Conspiracy theories have become a staple of the modern world. They center around explaining major national or global events by exposing what believers see as hidden information. Primal Beliefs are beliefs about “the overall character of the world rather than particular topics within it” (Clifton et al., 2019). This project explored potential correlations between Primal Beliefs and conspiracy beliefs. Participants filled out an online questionnaire asking about their conspiracy and Primal Beliefs as well as demographic information such as age. Additional open-ended questions were included to probe participants’ motivations and experiences. Data was collected from people living in the United States. Analyses revealed that higher endorsement of conspiracy theories was related to specific Primal Beliefs. No significant connections between age and conspiracy endorsement were found. In an attempt to humanize believers, I examined potential impacts of discrimination and institutional distrust on conspiracy belief.
The goal of the experiment was to investigate the relationship between stress reactivity and one’s Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) score. This was looked at through a two-part experiment including two surveys (the original CDC-Kaiser ACE questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). After participants filled out these forms, they then participated in the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST). The MAST is a stress test that involves participants submerging their left hand in ice water for a predetermined amount of time (90s, 60s, 45s) and then removing their hand from the water and counting backwards from 2,043 by 17s. There was a total of 18 participants used in the study, (14 females, 4 males, M=20.11 years old). Through ECG (electrocardiogram) and EDA (electrodermal activity) it was shown that a participant's ACE score is not related to their stress reactivity.
Logan Phillips--Sarteano Italy Choral Workshop With his SURF grant, Logan Phillips was able to attend and participate in the 2024 Sarteano Italy Choral Workshop. Attending this workshop made it possible for Logan to observe a variety of renowned choral conductors from around the world, to participate in ensemble rehearsals, and to attend daily faculty-led building sessions to guide and improve his overall singing ability and vocal technique. In addition, attending this workshop gave Logan the opportunity to present his scholarly and creative activity as a solo and ensemble singer on an international stage. In his presentation, Logan will discuss this life-changing opportunity.
Mariah Rodriguez-Costa--Wide Awake For her Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Mariah Rodriguez-Costa made a short experimental film. This short film, shot on 16mm film, is about a man who cannot sleep. When he combines alcohol with sleeping pills, he soon goes on a wild journey that will leave him questioning everything. Shot on a 16mm Bolex camera with color and black and white film, Mariah used in-camera effects, such as multiple exposures and a matte box.
The English Department’s Writing and Publishing internship course provides an experiential learning opportunity for students at a professional site. This semester, students are interning at a variety of organizations including nonprofits, arts organizations, publishers, libraries, and campus offices. Student interns are learning about and contributing to their internship sites through a wide range of short- and long-term projects. Each project requires the intern to develop knowledge of new content areas, of the writing genre, and of their different audiences within these communities. On this panel, interns will present from their semester-long writing portfolios, reflecting on their learning process and development as writers in joining these new communities.
Recent years have seen a dramatic shift in media for the genre of horror. In lieu of grime, gore, and spine-tingling scares, directors and writers alike are instead daring to ask hard-hitting questions about the nature and origin of the genre. Where does the inspiration for these stories come from? Why are we so afraid of them? In our pieces, we tackled what makes a story scary, as well as how the often-marginalized identities of our characters affected both their fears and how they respond to those fears. We delved into unconventional antagonists, unique settings, and strong voices traditionally undervalued in the genre. Each of these stories are original tales of terror penned by a carefully selected panel of students from the IA ENG 304 "Writing (Woke) Horror".
Minerals have been around longer than modern science itself, and even modern humans. As a result, the first resources in human development were the natural resources provided by the Earth. Despite this being the case for thousands of years, there are still many minerals with minimal research. Some minerals have been known to have interesting and valuable properties for decades, yet there is still much more to learn about them. This research aims to isolate which minerals may indicate potential for further research and application. This can be determined via a combination of research review, machine learning, and data analysis. The research hypothesis is that the properties of minerals already deemed “useful” can serve to predict the potential usability of other minerals.
