UROP Project
Harm reduction experiences of racially diverse men engaging in sexualized substance use
Substance use; HIV; sexual healt
Research Mentor: Prof. Artur Luz Nunes Queiroz, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Nursing
Contact Email: aal24g@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ms. Marie Compaore She/Her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: mc24cl@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Nursing
Contact Email: aal24g@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ms. Marie Compaore She/Her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: mc24cl@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Nursing, Psychology, Social Work
Project Location: Remote
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: 2
Relevant Majors: Nursing, Psychology, Social Work
Project Location: Remote
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
We are interested in investigating the personal and social contexts of chemsex practices and harm reduction measures within racially diverse Men who have sex with men. We use Photovoice, which is a type of participatory action research method that provides cameras to a group of individuals and asks them to record their experiences over time. Researchers subsequently interview participants regarding their perceptions and experiences, with the photographs used during the interview as catalysts for discussion. We are looking for research assistants interested in contributing to these research goals. The student will be responsible for working with an Assistant Professor, a Professional research assistant, or a graduate student, and assist in coordinating research activities.Research Tasks: Literature Review, recruitment, enrollment, data collection, data curation. Use of software, including RedCap, Microsoft Office, and Zoom, will be part of the project.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: The Research assistants need to effectively communicate findings, both written and verbal, to the research team and potentially others. Managing data, keeping records, and organizing research materials are important aspects of the role. Experience with literature reviews, data collection, and research methodologies is highly valuable.
Mentoring Philosophy
My purpose as a mentor is to help mentees reach their own goals or discover them if they are still uncertain, by creating an environment where they feel safe to explore ideas, take risks, and critically question the systems around them. Inspired by Paulo Freire’s vision of education as liberation, I believe mentorship must empower learners to become independent thinkers and agents of change. I aim to support mentees in building both their technical expertise and their capacity for reflection, empathy, and social responsibility.While I guide, challenge, and support my mentees, they inspire me with their curiosity, resilience, and diverse perspectives. Mentorship is essential because it not only advances individual careers but also shapes the values and practices of the next generation of scholars, thereby influencing the future of science, education, and society.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tvqn_ssAAAAJ&hl=pt-BRDefining Cultural Credibility: Consumer Perceptions of Authenticity in Brand Campaigns
Cultural identity, Branding, Advertising, Marketing
Research Mentor: Santiago Reyes,
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Communication and Information
Contact Email: sr20n@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Alessandra Noli Peschiera
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: anolipeschiera@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Communication and Information
Contact Email: sr20n@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Alessandra Noli Peschiera
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: anolipeschiera@fsu.edu
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: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
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: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
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
In an era where brands seek cultural alignment to build trust and relevance, cultural authenticity and “credibility” has become a key component of successful branding strategies. However, while brands often borrow from multicultural aesthetics, consumers are increasingly critical of inauthentic or performative representation. The study investigates the cues that signal authenticity such as storytelling, representation, and collaboration, and how audiences distinguish between cultural appreciation and appropriation. Drawing on theories of social identity, symbolic convergence, and reception, the project aims to uncover what makes a person or campaign feel genuinely representative, and how cultural icons are constructed and validated in the eyes of the consumer.Research Tasks: Literature review, data analysis, conducting focus groups
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: familiarity with field of study, qualitative data analysis
Required: Written communication, Attention to detail
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe in building a respectful, trusting relationship where mentees feel safe to learn, ask questions, and make mistakes. My approach focuses on understanding each person’s goals and strengths, encouraging ownership of their work, and providing guidance through shared experiences. I aim to inspire growth by offering both support and challenges, fostering the skills and confidence needed for long-term success.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=M5TkGkUAAAAJ&hl=enLearning to Spell: Understanding Children's Differences and Comparing Two Instructional Methods
