RCAC 2026 Posters

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  More Than a Gym: Campus Recreation and Student Success Among First-Year Students at Merrimack College

  Alyson Haggerty

  This study examines the relationship between Campus Recreation participation and first-year student success at Merrimack College, with a focus on social connectedness and academic outcomes. Using a cross-sectional quantitative survey design, data were collected from 140 first-year students during the Fall 2025 semester. Campus Recreation participation was measured across open gym use, intramural sports, club sports, and group fitness classes, while social connectedness and academic outcomes were assessed using the Social Connectedness Scale and self-reported expected GPA. The results indicate that Campus Recreation participation is associated with more positive student outcomes, though relationships vary by program type. Non-participation in Campus Recreation was significantly associated with lower social connectedness. Findings suggest that structured, socially embedded Campus Recreation programs may play an important role in supporting first-year students, highlighting the value of early engagement initiatives, including programming within First-Year Seminar. This study contributes to the growing literature on the role of campus-based recreation in promoting student well-being during the critical transition to college.

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  Climate Change, Conflict, and the Media

  Julia Hamilton

  This research examines how media coverage of climate change could increase global conflict. This research discusses different environmental issues that can cause conflict and how the media plays a part in global affairs. The media should be responsible when portraying environmental issues. This research examines environmental issues related to global conflicts including, resource depletion, disease, and rising global temperatures. This paper examines how the media currently depicts climate related issues like climate change, disease, and conflicts. Storytelling has a major impact on how people perceive current events and issues. Depending on how certain stories are told it could influence future conflicts.

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  Examining Antibiotic Resistance in the Merrimack River

  Kae'la Harrigan and Izabella Zouein

  Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging public health crisis, leading to 23,000 deaths annually in the United States. Resistance to antimicrobials is conferred by acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) via horizontal gene transfer, a process that can occur in a variety of settings including healthcare, agriculture, and the environment. Urban rivers are especially vulnerable to promoting the selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance because they are heavily influenced by human activity, including pollution from high nutrient loads, heavy metals, industrial discharge, and sewage. The aim of this study is to quantify the levels of ARG in the lower Merrimack River, which provides drinking water to approximately 500,000 people in southern New Hampshire and northeastern Massachusetts. Water samples were collected at 15 sites along the Merrimack River, between Manchester, NH and Newburyport, MA, throughout the summers of 2024 and 2025. Additional samples were collected in association with combined sewage overflow events. To assay for the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, total DNA was isolated from water microorganisms captured by filtration, and ARG were quantified using quantitative PCR. ARG assays include molecular markers of beta-lactam resistance (bla-TEM), sulfonamide resistance (sul2), and tetracycline resistance (tetA), as well as mobile genetic elements associated with ARG transfer. Our data show that concentrations of bla-TEM are highest relative to sul2 and tetA, and concentrations of all ARGs examined peak in areas downstream of combined sewage outfalls. We are currently analyzing trends in ARG levels to see how they correlate with other water quality parameters.

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  Investigating the Expression of the GFI1 Transcription Factor in Inner Ear Organoids

  Jacquelyn Harrington

  Hair cells (HCs) are the sensory cells of the inner ear responsible for detecting sound and movement information and sending it to the brain. Embryonic HC development relies on the transcriptional regulators ATOH1, POU4F3, and GFI1. Recently, analysis of GFI1 mutant HCs from both the cochlear (hearing) and vestibular (balance) systems revealed that GFI1 likely functions both as a transcriptional repressor to downregulate neuronal gene expression in early HCs, as well as a transcriptional activator in concert with ATOH1 to upregulate HC-specific genes. However, single cell-level transcriptional profiling of GFI1 mutant HCs has yet to be performed. This is likely due to the scarcity of HCs in the in vivo-derived inner ear for single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis, as well as the sensitivity of mutant HCs to dissociation. Here, we use an inner ear organoid model to further study the role of GFI1 in HC development. Inner ear organoids produce sensory epithelia-like structures with thousands of vestibular-like HCs that can be used for developmental studies. Using scRNA-seq of later-stage inner ear organoids, we show that Gfi1 is expressed at the earliest stages of organoid HC formation (day in vitro (DIV) 11). We further validate the expression of GFI1 protein in organoid-derived HCs at DIV11, DIV16, and DIV21. In the future, we plan to utilize scRNA-seq of GFI1 CRISPRi mutant HCs to gain a better understanding of the specific genes GFI1 regulates during development. This research will be critical for establishing future regenerative therapies for inner ear dysfunction.

