Culture, Toys, Content Analysis
Research Mentor: Richard Waters,
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Communication, Communication and Information
Contact Email: rdw22@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Eldaneka Rolle
Faculty Collaborators Email: etr22b@fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Communication, Communication and Information
Contact Email: rdw22@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Eldaneka Rolle
Faculty Collaborators Email: etr22b@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to anyone interested in communication, sociology, demography, political science, education, social work, marketing
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours per week, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to anyone interested in communication, sociology, demography, political science, education, social work, marketing
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours per week, 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: 12:30
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99935256931
Project Description
UROP participants will work under the guidance of the professor and graduate student to analyze what cultural and societal trends are represented in the 1980s "Garbage Pail Kids" trading cards. The directory of cards is located online (https://geepeekay.com/). Students will work with graduate students to develop questions that will be used to analyze the different cards throughout the full collection so that the graphic design and card portrayals can be analyzed.Research Tasks: Students will work with the professor and graduate student to create categories for the questions about the Garbage Pail Kids cards and then collect data from the online resource. If students wish to work on statistical analysis after the data has been collected, I'm more than happy to have them assist with data analysis. I want to ultimately pursue publishing the research in a journal when it's finished, so help with writing a literature review and discussion is also helpful.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Ability to think creatively when looking at an artistic presentation of the cards is recommended.
Mentoring Philosophy
I am looking to work with a FSU UROP student who wants to explore their creative side. Garbage Pail Kids cards are something that I grew up with in the 1980s and 1990s and now want to explore them to see what I didn't notice as a child. I want to work with someone who is curious about these artistic presentations to better understand the trends presented and then reflect on what these mean in greater society. I am fairly open to the working situation and can work remotely or in meetings when they're needed. I imagine an ideal mentor relationship is one where we work together and each offer ideas for the project. I don't want someone who is simply wanting to carry out my project. I want someone who is interested in exploring their own ideas.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Richard-Waters-2Psychedelic Law: Foreign, International, and Comparative Perspectives on Drug Control
drug policy, psychedelics, international law, United Nations, FDA
Research Mentor: Prof. Mason Marks, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: College of Law, Law
Contact Email: mmarks@law.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: College of Law, Law
Contact Email: mmarks@law.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors. Project may be particularly suitable for students interested in law, criminology, sociology, political science, chemistry, anthropology, etc. However, there is no requirement that students are pursuing these majors, and interdisciplinary perspectives are welcome.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully 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: 4
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors. Project may be particularly suitable for students interested in law, criminology, sociology, political science, chemistry, anthropology, etc. However, there is no requirement that students are pursuing these majors, and interdisciplinary perspectives are welcome.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully 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
Legal reforms regarding psychedelic substances have become a global phenomenon affecting nearly every continent. UROP students will complete at least one of the following projects: analyze the relevant legal reforms of a foreign country and make recommendations to improve them, analyze how a foreign country's psychedelic laws compare to those of the United States, or analyze the extent to which they comply with the international drug control system, which is administered by the United Nations from Vienna.Research Tasks: Literature review, data collection, literature summary, analysis and comparison of national and international legal frameworks. All students must attend a standing virtual research meeting that will occur every two weeks. The dates and time will be selected based on student and research mentor schedules.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Experience or skill conducting library research, experience or skill integrating information from different sources and summarizing that information, interest in learning about the legal systems of other countries and/or the United Nations system of international drug control, self-motivation and willingness to stay on schedule.
Recommended: Interest in federal law, international law, drug policy, psychedelic policy, healthcare, or traditional ceremonial use of psychedelic substances.
Mentoring Philosophy
As a research mentor, my goal is to help UROP students become confident, curious, and ethical researchers regardless of the undergraduate majors or careers they aim to pursue. I do this by (1) teaching the subject matter from first principles, (2) offering candid professional advice and opportunities, (3) encouraging interdisciplinary perspectives and methods, and (4) striving to tailor projects to each student’s interests, strengths, and goals. In addition to discussing their research projects with their mentor, UROP research students in my department will meet periodically as a cohort to learn from each other as their projects advance. My goal is to create an encouraging and supportive learning environment where students can do work they will be proud to share.Additional Information
FSU Profile: https://law.fsu.edu/faculty-staff/mason-marksLink to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=z2Jb7aoAAAAJ&hl=enExploring Philanthropy Goals of Entrepreneurs through the Smithsonian Institution's Giving Pledge Letters
Nonprofit, Philanthropy, Giving Back, Content Analysis
Research Mentor: Richard Waters,
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Communication, Communication and Information
Contact Email: rdw22@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Eldaneka Rolle
Faculty Collaborators Email: etr22b@fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Communication, Communication and Information
Contact Email: rdw22@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Eldaneka Rolle
Faculty Collaborators Email: etr22b@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Communication, social work, public administration, marketing but open to anyone interested in the project.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours per week, 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: Communication, social work, public administration, marketing but open to anyone interested in the project.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10 hours per week, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Thursday, September 4
Start Time: 12:30
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/watersfsu?omn=94699613417
Project Description
The Smithsonian Institution’s Giving Pledge Letter Exhibit is designed to share and preserve the personal letters written by philanthropists as part of the Giving Pledge — an initiative in which wealthy individuals commit to donating the majority of their wealth to charitable causes. This research will analyze these different pledge letters to look for the personal motivations, values, and stories behind these pledges to encourage a culture of giving. The archive of the Giving Pledge Letters is located online (https://amhistory.si.edu/giving-in-america/interactive/#!/lettersLanding).Research Tasks: Students will work with the professor to create coding categories and then collect data from the online resource. If students wish to work on statistical analysis after the data has been collected, I'm more than happy to have them assist with data analysis. I will pursue publishing this research in a journal, so students may also be asked to help with developing the literature review and discussion.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Interest in the nonprofit sector is helpful, but there are no required skills needed.