This study examines the relationship between social media usage patterns and individual worldviews. Worldviews are defined as core beliefs and values that shape how people interpret experiences and interact with others. While research demonstrates that worldviews reach all corners of our lives - from how we interpret events, make decisions, and form relationships - little is known about how varying levels of social media interaction differ across different worldviews (Nilsson,2013). Participants will provide data on their social media habits, personal worldviews, and demographic information. This project will investigate the relationships between people's social media habits, specifically how much time they spend online and which platforms they use, relate to their different views about life and the world - including their beliefs about Humanism and Harmony, Secularism, Eastern-based Spirituality, Self-reliance, and Determinism. Given social media's prominence in daily life understanding how digital platforms affect perspectives on the world is crucial.
This lecture performance presentation will outline the music transcription and arrangement process by converting a music performance recording into a sheet music arrangement for a treble vocal ensemble. Visual and performance excerpts, of both the original performance and new arrangement, will support the discussion showing the step by step creative process during the pre-rehearsal phase. The composer will also describe the refinement process, introducing, and rehearsing the piece with the ensemble in preparation for a final performance product. The Keene State College Chamber Singers will serve as the demonstration choir for “Into the River”. The presentation will conclude with a composer-led discussion asking the conductor and singers about their reflections of the rehearsal and performance experience.
The purpose of this quasi-experiment is to determine the effect a high dose of caffeine (5mg/kg.bw) has on recovery following vigorous exercise in physically active adults. While the effects of caffeine are well-established, there is conflicting evidence on its impact on exercise recovery, particularly high doses of caffeine on vigorous exercise. Participants will be physically active Keene State College students recruited through emails, bulletin board posters, and digital signups. Initial screening will be done on participants to ensure they are fit to participate in this trial. A placebo-controlled design will be used to assess the difference in heart rate (HR) recovery between the baseline (placebo with no caffeine) and the experimental condition (with caffeine). It is hypothesized that high caffeine consumption prior to vigorous physical activity on a treadmill will have an increase in heart rate variability (HRV) suggesting an improved rate of recovery and performance in active college students.
At ever-increasing consumer Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) prices-with the majority from Nvidia-one might wonder whether price increases are well-justified by performance increases. In this research, recent machine learning techniques are applied to the study of historical pricing for GPUs using a dataset composed of Nvidia and AMD graphics cards. Regression models will be done along with clustering and time series forecasting to show if the price of Nvidia's GPUs has gone up significantly regarding its performance. We use machine learning algorithms to understand any pattern of pricing, predict future trends, and understand how well the cost is related to performance. This research represents, in fact, a practical application of machine learning in market analysis that would prove really priceless to consumers, industry analysts, and even policy analysts.
Combinatorial Threshold-Linear Networks (CTLNs) are a simplified way to represent complex neural networks and can help simulate brain activity. The CTLN model consists of a set of ordinary differential equations, and their solutions give the firing rates of each neuron. When you plot these firing rates, you often see a pattern of neurons firing in sequence. The goal of this research is to predict this firing sequence based on the network's structure. We make these predictions by analyzing the network's graph and studying how the nodes (neurons) are related to each other.
Adobe is a cost-effective and sustainable building material commonly used in dry climates such as Latin America, Africa, and Southern Europe. However, its viability in cold, wet climates like New England remains uncertain. This research project helps explore the adobe’s potential for new construction in New England. We examine its structural ability, moisture content, and insulation properties through hot, humid conditions in the summertime and wet, freezing conditions in the wintertime. We aim to determine whether adobe can provide an affordable yet aesthetically pleasing solution in rapidly changing conditions. By doing daily testing with the dataloggers, we aim to increase the amount of data gathered to help develop more methods and enhance the adobe’s performance in its non-traditional climate. The preliminary results show that this material could promote eco-friendly and affordable construction as well as open new possibilities for Architecture and Construction firms in these cold climates.
Artificial intelligence has risen to an unprecedented prominence which requires attention at the higher education level. In this interactive panel, we will challenge students to engage with AI responsibly in their courses and encourage students to use AI in a way that will bolster their education but also support their individual concerns about the technology. We will share our research findings on common advice present in student facing resources on AI usage from other colleges and universities to help us discuss best practices in AI usage with audience participants. We will also compile real student writing samples to compare with AI generated texts and invite the audience to identify AI texts and analyze what is different in texts generated by AI. Finally, we will review current debates focusing on the ethical concerns behind the technology and talk with the audience about which debates they find to be most compelling.