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  Survey of Bird Diversity and Feeding Behavior on the Merrimack College Campus: A Pilot Study

  Lindsey Hatfield, Margaret Gadbois, Jordyn Trowt, Daniel Ayanian, and Raynna Collier

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  Temperature Modulation for Local Control of Bond Strength in Fused Deposition Modelling Additive Manufacturing

  Emma Hoffer, Emily Husson, and Thomas Shoemaker

  Interlaminar bond strength in polymer structures produced by fused deposition modelling (FDM) is controlled by bond diffusion between deposited layers. Therefore, it is expected that the interlaminar bond strength can be manipulated by controlling the thermal history of the deposited layers. To test this hypothesis, polylactic acid tensile test coupons were fabricated using a commercially available FDM printer. During the build process the central section of the specimens was subjected to either pre-cooling (cooling of the layer ahead of the extruder) or post-cooling (cooling of the deposited layer behind the extruder). The effects of build orientation were also investigated by building specimens with the predominant layer alignment being aligned with (axial) and perpendicular to (transverse) the loading axis of the specimen. Tensile test results show that pre-cooling provides a more significant reduction in strength than post-cooling when compared with the control group with no cooling. Additionally, precooling resulted in a greater reduction in strength for the axial specimens (46%) compared to the reduction in strength for the transverse specimens (18%).

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  VonViz: Data & Function Visualization

  Seth Holtzman

  This project introduces VonViz, a spatial computing application for the Apple Vision Pro designed to bridge the gap between abstract mathematical modeling and physical intuition. Developed to support students in complex disciplines such as Differential Equations and System Modeling, VonViz features a custom-engineered mathematical expression parser that renders 3D surface plots directly from raw equations in real-time. By transforming static variables into interactive, spatially-anchored volumes, the application allows students to manipulate, scale, and explore the geometry of solutions within their physical environment. Additionally, the platform supports the visualization of multi-dimensional CSV datasets, providing a versatile tool for both theoretical study and empirical data analysis in a unified AR ecosystem.

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  Go big or go home? Risk vs Reward in Olympic Weightlifting

  Hugo Hua

  In olympic weightlifting, attempt selection can make or break your final performance. Each lifters gets three attempts in each lift, and the highest successfully made lift counts towards their final total, with the highest total being the winner. Choose too heavy of an attempt and you risk missing the lift. Choose too light of an attempt and you risk falling behind in placement. The decisions behind attempt selection must take into account athlete readiness, goals, past performance, and psychological factors on the day. In addition, there is a balance between what an athlete may want to attempt, and what their coach deems a better choice. This capstone delves into the question of attempt selection in two parts. First, I conduct a numerical and statistical analysis of performances from top-level international weightlifting competitions to look for trends and correlations between attempt selection and final ranking. Second, I dive into a psychological analysis of how various factors, especially the athlete-coach relationship, influence decision making.

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  Investigating the Effect of BMP Inhibition on Otic Vesicle vs. Epibranchial Neuron Formation in Inner Ear Organoids

  Kaci Hutchins

  During development, the otic vesicle (which forms the inner ear) and epibranchial neurons (which form the distal ganglia of cranial nerves) both originate from the otic-epibranchial progenitor domain (OEPD). In vitro, OEPD cells can be induced by the sequential exposure of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in the inner ear organoid model. From there, activated Wnt signaling induces the otic fate over epibranchial. Analysis of inner ear organoids using single cell RNA-sequencing shows that OEPD and epibranchial cells are present prior to Wnt activation at 8 days in vitro (DIV). Further analysis of active signaling in DIV8 organoids revealed substantial BMP signaling to the OEPD from residual mESCs, as well as developing surface ectoderm and mesendoderm cells. Previous literature has shown that BMP signaling is important for epibranchial neuron development from the OEPD; in mice, BMP inhibition with the chemical LDN193189 can result in decreased epibranchial neuroblast formation. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that repression of BMP signaling could improve the formation of otic cells over epibranchial neurons. To test this, we added LDN193189 to DIV8 organoids and collected them on DIV11 at the stage of otic vesicle formation. Using qPCR, we found that LDN193189 treatment did not significantly change otic vesicle or epibrachial neuron marker gene expression compared to controls. Our results suggest that BMP inhibition at DIV8 may be too late of an intervention to have a significant effect on epibranchial neuron formation from the OEPD.