spelling, reading, education, vocabulary, children
Research Mentor: Madison Kellenberger, she/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Special Education, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: mkellenberger@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Special Education, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: mkellenberger@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: Leon County Elementary Schools and FSU Main Campus Psychology Building
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-8 hours a 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 all majors
Project Location: Leon County Elementary Schools and FSU Main Campus Psychology Building
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-8 hours a week , Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Wednesday, September 3
Start Time: 4:00
End Time: 4:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/mgkellenberger - Day: Thursday, September 4
Start Time: 3:30
End Time: 4:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/mgkellenberger - Day: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 2:30
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/mgkellenberger
Project Description
The abilities to read and write are foundational skills upon which a child’s academic success or persistent difficulties rest (Anderson et al., 1985; National Research Council, 1998). The need for sufficient literacy skills extends far beyond one’s school years and has been linked to a person’s quality of life, including access to career opportunities and the ability to participate in the ever-changing Information Age (Anderson et al., 1985; National Research Council, 1998). According to the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)—the United States' biannual indicator of academic achievement —only about one-third of fourth graders in the United States are reading at proficient levels (National Center for Education Statistics, 2023).Learning to spell in English is even more complex than learning to read (Venezky, 1999). Translating spoken words into their correct spelling requires extensive exposure and experience, as many letters have multiple pronunciations and each of these pronunciations often has more than one spelling, creating what Venezky (1999) describes as a “spaghetti-like tangle” (p. 11). Thus, understanding the variability and quasi-regularity that underpin the English language is crucial for identifying which types of words present children with the greatest difficulty and how instruction can more effectively support their development. The present study examines how individual differences among third through fifth-grade students and the characteristics of specific multisyllabic words (i.e., words with more than one syllable such as delightful) influence spelling, reading, and vocabulary performance. Additionally, a pilot study will compare the efficacy of two research-informed spelling approaches: a commonly used method (i.e., Cover-Copy-Compare) and a theoretically motivated, researcher-designed explicit instructional approach (i.e., Explicit Instruction Utilizing Multiple Patterns).
Research Tasks: Data collection with children in elementary schools: administering literacy and literacy-related assessments to third through fifth grade students (training, practice, and scaffolded support on these assessments will be provided before working with children, no prior experience needed); scoring assessments, such as the Test of Word Reading Efficiency-Second Edition (TOWRE-2; Torgesen et al., 2012) and other literacy-related assessments; data entry in to REDCap data entry system.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Punctuality and reliability (timeliness is essential to working in elementary schools and our goal is to minimize classroom disruption during data collection); Some weekday availability during elementary school hours to help with in-person data collection (typically 8am-3pm if you could have a couple of hours together on at least two days a week); Attention to detail to ensure accurate data is collected; Responsiveness and communication for elementary school scheduling updates.
Recommended: Prior experience working with children in volunteer, educational, camp, or childcare settings is helpful but not necessary.
Mentoring Philosophy
Great mentors can change the trajectory of someone’s career and life. I view mentorship as a dynamic, reciprocal relationship founded on mutual respect, open communication, and shared learning. I value being a research mentor because research is a powerful tool for impact, innovation, deeper critical thinking, and building confidence.My goal is to help mentees gain meaningful experience while building academic and professional skills. I aim to combine structured guidance with scaffolded support, tailored to each mentee’s strengths, interests, and goals for each project. I set clear expectations and explain how each task relates to the broader research questions and current literacy research. I encourage students to ask questions, take responsibility for aspects of the research that interest them, and engage actively in the research process. I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can share ideas and develop new skills. Mentorship is fueled by mutual gratitude—I am continually inspired by the growth and support of my mentees.
Additional Information
Here is a link to the Roundtable and questions recorded on September 3rd: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nr0-STMqKyWisyo-ZQ1Yj5KJbPGQAuRS/view?usp=sharingIf you are interested in contributing to this research project, please email me at mkellenberger@fsu.edu or come to one of the UROP Research Mentor Roundtables. Thank you!