This study aims to develop and implement a machine learning model to predict the number of wins an NCAA Division I basketball team will achieve in a given season. Utilizing the College Basketball Dataset, we leverage historical data from the 2024 season. The dataset consists of 24 variables relevant to team performance, including valuable variables such as the team’s points scored/allowed per 100 minutes, effective field goal percentage made/allowed, and power rating, representing a team’s probability of defeating an average Division I opponent. The target variable for prediction is the total number of wins in a given season. Given the inherent variability and randomness in sports outcomes, we aim to build a model to predict accurately how many wins a team will get in the season.
New England residential buildings require higher energy consumption. Additionally, air quality is inhibited in colder months as people reduce ventilation to maintain a comfortable temperature. This leads to the accumulation of CO₂, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM2.5) in potentially harmful amounts. Also, radon is common among basements and carries potential health hazards, as the soil is one of the factors that support its formation. This research uses simulations and field tests to determine residential building energy consumption, indoor air quality, and radon concentrations. Revit and Climate Studio were used for energy performance simulation to estimate thermal loads, identify possible issues, and mitigate the concentration of these harmful chemicals. The final objective of the research is to confirm that computer simulations can match conditions found in the field.
Combinatorial Threshold-Linear Networks (CTLNs) are a neural network model that is used to simulate the firing rates of neurons. This model is based on a system of differential equations that compute the firing rates of each neuron in the system. In particular, we are interested in a special family of CTLNs called core motifs. Identifying these core motifs is integral to extrapolating CTLN findings to larger networks like the brain, but checking if CTLNs are core is computationally complex and difficult to scale. In an effort to more easily identify core motifs, I formed two conjectures that rule out large numbers of CTLNs as not core using simpler computations. These two conjectures use determinant sign and out-degree uniformity respectively to drastically reduce the computations required to find core motifs, allowing for greater scalability and computability.
This project aimed at developing a robotic pencil beam scanning (PBS) system for preclinical proton FLASH on a fixed beamline. Initial work using a Python-controlled robotic arm to move a mouse phantom through a proton beam revealed issues with the aluminum collimator: excessive radiation leakage and an ill-defined aperture. A new brass collimator with a 5mm x 5mm aperture was designed and constructed using electric discharge machining (EDM) to minimize leakage and create a precise aperture. Gafchromic EBT-3 films were irradiated with 230 MeV protons at a FLASH dose rate of 120 Gy/s using both collimators to compare leakage. TOPAS Geant4 Monte Carlo and MatRad simulations were used to validate experimental data. Results showed the brass collimator significantly reduced radiation leakage. Future studies will use this collimator to advance robotic FLASH PBS towards live small animal studies.
Emigration is a significant global phenomenon that impacts both the countries of origin and destination. The primary objective of this project is to use machine learning to analyze historical emigration data and predict future trends based on various factors such as region, country, income levels, and other relevant attributes. Visualizations such as histograms, scatter plots, and heatmaps will be used to present our findings. Some key questions that we will address are as follows: Which regions have the highest Emigration rates? How do income levels affect emigration patterns? And are there any significant trends over time? A detailed report will be compiled, summarizing the methodology, analysis, predictions, and conclusions. The findings will be presented through a well-structured presentation, highlighting key insights and conclusions. In conclusion, we hope to create an accurate and comprehensive artificial intelligence model using machine learning in order to predict emigration trends around the world.
Zostera marina (eelgrass) is a seagrass found in the Northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans and is integral to the coastal environment. It provides food and shelter for organisms, as well as taking in and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is important in protecting against climate change. Our research examines Z. marina within the Great Bay Estuary, where eelgrass meadows have been declining over the past twenty to thirty years. One potential solution for this decline is to restore eelgrass using seeds harvested from other areas. The main challenge of this process is finding the “right” seeds to use (where and when to harvest them) to have the best restoration success. Our work aims to help answer these questions by examining how different meadows differ in the timing of flowering and seed production, seed mass, and seed content, and testing to see if these influence plant germination and survival.
