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.