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  Race, Immigration Status, and Political Climate: Shaping the Treatment and Perceptions of Hispanic/Latino Immigrants

  Allyson Teresa Imbacuan-Saavedra

  In the United States, immigration has been widely discussed, with increasing polarization observed among the public. Media coverage has highlighted immigration policy changes, reports of violence or neglect by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and differing perspectives of support or disapproval. Concerns related to deportation and discrimination have been reported across immigrant populations, with the Hispanic/Latino population frequently identified as disproportionately impacted. Shifts in public perception and treatment of this group have been documented over the last decade and have been correlated with the political climate across recent presidential administrations. During this period, immigration protocols have expanded, including increases in ICE personnel, deportations, and the use of immigration detention centers. These institutional developments have been accompanied by a larger discourse regarding Hispanic/Latino immigrants, reflecting a range of social and political viewpoints and forming a contradictory narrative surrounding immigration.

  Within this context, the intersection of race and immigration status has emerged as a social phenomenon shaping institutional responses and public attitudes toward Hispanic/Latino immigrants. Enforcement practices, detention conditions, and public perceptions have been reported to be influenced by racialized narratives and assumptions about legal status, which may contribute to patterns of stigmatization and exclusion. In this systematic literature review, existing research will be examined to identify common themes related to immigration enforcement, detention practices, and societal perceptions; to understand the phenomenon through which race and immigration status operate together to shape the treatment and perception of Hispanic/Latino immigrants in the United States.

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  Changes in Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) Levels in the Merrimack River

  Abriah James

  Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) are the chemicals that do not break down. They will pass through your body, end up in your waste and eventually in the wastewater or sewage. PPCPs are currently considered as contaminants of concern. PPCPs can cause both short-term and long-term harm to living organisms. They can disrupt algae, are endocrine disruptors and can affect the behavior and reproduction of invertebrates, fish, and even humans. Currently, there has been no official testing of PPCP chemicals along the Merrimack River. The method created uses Solid Phase Extraction (SPE), Nitrogen Evaporator and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS) to analyse our samples. We will be testing to see if the method our lab created is effective by sampling different locations along the Merrimack River. Our results of which PPCPs are present at each sample location will be shown. Our results can help impact how we look at the treatment of waste water at Sanitary Water Districts.

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  Efficient Strategy for the Synthesis of "Magic Methyl" Isotopologues of Drug Molecules

  William Joergensen

  As one of the most pervasive chemical transformations, methylation plays a central role in biology. The prevalence of methyl groups in approved drugs and the rising demand for deutero-methyl analogs drive our pursuit of new methylating agents for isotopologue synthesis. Partially deuterated methyl groups are rare, and their pharmacological and chemical properties remain largely unexplored. Herein, we report the efficient synthesis of mono- and di-deuterated methylating agents that enable access to methyl isotopologues of small molecules and pharmaceuticals. Dibenzothiophene- and thianthrene-based methylating reagents were synthesized from the corresponding alcohols in good yields. These reagents were fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods, and applied to a wide range of substrates, including drug molecules, to access methyl isotopologues. The reagents proved to be stable, versatile, and simple to prepare. The synthetic pathways and results of this study will be presented.

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  Private Information Retrieval Experimental Sandbox

  Tarun Kannan

  In Private Information Retrieval (PIR) the goal is to query a database in such a way that the database does not learn the query or the result of the query. This project develops a sandbox in Java that allows for experimenting with PIR schemes.

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  Modulation of Early Neural Responses to Emotional Stimuli Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

  Ryan Kichefski and Bella Romano

  This study examines complementary aspects of ongoing research conducted by Dr. Kurdziel and Dr. Seitieck investigating emotional processing following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in young adults. One line of research explores whether there are significant differences in early sensory gating (N100) and attentional control (N200) in response to negative versus neutral images in individuals following mTBI. A second line of research examines whether sleep extension, in the form of a daytime nap, improves early neural processing of negative emotional stimuli compared to a wake condition in this population.

  Across both studies, participants aged 18–35 with a recent mTBI complete a cognitive reappraisal emotion regulation task while neural activity is recorded using electroencephalography (EEG). Event-related potentials (ERPs), specifically the N100 and N200 components, are used to index early sensory processing and attentional control. Participants also provide subjective ratings of emotional valence and arousal.

  Together, these studies aim to better understand how emotional reactivity and regulation are affected following concussion and whether sleep may serve as a modifiable factor influencing early neural processing. It is expected that negative images will produce altered N100 and N200 responses compared to neutral images, and that sleep extension through napping will enhance neural measures of sensory gating and attentional control. Findings from this work may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying emotional processing after mTBI and inform potential strategies to support recovery.

