UROP Project | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

microbiology, spoilage, lipid-oxidation

Research Mentor: Ms. Nethraja Kandula, she/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: nkandula2@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: Food Science
Nutrition
Biology
Science background
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

Research Tasks:

Skills that research assistant(s) may need:

Mentoring Philosophy

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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birds; behavior; video analysis; machine learning; Python

Research Mentor: ehduval@bio.fsu.edu Emily DuVal, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: ehduval@bio.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. Juan Pablo Rios Cruz he/him
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: jr24e@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors; Biology, Scientific Computing, and Computer Science majors may be particularly interested
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Wednesday September 4, 1:30 - 2:00pm: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/duvaloffice

Project Description

This project investigates variation in display behavior of a small tropical bird, the lance-tailed manakin. In this species and many others, males perform conspicuous courtship displays for females. These displays can involve extreme acrobatic feats, change over time or in response to female behavior, and play an important role in reproductive success. How males perform courtship has an immediate effect on whether they get the chance to pass on their genes to a future generation. During this project, a team of two UROP students will work together with Dr. DuVal and project manager Juan Pablo Rios to apply machine learning in the program Deep Lab Cut to videos of manakin displays. Our goal is to use automated video processing to analyze and compare display performance (1) among males and (2) within the same male over time.

Research Tasks: Students learn how to use the machine learning program Deep Lab Cut (DLC), read primary literature related to the use of machine learning in biology, and take part in the (sometimes boring!) annotation of still images from videos to develop a training set of data for the DLC algorithm. They will collect and analyze data focused on one discrete question (of the many we will discuss) and create a poster explaining their findings. Finally, they will generate a written or video-recorded tutorial to help others effectively applying the protocol they identify as best for addressing their chosen question. Students also will take part in a weekly lab meeting that includes readings in the primary literature in the field of Animal Behavior.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: Python or general coding experience, MS Access, experience with video editing software.
Required: curiosity, interest in animal behavior and computational approaches to understanding behavioral variation, self-motivation, reliability

Mentoring Philosophy

Open communciation is at the heart of my mentoring philosophy. I work with my mentees to customize their research experience to help them achieve their long-term goals, as well as the short-term aims of performing a specific analysis or processing a given piece of data. When something isn't working, I expect that we will discuss and work through it together. All members of my lab, including undergraduates, take full part in weekly lab meetings where we read and discuss articles from the primary literature. All lab members are expect to interact collaboratively, respectfully, and considerately so that we all benefit from the diverse perspectives and experiences that we bring to the table. I expect to learn from you, just as you should expect to learn from me.

Additional Information

https://www.bio.fsu.edu/duval/Publications.html
https://www.bio.fsu.edu/duval/index.html

Link to Publications

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/lance-tailed-manakins/

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Mathematics Instruction, Students with Disabilities, Teacher Preparation

Research Mentor: Danielle Morsching, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: dpm02@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
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: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, Sept 3 12:30 pm-1:00pm
Friday, Sept 6 12:30 pm-1pm
https://fsu.zoom.us/my/dpm02

Project Description

This research project aims to explore and analyze faculty perspectives on the preparation of preservice teachers for providing effective mathematics instruction to students with disabilities. By conducting a national survey, we seek to gather insights from faculty members across various institutions to understand their views, experiences, and practices in this critical area of teacher education.

Research Tasks: Extracting data from databases and online sources; Managing participant databases and tracking responses

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: • Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy
• Dependability and punctuality to fulfill responsibilities consistently and reliably
• Strong time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Mentoring Philosophy

As a mentor, my primary goal is to identify my mentees' goals, personal strengths, and interests. To most effectively accomplish this, I create an environment where there is open communication and consistent access to feedback. I expect my mentees to communicate in a timely and professional manner, to ask questions, be honest about their capacity and time to devote to the research, and to meet deadlines. I strive for my mentoring relationships to be beneficial for the mentee and to be positive experiences for both parties.