Photodecomposition is part of many vital chemical and biological processes, including, but not limited to, the degradation of ozone, DNA, and even sunblock. We have designed an experiment to study photodecomposition reactions that occur on minute-to-hour timescales. Using modular components, our custom-built instrumentation tracks photodecomposition by monitoring how the color of a chemical changes over time when subjected to irradiation with ultraviolet and/or visible light. Our experiment has been used to study the decomposition of the molecule tetrachoroaurate in the presence of various alcohols. Initial results indicate that the presence of alcohol increases the rate of photodecomposition, but it is still unclear why. Additionally, we have observed that the photodecomposition of tetrachloroaurate can exhibit oscillatory behavior under certain conditions, which is a rare and exciting find in the field of chemistry.
My research has found a pattern of gender queer behaviors amongst female saints of Late Antiquity into the Middle Ages. The behaviors that female saints exhibited made them “like men,” and created an ideal “gender queer” archetype for medieval women. I have researched primary sources, specifically stories of female saints’ lives, and analyzed the patterns of behavior. In addition to the primary sources, I have used secondary sources based on the scholarship of medieval sexuality to define and understand gender and sexuality as it was viewed at the time. I have researched saints such as Saint Perpetua, a Roman woman, through Saint Radegund, a Frankish queen and founder of the Abbey of the Holy Cross at Poitiers. This project bolsters the understanding that gender queerness and fluidity have been around since Late Antiquity. My research seeks to support understandings of gender and sexuality throughout history.
The panel presentation will discuss the discovery of personal papers belonging to Meshech Weare (1713-1786), the first governor (president) of New Hampshire. The panel will consist of student editors for the Meshech Weare Papers project and the senior editor Brian Burford, retired NH State Archivist. The discovery is significant because only a handful of personal documents exists attributed to Weare. The student editors will also discuss their transcription and editorial work in making the papers of Meshech Weare available to researchers and the public.
Oyster farming can lead to changes in estuarine communities leading to an increased influx of greenhouse gases, organic waste decomposition, and a decrease in oxygen in the surrounding water. Such changes can in turn influence the sediment bacterial communities which exist in close association with the oysters. In this study, we are looking at how the presence of oysters and the duration of farming affects the sediment bacterial community in two Little Bay oyster farms in NH. To that effect, sediments from underneath the oyster racks and adjacent areas without racks were collected from both farms for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Our results indicate that there are no major changes in bacterial phyla in response to the presence of oysters. We did find some indicator species that responded to the presence/absence of oysters. Future work will explore the functional relevance of these species and its impact on estuarine health.
This case study examines After the Bump, a community-driven initiative addressing postpartum mental health disparities among low-income young mothers in Keene, NH. In partnership with the Center for Population Health and Cheshire Medical Center, the proposed program integrates virtual and in-person interventions to reduce postpartum depression and foster social support. Although there are postpartum resources in Keene, young mothers seem not to be using them. Happy Moms, an online platform, would facilitate peer discussion and resource sharing, while bi-weekly in-person support groups, led by social workers and doulas, would provide professional guidance. This research explores how a program could improve maternal mental health outcomes by addressing social determinants of health. The project’s design is informed by evidence-based practices, and its potential impact is assessed through participant engagement and health benefits. The research highlights the program’s development and intended outcomes, emphasizing the role of community-driven initiatives in advancing maternal health equity.
This study aims to develop a machine learning algorithm that will predict whether the image is a dog or a cat as accurately as possible. The dataset consists of over 1,000 pictures scraped from Google, with image resolutions ranging from approximately 100×100 pixels to 2000×1000 pixels in JPEG format. Preprocessing techniques, including image resizing and formatting, will be applied to ensure data consistency and readability. Using the cats and dogs dataset, we will train the model with 80% of the data and test with 20%. Once finished, a random image of a cat or dog can be inserted, and the model will predict which animal it is. In addition, we will explore the possibility of extending the model’s capabilities to identify whether an input image contains a cat, a dog, or neither, along with an evaluation of model accuracy and performance.