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  Post-Quantum Redactable Signature Schemes

  Joseph King and Daniel Mead

  This work considers how to construct post-quanutm secure redactable signatures. These are signatures that allow a third party to redact content from the signed message will preserving the signature.

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  Does Vegetable Intake Effect Visual Motor Reaction Time In Rock Climbers?

  Justin Knopf

  It has been shown that increased consumption of carotenoids, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin, found in dark leafy green vegetables can improve visual processing speeds and cognitive efficiency. For athletes, this can mean that greater consumption or focus on adding those to one’s diet can possibly improve not just reaction time, but rate of force development as well. My project was a visual-motor reaction time survey study in rock climbers aiming to see if there was a significant difference between visual-motor reaction time (VMRT) between groups of climbers who consumed on average more dark leafy green vegetables throughout their week compared to those who consumed less. This was done through the use of a dynamometer linked to a color changing screen. Participants were instructed to place their hand on the dynamometer, with their thumb on a pressure pad linked to the screen in front. They would press the pad to prime the screen, which would then randomly change color. When the color changed, they would then conduct a maximal effort 3 second pull on the dynamometer. This allowed us to see their VMRT through initial force production in the milliseconds they reacted to the change in screen and lbs generated in that time. With research currently ongoing, the hypothesis would be supported if the higher vegetable intake group is shown to generate a larger percentage of their 3s max force sooner compared to the groups who consume less dark leafy green vegetables.

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  Correlation between Pelvic Pain and Lower Back/Hip Pain

  Madelyn Kronen

  Background: Pelvic pain during menstruation is common among young adult women which has been linked to musculoskeletal pain in the lower back and hip regions.

  Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between pelvic pain and chronic hip/lower back pain in Merrimack college female students ages 18-25.

  Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used for this Pelvic Pain study. Data was collected using an online questionnaire that includes questions regarding demographics, medical history, pelvic pain levels, back/hip pain levels, frequency of symptoms along with a body map analysis. Statistical Analysis was conducted using SPSS software, including the chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U Test.

  Results: From 147 participants, 18 to 25 years old, (91.8%) reported pelvic pain, 16.3% reported hip pain and 49.0% reported low back pain. A significant association was found between low back pain and hip pain (p-value = 0.001). However, no significant association between period pain and hip pain (p-value = 0.396) or period pain to low back pain (p-value = 0.060). The Mann-Whitney U test showed no significant difference of pelvic pain severity between participants with and without hip pain (p-value = 0.545). Similar results with pelvic pain severity and participants with and without low back pain (p-value = 0.514).

  Conclusions: While there may have been a strong association between hip pain and lower back pain, pelvic pain severity was not strongly related to either.

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  Educator Preparedness and School Support in Addressing Student Housing Instability

  Lauren Kubit, Tabitha Mcgrath, Lily Panagopoulos, and Catherine Skorka

  Housing instability can greatly impact students academic success, behavior, and overall well being. Educators are often in a position to recognize when students may be facing housing instability, but their effectiveness depends on their support, knowledge, confidence, and access to school resources. This project examines educators preparedness to support students who are facing housing instability through a survey accessing knowledge of community resources, confidence in assessing students, understanding referral processes, and comfort communicating with families. This also explores barriers that could be faced; such as workload, stress and limited support from administrators. Demographic information, including years of experience, education level, and gender is collected as well to see if these factors related to preparedness or confidence. The goal of this project is to identify strengths as well as gaps in school support and educator knowledge in the school systems. The findings can be relevant to helping schools provide clear guidance, improve training, and better connect families to housing resources.

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  Mission: Multi-Task Impossible

  Sophia Kurtak, Lorianna Luongo, and Catherine Parkins

  We are going to be presenting a project based on multitasking

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  Chemical Genetic Dissection of NDR Kinase Signaling During Polarized Growth in Magnaporthe oryzae

  Jordan Lapierre and Rachel Taylor

  Polarized growth in filamentous fungi requires precise spatial and temporal coordination of kinase signaling. In the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, the Nuclear Dbf2-related (NDR) kinase Cot1 is essential for hyphal polarity, appressorium morphogenesis, and normal invasive growth. However, the spatial and temporal regulation of Cot1 activity during polarized growth remains unclear. Using a fluorescence microscopy-based forward genetic screen, we identified mutant M41, which exhibits severe defects in polarized growth and malformed appressoria. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a missense mutation in COT1, encoding a conserved AGC-family kinase. Complementation with wild-type COT1 restored normal morphology and pathogenic development. Live-cell imaging demonstrates that Cot1 traffics bidirectionally along microtubules in a Hook1-dependent manner, consistent with localization to motile early endosomes that function as signaling platforms. In Cot1-deficient cells, the RNA-binding protein Gul1 fails to associate with early endosomes and instead accumulates in P-body-like inclusions, suggesting a role for Cot1 in coordinating kinase signaling with RNA transport and polarized growth.