Link to Publications
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nr0-STMqKyWisyo-ZQ1Yj5KJbPGQAuRS/view?usp=sharingAI Memes and Political Bias
AI memes, memes, political bias
Research Mentor: Minhyung Jo,
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Information, Communication and Information
Contact Email: mj20bh@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Seul Lee
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: seul.lee@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Don Latham
Faculty Collaborators Email: Don.Latham@cci.fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Information, Communication and Information
Contact Email: mj20bh@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Seul Lee
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: seul.lee@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Don Latham
Faculty Collaborators Email: Don.Latham@cci.fsu.edu
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: 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
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: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/minhyungjo?omn=91227092518 - Day: Thursday, September 4
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/minhyungjo?omn=91227092518 - Day: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: (Recording) https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/MIPA6yFw0bSdJ0FGP447p-SuwefVDkuScqzXiWm37mIxTij0IzPWeUpvUxAAV5_i.vBaG1kpQBapue0Ro
Project Description
As AI has rapidly diffused across everyday applications, it is increasingly being used to generate memes. Compared to manual production, AI can create memes much faster and with less effort by drawing on vast online corpora; as a result, AI‑generated memes have grown in popularity. However, AI meme generation can also yield outcomes that users do not anticipate. This risk is especially salient for political memes: generators may produce content that conflicts with a user’s own ideological leanings, and persistent exposure to one‑sided or biased outputs could shape users’ political attitudes and values. Although algorithmic bias in AI has been widely discussed, it remains underexamined in the specific context of meme production. To address this gap, this study will repeatedly generate political memes using four AI meme generators and analyze whether—and in what ways—their outputs exhibit systematic political or ideological bias.Research Objectives
1) Compare outputs across AI meme generators given the same political prompts: Do the resulting memes skew toward a particular ideological position, or do they reflect a plurality of perspectives?
2) Identify the content elements and formal features (e.g., themes, framings, templates, caption–image pairings) the generators use to express or cue political orientation.
Research Tasks: 1) Data collection: Collecting data from AI meme generators
2) Qualitative content analysis: Open coding and analyzing the outcomes
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: 1) Having an interest in the research and scholarly publication process.
2) Reliable, timely communication and consistent attendance at scheduled meetings.
3) This project does not require specialized technical skills for data collection or analysis: Training on the open‑coding procedures will be provided in preliminary meetings using several examples.
Mentoring Philosophy
My approach to mentoring is to build a collegial partnership that advances shared research goals while supporting each mentee’s growth and well‑being.1) Mutual respect & shared accountability: I aim to move beyond a mentor–mentee dynamic to a collaborative relationship grounded in respect. Roles and expectations will be clearly defined, responsibilities will be upheld, and we will work toward common objectives as a team.
2) Psychologically safe research environment: I strive to create an open, welcoming space where mentees can voice ideas and concerns comfortably. I provide timely, constructive feedback; treat mistakes as opportunities for learning; and offer concrete strategies for preventing and addressing errors.