Zostera marina, or eelgrass, is an ecologically important species of marine angiosperm in coastal North America. This species of seagrass provides a home for many species of fish and other marine organisms. Zostera is declining throughout much of its range, including here in Great Bay, NH. We are examining how pollen delivery varies across the edges of meadows, to assess whether lack of pollen is contributing to this decline. We used molecular DNA markers, called microsatellites, to assess pollen diversity and compare across meadows. These data provide an insight into the dispersal patterns of Zostera and what may be hindering their resilience in Great Bay.
This study aimed to evaluate the cognitive workload and muscular demands of a passive shoulder exoskeleton. Twenty-six participants were involved in completing four simulated overhead construction tasks in With and No Exo conditions. We used the NASA-TLX to determine their cognitive workload scores and utilized surface electromyography (EMG) to capture the muscle activities of the Anterior Deltoid, Lateral Deltoid and Triceps muscles. Mean and standard deviation were used to present the average cognitive load and EMG scores. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Mann-Whitney U Test were conducted to determine statistical differences between means with a P value of
The push-up test uses gender-specific positions; standard for males, modified push-ups for females. What about the people who do not identify with binary gender, such as trans or non-binary identities? Which test is best for them? This study examines the relationship between push-up position, max repetitions, and participant self-efficacy (SE). We will recruit 10-15 trans or non-binary college students between ages 18-24 for this cross-sectional study. Volunteers will complete health screening and informed consent. They will complete 3 test sessions where push-up form (standard, modified or inclined on18-inch box), with a minimum of 48-hr rest between. Positions will be randomly assigned and tests conducted according to a standard protocol. Immediately following the test, participants rate their perceived exertion (RPE) and future SE (1-10). Data collection is ongoing. My hypothesis is that the incline push-up repetitions will produce the best distribution of the three tests and the highest level of SE.
Hazards are everywhere such as in place of work and in school. For untrained eyes, they might not be easily recognized. Students at Keene State are examples of potentially exposed individuals to various hazards such as biological, chemical, physical, psychosocial, and ergonomic. We aim to develop an online safety training that can be completed by students prior to conducting a research project or hands-on activities from different programs. It will use the Assessment, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) Model in developing the training module. A sample size of 15 will be used in the design stage and a separate population of 50 will be recruited in the implementation stage. Thorough research of best practices in terms of assessing, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazards will be conducted with the use of peer-reviewed papers, OSHA and NIOSH resources, and other reliable sources.
Photodecomposition involves the breakdown of chemical compounds due to the absorption of light energy. The rate at which a compound decomposes may vary due to a number of different factors including what is present in the chemical’s environment and what wavelength (i.e., color) of light is used. Thus, it is important to study the photodecomposition of compounds in diverse conditions. Such knowledge can be used to develop measures to either protect desired compounds from radiation or accelerate the decomposition of undesirable compounds.
Our research explores the photodecomposition of various compounds under a variety of conditions. In our experiments, the breakdown of a target compound being subjected to irradiation is monitored by tracking how its color changes over time. By varying factors such as solvent composition, pH, or irradiation wavelength, we can determine how different environmental factors affect the decomposition process.
Diabetes management and preventive care vary significantly across genders, with disparities impacting health outcomes. This study analyzes gender-based differences in diabetes self-management, preventive care participation, and associated health risks, using data from the US Chronic Disease Indicators (CDI) dataset (2013 Release) and Python as means for analysis. The analysis highlights key trends, including variations in participation rates for preventive screenings, prevalence of depressive disorders, and the intersection of high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and self-management behaviors. These findings illuminate critical gaps, particularly in mental health support for women, who often face higher rates of depressive disorders linked to chronic conditions. The results emphasize the importance of developing tailored, gender-specific strategies that address these disparities to improve overall diabetes care and health equity.
The United States is home to more than 330 million people and is estimated to have between 390 and 500 million firearms— more than enough to arm every civilian. With such immense power comes both great responsibility and profound consequences. Guns can be a powerful equalizer for freedom and self-defense, but they can just as easily be wielded as tools of harm or oppression. Gun violence and gun rights remain among the most contentious issues in the U.S. Yet, despite increasing gun restrictions, gun violence has not decreased. This project takes a data-driven approach to analyzing trends in gun violence and firearm legislation. The goal of this project is not to sway the reader in one direction or another, but rather to provide clear, objective information to assess whether current policies effectively address the ongoing epidemic of gun violence—or if deeper, underlying issues are being overlooked.