In my mentoring role, I schedule regular check-ins to discuss progress, address concerns, and adjust goals as necessary. I tailor guidance to align with each mentee’s strengths, communication style, and personal goals. I take an active interest in the goals my mentees have for themselves and I provide access to resources such as articles, books, or contacts to help mentees advance their goals. I encourage mentees to self-reflect in order to learn from their experiences and to assess their growth.

Building a culture where we celebrate milestones, both big and small, is integral to my approach. This celebration of achievements not only motivates and encourages continued progress but also fosters a sense of achievement and strengthens the bond within mentoring relationships. By recognizing and celebrating successes, I aim to create an environment that promotes sustained growth and mutual satisfaction. This holistic approach ensures that both the mentor and mentee benefit from the relationship, creating a positive and productive mentoring experience.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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Students with disabilities, mathematics, academics, intervention

Research Mentor: Dr. Dr. Jenny Root, she/ her
Department, College, Affiliation: School of Teacher Education, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: jrroot@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Danielle Morsching She/Her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: dpm02@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors. Students with skills in graphics, design, and/or social media are encouraged to apply, as these skills will be valuable for the dissemination of research findings.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, Sept 3 1:00-1:30pm
Friday, Sept 6 1:00-1:30pm
https://fsu.zoom.us/my/dpm02

Not able to attend? Watch the presentation here: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/E6ApuyXY84pP6itmwb67a6fy30kDpziKpFKLlTaqo78MLltNk160K59sz44gIdiH.kr-4xu0pCMjpFXOy?startTime=1725382981000

Project Description

In this multi-year project, my research team is collaborating with teachers of students with disabilities to develop a comprehensive curriculum aimed at enhancing mathematical problem-solving skills. The curriculum is based on Modified Schema Based Instruction (MSBI), an established instructional strategy that assists students in mapping key information from word problems onto relevant schemas (diagrams) while following systematic steps to solve these problems.

For this year, our primary focus is on the dissemination of findings from our study. This involves sharing our results and insights with a broader audience through various channels, including academic publications, presentations, and social media. By disseminating our findings, we aim to contribute to the broader educational community and improve teaching practices for students with disabilities.

Research Tasks: document management; infographic design; social media management; video editing

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong attention to detail
Proficiency in graphic design
Experience in creating and scheduling social media posts
Proficiency in video editing software
Ability to proofread and edit content

Recommended
Strong understanding of visual design principles
Knowledge of social media platforms and best practices
Ability to convey complex research findings clearly
Skills in filming, editing, and producing high-quality videos

Mentoring Philosophy

In the past, I have prioritized aligning the interests and likes of my UROP researchers with ongoing research endeavors through experiential learning
opportunities. I take intentional steps to model and provide multiple opportunities for practice before application. Additionally, I create an environment that is inviting, welcoming, and inclusive of all with an open door policy for all members of my lab.

Additional Information

Check out our lab website for more information about what we do: https://www.gcalab.org

Link to Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=YZ5irqUAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

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international studies, gender and sexuality, race, Japan, qualitative research

Research Mentor: Dr. Christina D. Owens, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Honors Program, Undergraduate Studies
Contact Email: cowens@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Cultural Anthropology, Sociology, Interdisciplinary Humanities, Women's Studies, Ethnic Studies, History, Cultural Geography, International Relations, Asian Studies, English (Literature, Media, and Culture)
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Wednesday, Sept 4 @ 4:30-5pm on Zoom: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96157284836
Thurs Sept 5 @ 5-5:30pm on Zoom https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93990135573
Friday Sept 6 @ 2-2:30pm on Zoom https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94916218270