3) Culturally responsive support: I recognize and respect each mentee’s sociocultural background and tailor guidance to their goals and values. I support their professional development with resources, encouragement, and equitable standards that help them achieve their aims.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
Combating Lake Eutrophication by Using Moringa F-Sand to Remove Nutrient and Bacteria
Lake Munson, Lake Jackson, Moringa F-sand, Adsorption, Sandbags
Research Mentor: Dr. Ming Ye, He/Him/His
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mye@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. John Stainbrook He/Him/His
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: johnstainbrook1@gmail.com
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mye@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. John Stainbrook He/Him/His
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: johnstainbrook1@gmail.com
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Environmental science, environmental engineering, biology, chemistry, or chemical engineering
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 hours a 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: 3
Relevant Majors: Environmental science, environmental engineering, biology, chemistry, or chemical engineering
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 hours a week, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Wednesday, September 3
Start Time: 2:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96156997711 - Day: Wednesday, September 3
Start Time: 2:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94146212371
Project Description
We have a project funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to work on Lake Munson located in south Tallahassee. The lake has been experiencing a number of environmental problems such as harmful algal blooms (HABs), and the recent one occurred in 2022. There has been several lake management efforts, and the latest one was lake drawdown, which emptied the lake from November 1, 2022 to May 17, 2024. The drawdown may help mitigate algal blooms by disrupting the life cycle of the organisms. During the drawdown, nutrient-rich sediments can be de-watered, compacted, and oxidized to from a hardened crust over the lake bottom. Our project is to explore another way to combat lake eutrophication. We will use so called moringa f-sand to remove nitrate, phosphate, and bacteria. The project will involve making moringa f-sand in lab, deploying the moringa f-sand in the lake and lake’s inflow and outflow, and monitoring reduction efficiency of nitrate, phosphate, and bacteria.Research Tasks: The UROP students will be involved in three research tasks as follows: (1) develop moringa f-sand in lab, (2) deploy moringa f-sand in Lake Munson, and (3) collect water samples and measure the concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and bacteria (mainly E. Coli) in lab. The nitrate and phosphate concentrations will be measured by using an ion chromatography, and the bacteria concentrations will be measured by using a microscope or a fluorometer. The three tasks are independent to each other, and a student can be involved in either one or multiple tasks.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Laboratory skills of biology and inorganic chemistry are needed for Tasks 1 and 3 for making Moringa f-sand and for lab measurements, respectively. Field skills will be needed for Task 2, and this task can be labor intensive to deploy sandbags in the lake.
Mentoring Philosophy
The role of the mentor is to teach UROP students fishing rather than give them fish. The project will help student first have a sense of scientific research and then practice how to do research with assistance from the mentor and the mentor’s graduate students. The ultimate goal is to train students how to do critical thinking and independent research. The students will also work as a team with graduate students and post-docs to develop team-work skills.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://atmos.eoas.fsu.edu/~mye/FDEP_F_Sands.phpOntologies for Model Interoperation in Systems Engineering
Ontology, MBSE, Semantic Interoperability, SysML, RDF, OWL
Research Mentor: Mr Matthew Bosworth,
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Advanced Power Systems, N/A
Contact Email: matt@caps.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. David Gross
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: dcgross@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Advanced Power Systems, N/A
Contact Email: matt@caps.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. David Gross
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: dcgross@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes 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: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes 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: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 2:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/matt.fsu
Project Description
This project explores how ontologies—structured vocabularies and relationships, such as OWL, RDF, and OntoUML—can help different modeling tools and languages “speak the same language.” The student will conduct a meta-study of ontology use in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), build a taxonomy of relevant tools and languages, and identify barriers to adoption. Possible case studies will examine how semantic interoperability improves collaboration between engineers using different modeling platforms.Research Tasks: Annotated bibliography, taxonomy diagrams, and short case study reports.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Interest in systems engineering, modeling, or data organization.
Familiarity with Python or semantic web concepts is a plus, but not required.
Mentoring Philosophy
As a mentor, my goal is to create an environment where undergraduate researchers can confidently explore new ideas, develop technical skills, and contribute meaningfully to active research. I view mentorship as a collaborative process — students bring curiosity, fresh perspectives, and energy, while I provide guidance, resources, and structure to help them grow.I believe in balancing independence with support. Students will receive the background, tools, and initial training needed to get started, but will also be encouraged to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and learn through problem-solving. I emphasize clear communication, regular check-ins, and constructive feedback to ensure progress while maintaining flexibility for different learning styles.