The Healthy Homes Program is a proposed collaborative initiative with the Cheshire Center for Population Health. Healthy Homes aims to address food insecurity in Cheshire County, focusing on low-income families, offering a tripartite approach to improve community health. Healthy Homes provides tailored nutrition education and practical skills, such as recipe plans and cooking classes, to empower families to make healthier food choices. Healthy Homes enhances access to nutritious food through community-based distribution and meal delivery services, ensuring equitable access for all families. Healthy Homes fosters community and cultural diversity by creating a supportive environment for learning about diverse culinary traditions and connecting families to community resources. The Healthy Homes Program will employ a comprehensive evaluation strategy through pre-and post-surveys, attendance tracking, and community feedback. By implementing interventions, Healthy Homes seeks to improve overall health outcomes, reduce food insecurity, and empower families to make healthier choices, creating an equitable community.
Music and art both evoke emotion in the person consuming it. This study examines the interaction between the two mediums when consumed simultaneously. Participants listened to music and rated multiple styles of visual art on how positive or negative they perceived it. A significant interaction showed that Impressionism was the only art style perceived significantly differently depending on the music. Additionally, Fauvism and Impressionism were perceived more positively than Cubism and Surrealism.
Suggested Changes: In 2010 the chemistry Nobel Prize was awarded to Akira Suzuki for his work in discovering a palladium catalyzed reaction to form carbon-carbon bonds. The Suzuki coupling is widely used across many different fields, and one of its most recognized uses is to synthesize pharmaceuticals. Although the Suzuki coupling has many important and vital uses it does have some downside. Palladium is both expensive and toxic. Current research is focused on the use of a different metal catalyst that is not only less expensive, but also less toxic, such as nickel. In our research we are focused on the synthesis of a nickel catalyst instead of palladium. We are also investigating new conditions that make the process more sustainable, such as using milder solvents, and lowering the amount of heat used in the reaction.
Many job seekers are concerned that their jobs will be replaced by AI, but is this true? This project attempts to analyze the effects generative AI tools have had on the United States job market. We look at both the perception in the US job market about the use of generative AI in the workplace and the actual impact on the job market. To accomplish this, numerous surveys and polls were compiled from various institutions that ask employees and employers what job markets they think are most vulnerable to change from generative AI as well as their general perspective on its ability and effects. To measure direct changes in job markets, job posting data from indeed was compared directly to the usage of generative AI tools over time. Combined together, the data suggests a stabilization in job hiring rather than a decline coinciding with generative AI usage, despite fears.
The data presented in this project was collected by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) and concerns the collection of macroinvertebrate organisms within the Ashuelot River. This poster summarizes said findings, focusing specifically on the collection methods used by NHDES as well as seeing what methods or sampling times yield for taxonomic families of macroinvertebrates. The result of the analysis shows that while NHDES has used a variety of methods for sampling macroinvertebrates over the years, there is minimum variation in the results of those methods. Future considerations that may be undertaken would include more consistent sampling with kick nets and artificial substrate at the same locations several times within a year to get a better comparison of the two methods as well as an analysis into the specific taxonomic groups uniquely gathered by different sample methods.
This content analysis project examines how mental health and juvenile offenders are depicted in U.S. media across different political orientations. Using four news outlets—The Daily Signal (conservative), Cosmopolitan (liberal), The Wall Street Journal (neutral-right), and PBS NewsHour (neutral-left)—this study explores the framing of juvenile mental health services and their connection to crime. The research investigates whether left-leaning media portray mental health support more positively, while right-leaning media associate juvenile mental health with crime and violence. Keywords such as "juvenile," "mental health," "crime," and "bias" will guide data collection. Theoretical frameworks including Labeling Theory, Strain Theory, and Social Learning Theory will be used to interpret media narratives. Findings will provide insight into the influence of media bias on public perception and policy discussions surrounding juvenile mental health in the criminal justice system.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are commonly used as solvents for industrial chemical reactions. VOCs are harmful to the environment and toxic to the human body. Recently, ionic liquids have been emerging as novel replacements to VOCs due to their unique properties. Ionic liquids are liquids/low melting solids comprised entirely of ions that are environmentally benign, non-volatile, non-flammable, and inexpensive to manufacture. This project explores the synthesis of a series of nicotinic acid-based ionic liquids. Nicotinic acid, or vitamin B3, is an essential human nutrient. By altering its structure, a series of new ionic compounds have been prepared and their use as alternative solvents and catalysts for organic reactions is being investigated. The synthesis, confirmation of chemical structure and properties, and preliminary studies will be presented.
