SNHU Academic Archive
Welcome to Southern New Hampshire University's online collection of student achievement, faculty research, and university archival material. Each community below contains a number of collections you may browse or search.
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Recent Submissions
Examining Rates of Chytrid Fungal Infections in Male and Female Amphibians
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2024-04-29) Thompson, Mikayla; Gravell, Ava; Pietz, Skylar; Turner, Matthew; Duryea, Katie
As SNHU students working to complete the Biology Capstone, we performed DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and gel electrophoresis on samples collected from frogs in environments near campus in order to uncover any cases of chytrid fungus in local frog communities. Studying chytrid fungus deepens our understanding of fungal biology, ecology, and its effects on ecosystems. Particularly, research in frog populations provides crucial insights into disease ecology and transmission patterns. These discoveries guide conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered amphibians from fungal diseases.
Exploring the Dangers of Anabolic Steroid Misuse and the Influence of Social Media
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2024-04-27) Brunette, Jennessa; Nwankwo, Adaobi; Duryea, Katie
In this study we examined the impact of social media on anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) misuse through conducting a literature review. We found social media platforms contain image-centric ideology surrounding narratives of body image and fitness ideals. Due to this, societal pressure and misconceptions surrounding AAS pose a significant health risk to individuals who are influenced to use AAS.
Ten Years of Mutations of the Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in Amphibians Across Varying Climates
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2024-04-24) Cardoso, Tyler; Duryea, Dr. Katie
This project will be both joining and spearheading a new avenue for the ongoing chytrid project in examining local frogs for the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. In this project we are taking swabbed samples and performing DNA extraction, PCR, and then gel electrophoresis. These are to show if the samples are positive for chytrid and mark where these positive samples are coming from, as well as age, sex of the frogs, and if they have any external injuries or discoloration. The focus of my topic proposal, is taking primers found on a scientific journal from ten years ago, getting them to replicate with our samples, sending them out to be sangar sequenced. Then, this data will be BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) against the sample in GenBank from the paper of 10 years ago. The goal is to establish why NH frogs are testing positively for chytrid increasingly, but frogs are not dying. The focus of this project is to examine the genes and see if there are variances that could be responsible for a decrease in mortality rates. The results show that there are currently two strains of chytrid in NH, one which matches the strains of New England over the past ten years, and one that is new to the area. The genetic avenue of this new strain is a factor to be examined further. If this further testing gave information on possible mortality changes, other strains globally can be sequenced and continue one step further to look to what the DNA encodes for. This study will be a gateway to saving frogs.
Be Seen, Be Heard and Be Represented: The Impact of Diverse Literature in Classroom Libraries Through a Windows, Mirrors and Sliding Glass Door Approach
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2024-04-18) Hurd, Abigale; Whitmore, Linda; Matthews, Dr. Lowell
Classroom libraries are a foundational part of elementary classrooms. Traditionally, what is referred to as children’s literature has lacked both content and form. As the 21st century evolves, the growing changes in literature, education and societal norms necessitates a change in the dynamics of what constitutes a classroom library. Rudine Sims Bishop’s educational concept “Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors” has helped influence the field of education and literature since the early 90’s (Bishop, 1990). Based on her concept, it is common practice that children should feel represented and included when reading books from their library. Classroom libraries should reflect the demographics of the classroom and school population. The terms diversity and representation have grown to incorporate a variety of sub genres including education, political belief, family, language, religion, age, economic status, gender, disability, race, and many others (Hampton, 2021). An educational study of classroom libraries in New Hampshire elementary schools provided insight into the actual demographic of classroom libraries. By analyzing the components of current elementary classroom libraries, educators can be better informed on how their classroom collection aligns to the best practices of representation in literature. Becoming aware of the demographics of classroom libraries can help educators become well versed in the topic of literature representation when expanding or creating a classroom library. With literature and classroom libraries being a critical component of elementary classrooms; it is crucial that these collections are diverse in ways that allow the student population to feel represented and included.
The Grass Isn't Always Greener on the Sod Side
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2024-04-15) Choiniere, Caroline; Collins, Dr. Aaron
Predatory insects and biological controls may allow for decrease of chemical treatments of sod crops. A study must be conducted to determine the role of biological controls in the quality and production of turfgrass sod.