My projects often combine technical research with creative problem-solving, so I encourage students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and connect their work to real-world applications. Above all, I want students to leave the experience with not only new skills but also greater confidence in their ability to learn, adapt, and contribute in any professional or academic setting.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
Health Informatics Project in the eHealth Lab
Health Informatics, Data Science, Machine Learning, AI
Research Mentor: Dr. Zhe He, He, His, Him
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Information, Communication and Information
Contact Email: zhe@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Prof. Balu Bhasuran He, Him, His
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: bb23u@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Information, Communication and Information
Contact Email: zhe@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Prof. Balu Bhasuran He, Him, His
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: bb23u@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Public Health, Computer Science, Information Technology, Premed, Biology, Biochemistry, Psychology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Public Health, Computer Science, Information Technology, Premed, Biology, Biochemistry, Psychology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98641012433
Project Description
The research in the eHealth Lab directed by Dr. Zhe He is meticulously designed to foster health education, empower patient self-management, enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery, and elevate the standards of clinical research by leveraging the power of big health data. Employing user-centered and participatory approaches, we are dedicated to developing AI-powered health delivery platforms and tools that are as innovative as they are inclusive. Our machine learning and natural language processing expertise enables us to extract actionable insights from complex healthcare systems, thereby informing medical decision-making and exploring the nuances of clinical trial participation. Research areas include: Our specialized research areas span across Biomedical and Health Informatics, Clinical Research Informatics, Consumer Health Informatics, as well as Knowledge Representation and Biomedical Ontologies. We are also deeply engaged in advancing the fields of Biomedical Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, and Health Data Analytics with a multidisciplinary approach.Research Tasks: Assist with on-going biomedical and health informatics projects: (1) literature review; (2) data collection; (3) annotation; (4) preparing manuscripts for academic journals and conferences.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Python (recommended)
MS Excel (required)
R (recommended)
MS Word (required)
MS PowerPoint (required)
Interview (required)
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe as a mentor, students’ success is my success. I have been closely supervising students at all levels in the iSchool and other departments. In iSchool, new faculty are not eligible to supervise doctoral students until after they have undergone a successful third year review. Currently, I am the chair of the supervisory committee of two doctoral students and a member of supervisory committees of 18 doctoral students. My supervision of graduate student research through directed independent studies and research collaborations has resulted in more than 30 journal articles (e.g., JAMIA, JMIR, JBI, JMIR), 30 conference papers (e.g., AMIA, BIBM, MEDINFO), and 20 conference posters (e.g., ASIST, AMIA, ICHI, MEDINFO). In addition, I have mentored 9 undergraduate students in many different majors including Computer Science, Pre-med, Chemistry, and Biology, to name a few, through FSU’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). My UROP mentees have presented their research projects in FSU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium and Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC).Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://sites.google.com/site/henryhezhe2003/publicationsAdoption Trends in SysML v2 vs. SysML 1.x
SysML, MBSE, Tool Adoption, Industry Trends
Research Mentor: Mr Matthew Bosworth,
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Advanced Power Systems, N/A
Contact Email: matt@caps.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ms. Carmen Araujo
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: caraujo@caps.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. David Gross
Faculty Collaborators Email: dcgross@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Advanced Power Systems, N/A
Contact Email: matt@caps.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ms. Carmen Araujo
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: caraujo@caps.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. David Gross
Faculty Collaborators Email: dcgross@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes 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: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes 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: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 3:30
End Time: 4:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/matt.fsu
Project Description
This project analyzes how the latest version of the Systems Modeling Language (SysML v2) is being adopted in academia and industry compared to the earlier SysML 1.x. Students will help map the tool ecosystem, identify migration challenges, and conduct user interviews or surveys to gather real-world experiences. The work will provide insights into trends, barriers, and opportunities in model-based systems engineering tool evolution.Research Tasks: Trend analysis report, adoption timeline charts, interview/survey summaries.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Strong communication skills for interviews/surveys; basic understanding of modeling languages helpful.
Mentoring Philosophy
As a mentor, my goal is to create an environment where undergraduate researchers can confidently explore new ideas, develop technical skills, and contribute meaningfully to active research. I view mentorship as a collaborative process — students bring curiosity, fresh perspectives, and energy, while I provide guidance, resources, and structure to help them grow.I believe in balancing independence with support. Students will receive the background, tools, and initial training needed to get started, but will also be encouraged to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and learn through problem-solving. I emphasize clear communication, regular check-ins, and constructive feedback to ensure progress while maintaining flexibility for different learning styles.