There is ample evidence of microbiome-directed changes in host metabolic processes in response to common environmental stressors. These changes are particularly important in the development of arsenic toxicity, where the susceptibility varies greatly among individuals and is closely associated with the host’s metabolic processes and their dietary intake. The specific changes in microbiomes in response to arsenic exposure and dietary conditions are largely unknown. In this study, we test the microbial changes associated with Arsenic exposure and changes in dietary phosphorus supply in our model organism Daphnia. Based on previous studies, we expect to see largest shifts in bacterial diversity under the stressful conditions of arsenic and low phosphorus diet compared to our controls (no arsenic + high phosphorus). Documenting shifts in microbial diversity and how they can impact host fitness can elucidate the development of toxicity of common environmental toxicants such as Arsenic.
Organic Light Emitting Diodes, more commonly known as “OLEDs” are used widespread in technology, specifically screens, for they are more efficient than the commonly used LEDs. OLEDs are “self-illuminating” when given electricity; this allows for them to be more efficient and require less power consumption than LEDs. The research being conducted in Dr. Anderson’s lab focuses on attempting to synthesize new molecules that may be used as OLEDs, as well as using analytical techniques such as NMR (“Nuclear Magnetic Resonance”), Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, and TLC (“Thin Layer Chromatography”) to determine the molecular structure of the molecules made. The progress made in the research will be presented.
Suggested changes: Hypomimia is a motor symptom of Parkinson's Disease (PD) characterized by a decrease in genuine, spontaneous facial expression. Hypomimia influences the quality of interpersonal communication, pushing others away due to misunderstood facial expressions. As hypomimia progresses, genuine smiles become something PD patients must learn to deliberately create. This is where a Duchenne smile, a smile that reaches the crow’s feet of the eyes, becomes a tool to purposefully convey emotion. This study investigates whether people perceive Duchenne smiles from PD patients as more genuine than deliberate non-Duchenne smiles in people with PD. Participants were shown video clips of people expressing happiness – half Duchenne smiles, half non-Duchenne smiles. Each smile was rated on how happy and genuine it appeared, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of each deliberate expression. The goal is to build a unique database of intentional emotional expressions that PD patients, clinicians, and care partners can utilize.
In the current age of neurodivergent awareness, it is important to monitor the effect advocacy and representation have on the public. While invisible disabilities such as mental health disorders receive the most attention, intellectual disabilities are rarely discussed. How impactful has the neurodivergent awareness movement been for intellectually disabled individuals? Has this movement affected all genders equally? This study examines college students' biases related to gender, social factors, and treatment toward an individual with an undisclosed intellectual disability. Three surveys, adapted from Scior & Furnham (2011), were administered to students at Keene State College to evaluate their ability to identify traits of intellectual disability, their perceptions of the causes of such behaviors, how these behaviors can be managed, and their level of social comfort with intellectually disabled individuals. Significant differences in attitudes towards the prompt character were found between groups that correctly identified an intellectual disability versus those that did not.
Photochemical reactions initiated by UV light can either help reduce some chemical compounds from waste streams or increase the toxicity of other compounds. A computational model was developed and implemented using Python to investigate photodecomposition of compounds under a variety of experimental conditions. Additionally, the model was implemented using two different mathematical approaches: Euler’s method and the 4th order Runge-Kutta (RK4) method. Results from simulations that utilize our models revealed interesting results that are similar to observations made in laboratory experiments, but with some notable differences. Knowledge gained from our study can help to improve the storage and/or disposal of select pharmaceutical compounds.