Project Description

I am working on a book project that analyzes how U.S.-citizens teaching English in contemporary Japan are positioned within a transnational field of power relations. As migrants cross borders ideas about justice, innocence, and victimhood travel with them. Starting from this premise, my book shows how interpretive frameworks that have developed within the U.S. in response to our civil rights movements can be redeployed abroad in ways that ultimately help support U.S. empire. Whether they fully recognize it or not, U.S. citizens – the largest demographic within Japan’s native English teacher population being white men – find themselves embedded within a long historical trajectory of U.S. imperial influence abroad. Based on over two years of immersive fieldwork and participant observation, 85 interviews, and analysis of cultural texts, my book project maps the mundane experiences of contemporary U.S. imperial influence in Japan by focusing on U.S. English teaching men partying in expat bars, making fun of their own racialized sexual “charisma,” contesting the terms of their employment through labor unions, and challenging racialized exclusion from public life in Japanese courtrooms.

Research Tasks: The student research assistant(s) will assist with the revision process for the manuscript. Revisions will require 1.) using the library databases to conduct literature reviews, 2.) vetting and summarizing relevant sources, 3.) organizing bibliographic and citation information, 4.) transcribing recent audio interviews, and 5.) proposing line edits to clarify tone, context, and argumentation.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
Critical Thinking and Open-Mindedness:
-the ability to effectively engage and comprehend humanistic social science research about race, class, gender, and sexuality
-the ability to review information to determine its relevance to a project about race, class, gender, and sexuality

Communication:
-the ability to write clearly and concisely
-the ability to effectively correspond with colleagues to maintain a regular meeting schedule
-the ability to effectively ask questions and express opinions

Attention to Detail:
-the ability to carefully follow citation formatting requirements and other provided organization models

Integrity:
-the ability to adhere to a high standard of research ethics -- respecting the privacy of interviewees and maintaining the security of research data

Time management:
-the ability to fulfill responsibilities consistently and reliably according to an agreed upon schedule

Adaptability:
-the ability to learn new work processes, new interdisciplinary academic concepts, and new computer skills

Recommended:
Research and Computer Skills (these skills can be taught):
-the ability to effectively conduct searches in the library research databases
-the ability to effectively use word processing and transcription software

Mentoring Philosophy

When working with UROP students, my goal is to introduce them to skills that will be helpful throughout their undergraduate careers by providing an overview of the research and writing process in the humanistic social sciences. I work one-on-one with UROP students to help them deepen their critical thinking and research skills and their understanding of the academic publication process. Though the essays students will write in their college courses will be much shorter than the manuscript I am preparing, the basic skills of building and supporting an argument through analyzing primary and secondary data and incorporating feedback from reviewers are transferable.

Recognizing the importance of contextualization, I begin the UROP year by introducing students to the fields of Transnational American Studies and Critical Japan Studies. Though they will often work independently, throughout the year I provide examples of successful models for students to follow and encourage them to engage creatively and push beyond those models when they feel comfortable with the tasks at hand. I meet with students weekly to discuss the work they have completed , answer questions, and provide feedback or training for next steps. In this way, we work together to set achievable goals that are broken into increments and aligned with the mentees’ personal strengths and interests. Ultimately, I hope that students’ experience on UROP can set a strong research foundation for the rest of their time at FSU and that I can serve as a resource as they continue along their academic journey.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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Psychology, Diversity, Healthcare, Quantitative, Psychopathology, Behavioral Health, Mental Health

Research Mentor: Mr. Nicholas Reese, He/Him/His
Department, College, Affiliation: Educational Psychology & Learning Systems, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: nhr21@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, English, Education, Criminology, Health and Human Science, Neuroscience, Physical Science, Editing Writing and Media, Political Science, or majors adjacent to those listed (Non-exhaustive).
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Thursday September 5th @ 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98636711965)

Project Description

I am completing a dissertation which is a correlational cross-sectional design utilizing linear and hierarchical regression quantitative analysis. This proposed study aims to explore the relationship between anxiety and racial discrimination in Black populations, specifically in college students. Hope will be explored to determine its efficacy as a moderating factor to weaken the relationship between anxiety levels and racial microaggressions in Black college students. The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, this study aims to assist in filling the extant empirical gap that exists in the literature base regarding anxiety in Black populations. Second, the study intends to examine the possible viability of hope as a behavioral health protective factor against the deleterious impact of discrimination for Black individuals.