My projects often combine technical research with creative problem-solving, so I encourage students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and connect their work to real-world applications. Above all, I want students to leave the experience with not only new skills but also greater confidence in their ability to learn, adapt, and contribute in any professional or academic setting.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
Cognitive Load Comparison in Diagrammatic vs. Textual SysML v2 Modeling
SysML v2, Cognitive Load, Human Factors, NASA-TLX
Research Mentor: Mr Matthew Bosworth,
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Advanced Power Systems, N/A
Contact Email: matt@caps.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. David Gross
Faculty Collaborators Email: dcgross@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Advanced Power Systems, N/A
Contact Email: matt@caps.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. David Gross
Faculty Collaborators Email: dcgross@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes 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: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes 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: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 2:30
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/matt.fsu
Project Description
This study compares how people process SysML v2 models when presented as diagrams versus text. Students will help design and run experiments using the NASA-TLX (Task Load Index) to measure cognitive load, collect participant responses, and perform statistical analysis. The results will inform how best to present system models for comprehension and efficiency.Research Tasks: Experimental design document, dataset, statistical results, and a short paper or presentation.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Interest in human factors, data analysis, or experimental design. Statistics experience is a plus.
Mentoring Philosophy
As a mentor, my goal is to create an environment where undergraduate researchers can confidently explore new ideas, develop technical skills, and contribute meaningfully to active research. I view mentorship as a collaborative process — students bring curiosity, fresh perspectives, and energy, while I provide guidance, resources, and structure to help them grow.I believe in balancing independence with support. Students will receive the background, tools, and initial training needed to get started, but will also be encouraged to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and learn through problem-solving. I emphasize clear communication, regular check-ins, and constructive feedback to ensure progress while maintaining flexibility for different learning styles.
My projects often combine technical research with creative problem-solving, so I encourage students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and connect their work to real-world applications. Above all, I want students to leave the experience with not only new skills but also greater confidence in their ability to learn, adapt, and contribute in any professional or academic setting.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
Review of Dynamic Model Integration with SysML
SysML, Simulation Integration, Modelica, Co-simulation
Research Mentor: Mr. Naqash Ali,
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Advanced Power Systems, N/A
Contact Email: na22j@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. Matthew Bosworth
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: matt@caps.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. David Gross
Faculty Collaborators Email: dcgross@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Advanced Power Systems, N/A
Contact Email: na22j@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. Matthew Bosworth
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: matt@caps.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. David Gross
Faculty Collaborators Email: dcgross@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: open to all majors
Project Location: Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes 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: 1
Relevant Majors: open to all majors
Project Location: Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes 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: Thursday, September 4
Start Time: 3:30
End Time: 4:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/matt.fsu
Project Description
This project reviews and classifies methods for integrating SysML system models with dynamic simulations such as MATLAB/Simulink and Modelica. The student will build a taxonomy of co-simulation techniques, explore exchange formats, and document challenges and best practices. This work will help bridge the gap between system architecture modeling and detailed engineering simulation.Research Tasks: Literature review, taxonomy diagrams, case study write-up.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Interest in modeling and simulation; familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink or Modelica helpful.
Mentoring Philosophy
As a mentor, my goal is to create an environment where undergraduate researchers can confidently explore new ideas, develop technical skills, and contribute meaningfully to active research. I view mentorship as a collaborative process — students bring curiosity, fresh perspectives, and energy, while I provide guidance, resources, and structure to help them grow.I believe in balancing independence with support. Students will receive the background, tools, and initial training needed to get started, but will also be encouraged to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and learn through problem-solving. I emphasize clear communication, regular check-ins, and constructive feedback to ensure progress while maintaining flexibility for different learning styles.
My projects often combine technical research with creative problem-solving, so I encourage students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and connect their work to real-world applications. Above all, I want students to leave the experience with not only new skills but also greater confidence in their ability to learn, adapt, and contribute in any professional or academic setting.