UROP Project
***Pavement Performance Simulation
Fatigue Cracking, Pavement Performance, Predictive Models
Research Mentor: Dr. Michael Elwardany, He/him/his
Department, College, Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: melwardany@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: melwardany@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: Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Other Engineering Majors
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU Buss Services Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8 hours a week, 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: Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Other Engineering Majors
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU Buss Services Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8 hours a week, 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
As machine learning increasingly becomes a transformative tool in engineering research, high-quality datasets are essential for training robust, predictive models. In pavement engineering, predictive models can significantly improve decision-making related to design, performance, and maintenance. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive datasets capturing the effects of material properties and environmental conditions on pavement cracking behavior.This project aims to use FlexPAVE, a finite element-based pavement analysis software, to simulate cracking performance in flexible pavements constructed with various asphalt mixtures. The primary objective is to systematically run simulations across a wide matrix of material and environmental conditions to generate a large and consistent dataset for future machine learning applications. While the long-term goal involves predictive modeling, the current focus is solely on simulation design, execution, and structured data collection.
Research Tasks: Literature review
Data analysis
Documentation and reporting of outcomes
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
Basic research skills
Basic data analysis skills
Basic Excel
Recommended:
Coding skills
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe undergraduate research should be an enjoyable and motivating experience that fosters curiosity, confidence, and independence. My approach emphasizes regular weekly meetings to provide structure, guidance, and feedback, while also celebrating progress and keeping students engaged. I encourage students to take ownership of their projects, develop problem-solving skills, and see research as both a process of discovery and a source of personal growth. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, I aim to help students enjoy the research journey, stay motivated through challenges, and build transferable skills that will serve them in graduate school, professional practice, and beyond.Additional Information
UROP Research Mentor meeting by appointment. Please email me at melwardany@fsu.eduLink to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=bCev1f8AAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate***Image Analysis of Composite Materials (i.e., Asphalt Concrete)
Image Analysis, Composites, Fatigue Cracking, Asphalt Concrete
Research Mentor: Dr. Michael Elwardany, He/him/his
Department, College, Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: melwardany@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: melwardany@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: Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and other engineering majors
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU Buss Services Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8 hours a week, 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: Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and other engineering majors
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU Buss Services Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8 hours a week, 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
With the growing use of mechanistic-empirical models in pavement design, performance testing of asphalt materials has become increasingly important. These models rely on accurate performance data—particularly fatigue cracking behavior—to inform the structural design of pavements. However, traditional performance tests (e.g., uniaxial cyclic fatigue test) are time-consuming, require specialized equipment, and involve substantial material and labor costs.This project explores an innovative, non-destructive approach using image analysis of asphalt mixtures to predict fatigue performance. By analyzing key characteristics such as aggregate gradation, orientation, and structure from specimen images, the goal is to establish correlations between visual aggregate features and fatigue cracking performance indicators. This image-based method has the potential to reduce reliance on costly mechanical testing, saving both time and materials for practitioners and accelerating the pavement design process.
During the UROP term, the student will assist in capturing and processing high-resolution images of asphalt mixture specimens, quantifying aggregate structure using image analysis software, and performing statistical or machine learning-based correlation with known fatigue performance data.
Research Tasks: Data collection (Capturing images of Samples)
Literature review
Data analysis
Building software for analysis
Documentation and reporting of outcomes
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
Basic research skills
Basic data analysis skills
Programming skills
Recommended:
Coding Skills
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe undergraduate research should be an enjoyable and motivating experience that fosters curiosity, confidence, and independence. My approach emphasizes regular weekly meetings to provide structure, guidance, and feedback, while also celebrating progress and keeping students engaged. I encourage students to take ownership of their projects, develop problem-solving skills, and see research as both a process of discovery and a source of personal growth. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, I aim to help students enjoy the research journey, stay motivated through challenges, and build transferable skills that will serve them in graduate school, professional practice, and beyond.Additional Information
Please note: UROP Research Mentor meeting by appointment. Please email me at melwardany@fsu.eduLink to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=bCev1f8AAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdateMechanical testing in cryogenic environments
mechanical testing, titanium, steel, fatigue, fracture, superconductors, magnets, fusion, aerospace
Research Mentor: sbalachandran@fsu.edu Shreyas Balachandran,
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical and Materials Science, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: sbalachandran@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical and Materials Science, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: sbalachandran@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 interested in engineering
Project Location: College of Engineering, FAMU- FSU, Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors interested in engineering
Project Location: College of Engineering, FAMU- FSU, Innovation Park
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 2:00
Zoom Link: Shreyas Balachandran is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Shreyas Balachandran's- UROP Time: Sep 5, 2025 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://fsu.zoom.us/j/3744762708?omn=96554195802 Meeting ID: 374 476 2708 --
Project Description
Research assistants will develop understanding of working with cryogenic platforms and mechanical testing of materials. The projects will focus on testing of materials related to aerospace and fusion energy materials.Research Tasks: Data collection
Data Analysis
Sample preparation
Hands on work
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
Interest in engineering
Hands on work
Recommended:
Quantitative analysis
Mentoring Philosophy
As a mentor, I am your supporter and champion in your endeavors by developing a relationship founded on mutual respect. I will share my own experiences and create an environment of learning and sharing.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=A6eltPsAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=aoDrag Reduction using Multifunctional Materials
Drag Reduction, Metamaterials, Aerodynamics, Flow Control
Research Mentor: Burak Tuna, Dr.