  To dissect Cot1 function with temporal precision, we are developing an analog-sensitive Cot1 allele by mutating the conserved gatekeeper residue within the ATP-binding pocket to render the kinase selectively susceptible to inhibition by the ATP analog 1-Naphthyl PP1. This chemical genetic approach will enable rapid and reversible control of Cot1 activity, allowing acute dissection of the spatial and dynamic requirements of NDR kinase signaling during fungal morphogenesis and pathogenicity.

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  A Systemization of Private Information Retrieval

  Maddie Ledesma

  In this work we present a systemization of existing Private Information Retrieval (PIR) schemes. In particular we demonstrate a core framework unifying all modern PIR schemes.

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  Canine-Assisted Interventions for Children with Autism

  Kylie Letendre

  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social communication, interaction, and repetitive behaviors that can affect daily functioning (Polak-Passy et al., 2024) and increase vulnerability to bullying (Dollion et al., 2024). Animal-assisted interventions (AAI), particurly dogs, have recently gained attention as a potential support for children with ASD.

  This literature review examines canine-assisted interventions and their outcomes. Google Scholar was used, with the initial search yielding 17,700 results with keywords Autism, dogs, and children. This initial search was narrowed down to 20 articles by using advanced search and keywords canine or dog, children, and Autism (ASD).

  Identified outcomes include social communication, emotional regulation, functional/behavioral outcomes, motivation, family system and caregiver well-being, and overall quality of life. Canine-assisted interventions have promising potential for supporting children with ASD, showing the need for standardized protocols in future research.

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  School Counselors' Use of the School Refusal Assessment Scale (SRAS-R) to Identify School Refusal Functions and Inform Interventions

  Jessica Lombardi

  Chronic absenteeism and school refusal are growing challenges in middle schools, affecting students' learning and well-being. The School Refusal Assessment Scale-Revised (SRAS-R) helps school counselors understand why students avoid school by combining student self-reports with parent observations, providing a clearer picture of barriers to success. This study examines how counselors at Weston Middle School use SRAS-R results to identify the functions of school refusal behavior and inform targeted supports and interventions. By comparing assessment results with existing attendance data and student plans, the study explores how counselors interpret and apply assessment information to support students who struggle with school avoidance or chronic absenteeism. The goal is to improve both attendance and overall student outcomes.

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  The Emotional and Social Impact of Behavioral Euthanasia

  Anna Lyons

  Behavioral euthanasia, defined as the euthanasia of otherwise physically healthy companion animals due to severe behavioral concerns, represents a complex and often stigmatized form of pet loss. While research has explored companion animal bereavement more broadly, limited empirical work has directly compared the emotional and social experiences of individuals who pursue behavioral euthanasia with those who euthanize for non-behavioral reasons, such as medical conditions. The present mixed-methods study examined societal attitudes toward behavioral euthanasia and associated psychosocial outcomes across three groups: individuals who euthanized a dog for behavioral reasons, those who euthanized for non-behavioral or medical reasons, and those with no euthanasia experience. A total of 459 participants completed the survey; 378 met eligibility criteria and were included in analyses. All participants completed a societal attitudes measure assessing perceptions of public judgment, social support, and media and public representation of behavioral euthanasia. Participants in both euthanasia groups additionally completed a pet bereavement scale assessing grief intensity, emotional distress, guilt, anger, and perceived stigma related to their loss. The findings suggest that behavioral euthanasia is not only an emotionally significant loss but also a socially stigmatized and often isolating experience shaped by caregiver burden and public misunderstanding. The results underscore the need for increased public awareness, stigma-informed grief support, and expanded veterinary psychosocial services, including veterinary social work, to better support individuals navigating behavioral euthanasia and its psychological aftermath.

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  Frontal Alpha Asymmetry as a Marker of BIS-Driven Vigilance to Negative Images

  Anna Lyons and Autumn Vance

  We tested whether motivational dispositions (BIS/BAS measure) predict attention to negative stimuli and whether frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) moderates these effects. Twenty adults completed an eye-tracking task viewing negative IAPS images; fixations within the image’s most aversive region in the first second indexed vigilance. Higher BIS predicted greater fixation percentage. Moderation showed BIS predicted greater engagement under left-frontal activation. Findings implicate FAA as a marker of vigilance.