Research Tasks: Once approved by my doctoral committee I will be completing the IRB process which will begin approximately in October. Once IRB is approved, I will begin recruiting for the project and conducting interviews. The following tasks will be required from UROP students.
- Reading chapters 1-3 of my prospectus to increase knowledge and understanding on the topic
- Assistance with reviewing IRB and Qualtrics survey construction prior to their submission/activation
- Completing CITI trainings and multicultural trainings to ensure competency
- Advertising for the study through flyer postage and online forums
- Emailing potential participants
- Using SPSS for data analysis and cleaning the quantitative data
- Weekly individual/team meetings

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: - Student's must know APA formatting including citations
- Writing skills
- Microsoft skills
- Organizational skills
- Prioritize and complete provided tasks in a timely manner

Mentoring Philosophy

Mentoring Philosophy: Mentoring is not just a role. It is a dynamic partnership that empowers individuals to flourish academically, personally, and professionally. My mentoring philosophy centers around the concept of unwavering support. I believe consistent positive support is the cornerstone of nurturing potential and inspiring meaningful progress between a mentor and mentee. My approach aims to create a safe and inclusive space where mentees can explore their research interests, navigate challenges, and cultivate their future trajectories. My approach includes three primary tenets:

1. Building Trust and Rapport: Central to effective mentoring is the establishment of trust and rapport. I prioritize open communication and active listening to understand the unique goals, aspirations, and concerns of each mentee. By creating a nonjudgmental environment, I encourage mentees to share their thoughts and experiences honestly.
2. Tailored Guidance: Every mentee is on a distinct journey, and my role is to offer personalized guidance. I work closely with mentees to identify their strengths, areas of growth, and learning preferences. Together, we co-create a roadmap that aligns with their ambitions, ensuring that the guidance provided is relevant and meaningful.
3. Nurturing Confidence: I view my role as a mentor as that of a steadfast cheerleader. I help mentees recognize their potential and encourage them to step out of their comfort zones. Through constructive feedback and affirmations, I aim to instill confidence in their abilities and empower them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

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Physical Computing, Green Electronics, Circuit Prototyping, Sustainability

Research Mentor: Te-Yen Wu,
Department, College, Affiliation: Computer Science Department, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: tw23l@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: Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 hours,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

This project aims to revolutionize the way we teach physical computing by integrating natural elements, particularly plants, into the learning process. This innovative approach not only fosters a deeper understanding of prototyping eco-friendly computing systems but also instills a sense of environmental stewardship in students. We will design and develop plant-based interactive systems where plants act as circuits, sensors, actuators, and even data processors. These systems will be incorporated into educational modules, offering hands-on learning experiences that emphasize sustainability.

Research Tasks: 1. Literature Review and Preliminary Studies
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review on existing work related to plant-based computing and eco-friendly physical computing.
- Identify suitable plant species and natural elements that can be integrated with physical computing systems.
- Perform preliminary experiments to understand the electrical properties and interaction mechanisms of selected plants.
2. Design and Development of Plant-based Computing Systems
- Design interactive computing systems that utilize plants as input/output interfaces.
- Develop prototypes that demonstrate the integration of plants with sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers.
- Ensure that the designs prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness in their materials and energy consumption.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Basic knowledge of electronics, and the ability to work with natural elements in experimental setups.