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: btuna@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Rajan Kumar
Faculty Collaborators Email: rkumar@fsu.edu
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: btuna@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Rajan Kumar
Faculty Collaborators Email: rkumar@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: AME Building, 2003 Levy Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, 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: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: AME Building, 2003 Levy Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, 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 seeking a Research Assistant for an AFOSR-funded project to develop the Next-Generation Technology for future aircrafts.This role combines experimental fluid mechanics, aeroacoustics, boundary layer transition, and metamaterial development.
The candidate will combine theory, testing, and data management. Responsibilities include CAD design, basic programming, measurements of flow, acoustics, and pressure. Working closely with Dr. Burak Tuna and Dr. Rajan Kumar, this role will contribute to Next-Generation Passive Boundary Layer Control Strategy with close collaboration with AFRL Team.
Research Tasks: CAD design, literature review, basic programming.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Solidworks - Required
Matlab - Basic level recommended
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is based on open communication. As a faculty member, I plan to work closely with students and be hands-on by fostering an interactive environment. I prioritize understanding of each mentee’s unique aspirations and current knowledge base. This insight enables me to adjust my guidance to the specific needs of each student in ways that reinforce their strengths. By fostering ownership of their work, which sparks a deeper commitment to their progress and enhanced satisfaction with their accomplishments. Shaping the mentee’s training to develop an intuitive understanding of the relationship between mathematical models and physical processes is crucial to adapting to real-world dynamics. My goal is to cultivate independent thinkers who are confident and equipped with a complete skillset that will allow them to become successful individual contributors in their fields. The emergence of such self-reliant and capable individuals is the measure of success of my mentoring approach.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pof/article/28/6/064103/259405; https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7286082892726697986/You Have Arrived
art based research, autoethnography , performance, climate change, force migration,
Research Mentor: Neda Izadi, She/her
Department, College, Affiliation: dramatci art/fine Arts, Fine Arts
Contact Email: NI24b@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: dramatci art/fine Arts, Fine Arts
Contact Email: NI24b@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: Find Arts, Dramatic Arts, music, art education, Geology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: five hours, 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: Find Arts, Dramatic Arts, music, art education, Geology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: five hours, 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: 5:00
End Time: 5:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94629008186
Project Description
You Have Arrived is an arts-based research project that uses autoethnography and puppetry to explore climate-induced displacement. Designed as an educational puppet performance for children and youth, it engages audiences with the intertwined issues of environmental change and human migration through an accessible, imaginative, and developmentally appropriate medium.This project addresses a gap in arts-based education: while climate change and migration have been explored separately, few studies examine how puppetry—a multimodal, embodied art form—can foster children’s understanding of climate displacement (Adichie, 2009; Dryden-Peterson, 2016). By combining puppetry with autoethnography, the project situates personal experience at the center of pedagogical inquiry, offering a unique approach that integrates identity, migration, and social justice into arts-based learning.
Grounded in arts-based research (Barone & Eisner, 2012; Leavy, 2015; Inwood, 2010; Anderson, 2017) and critical pedagogy (Freire, 1970; Greene, 1995), the project positions puppetry as both an artistic practice and a tool for critical engagement. Puppetry translates complex scientific and sociopolitical topics into narratives that are emotionally resonant and cognitively accessible. Through storytelling, visual imagery, and performance, children are invited to reflect on the human and environmental dimensions of climate change.
The study is guided by two research questions:
How can puppetry function as a pedagogical medium for exploring climate displacement with children?
How does autoethnography enrich the integration of personal narrative into socially engaged arts-based education?
Methodologically, the project combines performance with structured inquiry. Data include audience responses (children’s reflections, drawings, and discussions), artist-researcher journals and field notes, and documentation such as video recordings, scripts, and sketches. This approach demonstrates how story, image, and performance can render abstract concepts tangible and emotionally engaging for young audiences.