This study examines the effectiveness of AI platforms in university student recruitment, focusing on features such as live interaction, peer-to-peer engagement, analytics, and customization. Data from 64 universities was analyzed to identify trends and platform performance. Results show 46% of institutions use AI tools, with Unibuddy and Slate leading in adoption due to their comprehensive features. Larger universities tend to use multi-functional platforms, while smaller schools favor simpler, cost-effective solutions. Findings emphasize the importance of feature-rich AI systems in enhancing engagement and streamlining recruitment. For institutions like Keene State College, adopting platforms such as Unibuddy or Slate is recommended to improve personalization, increase efficiency, and enhance the student experience, fostering stronger connections with prospective students and improving recruitment outcomes.
Arsenic toxicity in drinking water is a major concern across the globe, including parts of New Hampshire. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry currently has Arsenic ranked #1 on the substance priority list, which is determined to pose significant threat to human health. Although studies have looked at short-term toxicity effects, transgenerational chronic exposures are rarely investigated. Here, we look at shifts in acute and chronic Arsenic toxicities in our model organism Daphnia that has been exposed to 10 generations of environmentally relevant arsenic concentrations. We predict that offspring whose mothers were exposed to As will have higher tolerance for Arsenic compared to offspring of non-exposed mothers. Using techniques in mass spectrometry, we also look at somatic accumulation of arsenic in response to generational exposure. Documenting such shifts in susceptibilities across generations will provide opportunities to better understand the inheritance pattern of common environmental toxicants such as Arsenic.
Negative word pairings may be more easily recalled than positive or neutral word pairings. Thirty undergraduate students underwent six study trials and memorized fifteen-word pairings each. They were given a sheet of paper with half of the word pairing left blank and filled in the missing word. Key findings suggested that positive words were recalled the easiest out of the three, meaning there could be the influence of positive valence on memory.
This research developed wordless instructions for constructing a wigwam, a traditional Native American shelter, to assist individuals across cultural and linguistic barriers. This visual methodology enables affected communities to use locally available materials and rapidly establish secure, temporary livable spaces. Each year, natural disasters, armed conflicts, and forced displacements leave millions without shelter. After earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and wars, the need for emergency shelters is urgent. Beyond protection from exposure, these shelters help prevent illness, injury, and further vulnerability to extreme conditions. Our study assessed the effectiveness of wordless instructions by providing a test group with visual guides to construct a wigwam. Results demonstrated that participants, even without prior construction experience, completed the shelter accurately and efficiently. This study concludes that wordless instructional design holds significant potential for emergency relief, offering a rapid, accessible, and adaptable solution in disaster-stricken areas where conventional aid may be delayed or unavailable.
This study investigates the relationships between worldviews, personality, and demographics using the Unified Worldview Measure (UWM) and Big Five Inventory-2 Short Form via online survey. Analysis of 311 participants revealed two distinct worldview clusters: one scoring higher on Eastern-Based Spirituality, Humanism and Harmony, and Self-Reliance, and another showing opposite patterns. While overall worldview clusters weren't significantly correlated with personality clusters, certain patterns emerged. Additionally, Income correlated positively with Secularism and negatively with Eastern-Based Spirituality, while age correlated negatively with Secularism. Gender analysis revealed men scored higher on Secularism and Self-Reliance compared to women, with regional differences in Secularism approaching significance. These findings suggest that worldviews are related to both personality traits and demographic factors, highlighting the relationship between individual characteristics and belief systems. Future research should explore causal relationships, as well as other potential moderators such as education or culture.
Metal complexes with thiosemicarbazone and ferrocenyl ligands have been found to have biological activity and can also serve as catalysts for multiple reactions. A ligand is defined as any molecule that bonds to a metal atom, and a metal complex is any resulting structure formed by that bonding. This research project is focused on investigating synthetic routes for new variants of each type of ligand and their resulting metal complexes with the goal of discovering an easy, reliable, and ideally more sustainable “recipe” for these complexes. The hope in the future is to study their activity in medicinal, biological, or catalytic applications. Products will be analyzed to confirm successful creation and purity through TLC and 1H / 31P NMR spectroscopy. Synthetic routes will be compared by product yield and time required for a single batch.