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

http://teyenwu.com

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Reproduction, Embryonic development, marine, energetics

Research Mentor: Ms. Annais Muschett-Bonilla, She/her/ella
Department, College, Affiliation: Biological Sciences, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: amuschettbonilla@bio.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors, but prefer students who's long term goals align with research, reproductive physiology, veterinarian science, or marine sciences
Project Location: FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 ,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: September 3 4:30 - 5:00 pm

Topic: Maternal Investment RoundTable
Time: Sep 3, 2024 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99601247509
Meeting ID: 996 0124 7509

September 6 12:30 - 1:00 pm

Topic: Maternal Investment RoundTable
Time: Sep 6, 2024 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95544312583
Meeting ID: 955 4431 2583

Project Description

Elasmobranchii’ s diverse reproductive strategies pose an unknown amount of risk to pregnant females from the level of embryonic maternal investment. This study aims to investigate the frequency and nutritional content of intrauterine histotroph secretions of Matrotrophic stingrays in Eastern Gulf of Mexico and assess the effects of embryonic maternal investment on the physical performance of gravid females throughout gestation.
Mature female Hypanus sabinus have been collected throughout all stages of gestation with seines, gillnets, and otter-trawls independently just outside the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory. Histotroph secreted in their uterus has been collected and will be assayed for total energic content, carbohydrates, fatty acids, proteins, and lipids through a combination of assays in the laboratory.

15 H. sabinus in late to postpartum stages of gestation will undergo respirometry trials at Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory facilities. The individual’s average oxygen consumption rate will be measured over a 24-hour trial period and repeated every three weeks for till the end of September and early October to identify changes in physical performance at as gestation progresses.
Identifying intraspecific and interspecific variation in fluids that provide embryonic nourishment is integral to understanding how these reproductive strategies contribute to elasmobranch fitness. Negative physiological effects during gestation would directly impact a female and her litters ‘ability to survive in the wild during their most vulnerable life stage.

Research Tasks: animal husbandry, water quality, water exchanges, system maintenance and cleaning, statistical analysis of data, data entry, data organization, biochemical assays, reading of primary literature, project construction, and presenting project verbally.

Work will take place 30% at FSU's main campus, 30% at FSU Coastal and Marine laboratory, and 40% virtually. Most work will take place during normal business hours, however there is the occasional tasks that may need to be completed outside. Hour will vary by week, some weeks may be light, while other weeks may be heavy. Leading up to the end of september/early october all work hours will be completed at the marine lab. After early October, most work will be performed virtually or on main campus performing biological assays.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: required:
1) attention to detail
2) commitment
3) own transportation
4) time management
5) Dependable (some animals will rely on you to eat and live)
6) Communication
7) Passion and desire to learn new skills and knowledge
8) Willingness to handle dead and live specimens (with safe methods taught to you)
9) Lift 20 lbs

Recommended
1) at least one, uninterrupted 5 hour gap in your schedule between monday and friday. (starting between 7 am and 12 pm)

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy is to provide opportunities for the students to learn the skills and knowledge they desire that will assist them in their career goals. To do this, I begin by learning about them, their background, career goals, and what they hope to achieve/learn by the end of the project. My method when teaching students how to perform methods is to have them read up on the background, watch it be completed, and have them perform the methods with supervision until they have proven dependable and accurate in their performance. Mutual respect is important, as in science, we all mess up. Once this has been established along with trust, I hope that students will feel comfortable will relaying if something undesirable happened so we can adjust the experiment and use it as a learning opportunity for when science goes unexpectedly. Although I learn and teach in a way desirable to me, I am open to suggestions and learning other ways of teaching and relaying methods. I am adamant in giving the mentee ownership of their work and am open to a collaborative relationship rather than authoritative.

Additional Information

If this project interests you and you do not feel you have the skills required, but you are capable and willing to learn, please apply.

However do not apply if you do not have a desire to apply this experience to research, veterinarian science, marine sciences, or reproductive physiology careers. If you do not know yet what you want to do, I do encourage you to apply. The research and skills must be directly applicable to your long term goals.