You Have Arrived contributes to scholarship in art education, children’s learning, and social justice education by positioning creative performance as a transformative pedagogical tool. It fosters empathy, critical thinking, and civic awareness around climate justice, while illustrating how personal narrative and embodied art practice can intersect to create socially and environmentally conscious learners. By foregrounding puppetry as both research method and pedagogical medium, the project exemplifies a novel, arts-based approach to teaching pressing global issues.
Research Tasks: 1. Literature Review
Review arts-based research methods, puppetry in education, climate change education, and migration/displacement education.
Identify gaps in existing studies and theoretical frameworks.
Compile relevant sources, including recent publications (last 5–7 years).
2. Research Design & Planning
Develop research questions and objectives.
Plan the integration of autoethnography and puppetry in a performance-based study.
Design ethical protocols for working with children and youth (consent, assent, safety).
3. Creative Development
Script and storyboard the puppet performance.
Design puppets, sets, and visual elements.
Pilot test story elements for clarity and age-appropriateness.
4. Data Collection
Conduct puppet performances for children and youth audiences.
Collect audience responses: drawings, written reflections, discussions, and interviews.
Maintain reflexive journals and field notes as the artist-researcher.
Record performances for documentation and later analysis.
5. Data Analysis
Analyze audience responses for themes related to understanding climate change, migration, empathy, and civic awareness.
Conduct reflexive analysis of the artist-researcher’s journals and observations.
Integrate visual, textual, and performance-based data using multimodal analysis techniques.
6. Reporting & Dissemination
Write research findings in the form of articles, papers, or chapters.
Present at conferences, workshops, or school programs.
Share creative outputs (puppet performance, documentation) with broader audiences.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required Skills: Basic drawing, painting, sculpting, and performing arts abilities for visual and performance-based documentation and creative activities; attention to detail in creating or recording materials; data collection (interviews, surveys, observations); data entry and organization; basic computer literacy (Word, Excel, Google Suite); understanding of research ethics and confidentiality.
Recommended Skills: Experience with multiple artistic mediums (e.g., clay, mixed media, watercolor) and performance methods; ability to translate concepts into visual, three-dimensional, or performative forms; creative problem-solving through art and design; qualitative data analysis (coding, thematic analysis); literature review and summarizing academic sources; note-taking and transcription; familiarity with research software (e.g., NVivo, SPSS); experience conducting participatory or arts-based research.
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe mentoring is a collaborative, creative, and dynamic process that empowers mentees to grow as reflective, resilient, and socially engaged individuals. My approach begins with understanding each mentee’s goals, motivations, talents, and learning style, as well as evaluating their current skills and knowledge. This allows me to provide guidance that strengthens their abilities, addresses areas for growth, and inspires independent thinking.I cultivate relationships founded on mutual respect and trust, creating a safe and interactive environment where experimentation, risk-taking, and learning from mistakes are embraced as essential parts of growth. Mentees are given ownership of their work, promoting accountability, decision-making, and leadership, while I share my own experiences in arts-based practice and research—including successes, failures, and lessons learned—to provide practical insights and encouragement.
I engage mentees in inquiry-driven, hands-on learning through arts-based methodologies such as storytelling, puppetry, visual arts, and performance. These experiences foster critical thinking, creative problem-solving, collaboration, authentic self-expression, and reflective practice. I encourage mentees to connect their work to broader social, cultural, and ethical contexts, supporting them in developing both artistic and civic awareness.
By balancing encouragement with challenge, I help mentees build confidence, resilience, curiosity, and independence. My ultimate goal is to prepare mentees to navigate complex creative and professional environments, cultivate innovative thinking, and contribute meaningfully as reflective practitioners, capable artists, and engaged citizens.
Additional Information
The outcome of this research is a puppet show presented in public schools that engages young audiences with the complex topics of global warming and climate change. Pre- and post-performance surveys will evaluate how the show enhances students’ understanding, providing both quantitative and qualitative insights into learning and engagement.This project uniquely integrates arts-based methods with educational research. Research assistants and participants explore puppetry techniques, storytelling strategies, and the blending of creative practice with scholarly inquiry. Research assistants gain hands-on experience in visual and performing arts, support data collection, and engage in critical reflection on educational outcomes, while students experience climate education in a dynamic, interactive format.
Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publications, academic conferences, and may inform future arts-based climate education programs, offering a model for combining performance, pedagogy, and research. By merging creative practice with inquiry, this project advances scholarship in arts-based pedagogy and environmental education while fostering environmental awareness, creative problem-solving, and active citizenship among students.
Link to Publications
NAEA news-spring 2025. Page 89 ( Zine and Pop up Puppetry ) https://indd.adobe.com/view/f2ee7a4d-b863-48fc-9bb2-0c0797800334Smart Use or Overuse? How Students’ AI Patterns Shape Learning
AI Use; Critical Thinking; Individual Differences; Reading-Writing Tasks
Research Mentor: Dr. Hongcui (Hannie) Du, she/her/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida Center for Reading Research; Department of Psychology , Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: hd17c@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida Center for Reading Research; Department of Psychology , Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: hd17c@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: educational psychology, developmental psychology, social science education, education
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: educational psychology, developmental psychology, social science education, education
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
The rapid development and widespread use of generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) tools have brought new opportunities for learning and productivity, but they also raised concerns that overreliance on AI could hinder students’ critical thinking and independent reasoning. This project aims to understand how undergraduate students use generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) to complete academic reading-writing tasks, and how individual differences (such as critical thinking dispositions, prior knowledge, epistemic beliefs) shape their AI use and learning outcomes. Reading-writing tasks are common in undergraduate courses, yet little is known about how generative AI changes the way students approach to such tasks, what strategy they use, and who benefit, or may even be disadvantaged, by AI support.In this project, we will document patterns of student-AI interaction (e.g., length of interaction, level of prompts), and identify how different types of students engage with AI during academic task completion. During the Fall semester, we will focus on research design and materials development, and will work toward securing IRB approval. In the following semester, we will conduct data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
Research Tasks: As a Research Assistant, you will have the opportunity to participate in multiple phases of the project, including:
Research Design & Material Development: Help create study protocols, design reading–writing tasks, and identifying existing instruments to assess student characteristics and learning outcomes.
IRB Application: Contribute to preparing study materials and documentation for Institutional Review Board approval.
Data Collection: Assist with recruiting participants, setting up study sessions, and supporting data collection (e.g., AI log data, screen recordings, student essays).
Data Analysis: Work with both qualitative and quantitative data, including coding AI prompts, analyzing writing products, and summarizing process data.
Writing & Dissemination: Contribute to drafting research reports, conference proposals, and manuscripts. Opportunities for co-authorship may be available depending on contribution.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required Skills:
Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn new methods.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Interest in educational psychology, learning sciences, or technology in education.
Curiosity about AI, reading/writing, and critical thinking
Preferred:
Familiarity with tools such as Excel, R, SPSS (but not required)
Familiarity with online data collection tools such as REDCap, Qualtrics
Ability to work collaboratively and communicate openly.
Mentoring Philosophy
I view mentoring as a collaborative, supportive process that adapts to each student’s background and goals. I prioritize open communication, mutual respect, and constructive feedback. My aim is to provide you with meaningful opportunities to learn about the research process—from design to dissemination—while also tailoring the experience to your interests (e.g., writing, analysis, presenting).I encourage independence and curiosity, but also ensure that students feel supported and prepared at each step. Whether you are considering graduate school, industry, or other professional paths, I want this project to serve as a foundation for your growth as a researcher and learner.
Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=gessCL8AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=aoIncreasing the performance of Bi-2212, a high-temperature superconductor, for high-field magnets
Superconductiity, magnets, materials science, microstructure, heat treatment
Research Mentor: Prof. Eric Hellstrom, he
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: ehellstrom@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: ehellstrom@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: Engineering, chemistry, physics, geology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: 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: Engineering, chemistry, physics, geology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Thursday, September 4
Start Time: 3:00
End Time: 4:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92983246312 - Day: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 3:00
End Time: 4:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92983246312
Project Description
The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) is home to some of the strongest magnets in the world. These magnets are used in cutting-edge research to investigate the fundamental physical properties of materials, to understand how materials behave as a function of magnetic field, and to synthesize new materials under applied magnetic fields. In the Applied Superconductivity Center, we study superconducting materials that are critical to creating the MagLab's next generation of high-field magnets.This project investigates Bi-2212 (Bi2Sr2CaCu2)10, focusing on discovering what limits the electrical current in this superconductor and devising methods to overcome these limitations. It involves processing the Bi-2212 wires in an overpressure furnace and investigating the microstructure of the superconductor after the heat treatment.