Link to Publications

https://news.fsu.edu/news/science-technology/2024/03/20/florida-state-university-doctoral-student-awarded-inaugural-guy-harvey-fellowship/

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Guns; violence; court; policy; crime

Research Mentor: Dr. or Prof. Emma Fridel, She/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Criminology and Criminal Justice , Criminology and Criminal Justice
Contact Email: efridel@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. or Prof. Jillian Turanovic
Faculty Collaborators Email: jturanovic@fsu.edu

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 6
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Thursday September 5th, 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94606482484
Thursday September 5th, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91635786880

Project Description

Following the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Florida passed "red flag laws" to reduce gun violence. Formally known as risk protection orders (RPOs), red flag laws establish a civil court process to temporarily prohibit the purchase and possession of firearms by persons deemed to be dangerous to themselves or to others. Despite their popularity, little research has explored the impact and implementation of red flag laws, and virtually no prior work has focused on Florida. This project seeks to compile a large, multilevel, statewide dataset on all RPOs issued from 2018 through 2023 in Florida to determine the individual characteristics associated with RPOs, including features of RPO cases and respondents (e.g., respondent risk factors, weapon information, precipitating circumstances, and order characteristics).

Research Tasks: Data collection: Research assistants will read court case files on risk protection order cases in Florida and code key information using an online data collection platform. Students will be able to set their own schedules and work remotely, but are expected to attend training sessions and group meetings in person.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: None required.
Recommended: Experience reading court cases and/or coding documents.

Mentoring Philosophy

As a UROP mentor, my goal is to immerse students in every step of the research process and allow them to get hands-on experience. Students aren't just working for me--they are working with me and learning how to navigate challenges, work collaboratively as a team, and identify ways to improve the project moving forward.

My relationships with students are based on mutual trust and accountability, where mentees are encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback on their experiences. Communication is key--I expect students to meet deadlines and be upfront about any challenges or delays they are facing so that we can work through them together.

Beyond the actual project itself, a mentor relationship involves sharing my personal experiences and guiding students as they consider future career options, regardless of whether their chosen path ultimately involves research or overlaps with my own interests. My undergraduate mentors in biology and neuroscience, for example, encouraged me to pursue a graduate degree in criminology, a choice that ultimately changed my life for the better. I still value their advice and keep in touch with them to this day, and hope to pay it forward by developing similar relationships with the next generation.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://criminology.fsu.edu/mixed-methods-evaluation-impacts-and-implementation-floridas-risk-protection-order-rpo-law-2018-2023

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Smart Clothing, Wearable Technology, Health

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Bio-medicine
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

The project aims to develop Smart Kangaroo Clothing to non-invasively monitor and analyze infant feeding behaviors, specifically intake, sucking and swallowing patterns, enhancing neonatal health and development. By integrating advanced sensors into comfortable, durable textiles, the clothing will collect real-time data on feeding and physiological parameters. Machine learning algorithms will analyze this data to provide actionable insights. Clinical trials will validate the accuracy and reliability of the system. This innovative wearable technology will bridge the gap between traditional kangaroo care and modern biomedical monitoring, offering a novel solution for continuous, real-time infant feeding analysis.

Research Tasks: 1. Design and Fabrication:
Develop and prototype smart textiles integrated with sensors.
Ensure the clothing is comfortable, safe, and suitable for infants.
2. Sensor Integration:
Integrate sensors to monitor sucking strength, frequency, intake volume, and physiological parameters.
Develop algorithms for accurate data interpretation.
3. Data Collection:
Conduct experiments to collect real-time feeding and physiological data from infants.
Ensure ethical standards and protocols are followed.
4. Data Analysis:
Use machine learning and data analytics to analyze collected data.
Identify patterns and potential issues in infant feeding behaviors.
5. Validation and Testing:
Conduct clinical trials to validate the technology's accuracy and reliability.
Compare results with existing monitoring methods.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: 1. Basic Programming:
Experience with basic coding (e.g., Python).
2. Data Entry and Analysis:
Ability to enter and manage data accurately.
Basic data analysis skills using tools like Excel.
3, Technical Aptitude:
Interested in basic electronics and sensor technology.