Research Tasks: Heat treatment of Bi-2212 wires
Preparing heat treated samples to study their micro structure using optical and scanning electron microscopy
Quantitative image analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Interest in superconductivity (Rec)
Heat treatments in our one-of-a kind overpressure furnace (Rec)
Motivated student who feels comfortable in a laboratory (Required)
Mentoring Philosophy
in the Applied Superconductivity Center, we have a team approach to mentoring. The student will work with other undergrads, with grad students, postdocs, our scientific staff, and our faculty members. We train students by having them shadow people in the lab. The student will be part of the research group and is expected to participate in our weekly group meetings.Additional Information
Link to Publications
https://nationalmaglab.org/magnet-development/applied-superconductivity-center/Gamifying the Creative Writing Classroom: Play-Based Approaches to Writing Prompts
Creative Writing Pedagogy
Research Mentor: Ms. Li Zhuang,
Department, College, Affiliation: English Department, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: lz20v@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ms.
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: lz20v@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: English Department, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: lz20v@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ms.
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: lz20v@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: English Majors or Creative Writing Major
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: English Majors or Creative Writing Major
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
We are going to build a chapter of a textbook on inventive writing prompts that can gamefy creative writing classeslot. We will do more research and find proof that game-infused tasks can increase classroom engagement and increase students' creativity, thus resulting in a more satisfactory teaching outcome. This practical resources could potentially serves writing instructors at all levels, from middle school to universities like FSU, offering concrete tools and actionable writing prompts that work well with studentsResearch Tasks: Literature Review + Proofreading.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Research Skills, Proofreading
Mentoring Philosophy
As a first-year college composition instructor and woman of color from China with extensive international academic experience across Scotland, Australia, and the United States, I bring a fundamentally multicultural lens to mentoring undergraduate researchers in creative writing pedagogy. My mentoring philosophy centers on the belief that diverse perspectives are not merely beneficial but essential to research and scholarship, particularly in a field as culturally situated as creative writing pedagogy. Understanding the challenges of navigating academic discourse across cultures and languages, I provide patient support for students developing their academic research skills. I celebrate multilingual perspectives and encourage students to draw on their full range of linguistic and cultural resources. Under my mentorship, students might examine how creative writing is taught across different cultural contexts, comparing methods used in American creative writing programs with approaches in other countries. For example, investigating how collaborative writing practices differ between East Asian and Western pedagogical traditions. We can compare MFA programs in Hong Kong, UK to the established US program and find their differences and similarities. I will always offer student hands-on experience that they can hone their research skills from day one. They can start by browsing through different databases, find relevant papers and important datas and write a comprehensive literature review. They can also come up with creative writing prompts that incorporate games and we can try that in the actual classroom setting and collect results. Students are welcome to ask questions and explore academic publication with me.en to quAdditional Information
Link to Publications
Activity Identification Using Deep Learning
AI, machine learning, sensor technologies, embedded systems, and biomedical applications
Research Mentor: Oscar Chuy,
Department, College, Affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: chuy@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: chuy@eng.famu.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: Electrical and Computer
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Electrical and Computer
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
As the elderly population continues to grow, understanding their daily activities has become increasingly important for designing supportive technologies that promote independence. This research project focuses on recognizing human activities—such as walking, sitting, or reaching—by analyzing data collected from various sensors.Students will work with sensors such as accelerometers and cameras to gather data and apply deep learning techniques to detect and classify different activities.
Through this research experience, undergraduate students will gain hands-on skills in:
• Basic electronics and sensor setup
• Data collection and preprocessing
• Deep learning for activity recognition
This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in AI, machine learning, sensor technologies, embedded systems, and biomedical applications.
Research Tasks: Literature review, data collection, programming (python), data analysis, and deep learning implementation.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Basic programming, Interest in AI TensorFlow or PyTorch, Interesest in Sensors and Data Analysis.
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe undergraduate research is a chance for students to grow into independent problem-solvers. My role as a mentor is to guide, not micromanage. I provide the tools, feedback, and support needed, but I expect students to take ownership of their learning and drive their own progress.I encouraged student to
• Take initiative and explore solutions on their own
• Learn from challenges and setbacks
• Ask thoughtful questions and seek out resources
• Communicate clearly and manage their time responsibly
Additional Information
Link to Publications
Building Foundations: A Case Study of Developmentally Appropriate Practice Through Construction Play in Preschool
teaching, best practice,
Research Mentor: Lori Beth Walter-Carro, his her
Department, College, Affiliation: Early Childhood Education, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: lbw17@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Early Childhood Education, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: lbw17@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: education, child development, open
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: education, child development, open
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
To describe children’s experiences and teacher’s use of construction play in an authentic classroom setting. This case study seeks to describe how one school utilizes construction play to facilitate student learning in the preschool context. Using observation, interviews and document analysis, we will create an in-depth picture of how the classroom setting, curriculum, teacher and children come together to foster learning across learning domains.Research Tasks: editing, data analysis,
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Critical thinking, basic computer skills,