Undergraduate Research Day

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https://hdl.handle.net/10474/2451

Undergraduate Research Day is an opportunity for Southern New Hampshire University’s undergraduate students to present research and projects in a public forum. Undergraduate Research Day is inclusive both in terms of academic discipline and research method. Southern New Hampshire University is committed to fostering a culture in which undergraduate research is encouraged and celebrated.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 124

The Abolition of Man in dystopian literature
(2014-04-29) Doe, Samuel; Cook, Susan
This thesis argues that two important works of dystopian fiction, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, can be read through the lens of C. S. Lewis’ Abolition of Man. In this book, Lewis writes of an intellectual trend which he labels Subjectivism, and which he believes is engaged in undermining humanity as we understand it. Lewis sees an example of this trend in a schoolbook on English writing, which he calls the Green Book (The Control of Language: A Critical Approach to Reading and Writing, by Alex King and Martin Ketley), and uses a criticism of this book as a departure point for a criticism of the whole philosophy of Subjectivism. I believe that Bradbury and Huxley are concerned with some of the same contemporary intellectual and moral trends as was Lewis, and, like him, feared the advent of a broken humanity. I will also be bringing Nietzschean philosophy to bear on this examination, for to really understand what Lewis means by the Abolition of Man, one should understand the ideas he is arguing against. To understand them, one should understand their origins, and the best way to do this is to go back to Nietzsche. Using The Abolition of Man as its central text, this thesis will work backwards to establish the argument between Lewis and Nietzsche, and will then analyze the philosophical ideas of both at play in the worlds of Bradbury and Huxley’s novels.(Author abstract)
Acid Deposition and Brook Trout
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2023-03-03) Bartlett, Brooke; Collins, Aaron
New Hampshire is being negatively affected by acid deposition. The average pH of waters in New Hampshire are very acidic, which causes issues with the environment of brook trout. This is an issue that is mainly caused by the geographic make up of New Hampshire that hasn’t been addressed in this state by ecologists. In order to address this problem, I propose we integrate a liming program in the rivers of New Hampshire. In order to integrate this program, I will do research on the water and effects of acid deposition on brook trout in New Hampshire, and I will consult with people who are knowledgeable about the water and geology of New Hampshire. This research is impactful because brook trout are an indicator species, so it is important to keep their habitat safe and healthy.
The advantages of social media for small businesses
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Laurin, Nathaniel; Bickford, Crystal
The poster, “The Advantages of Social Media for Small Businesses” focuses on social media and its positive and negative effects on small businesses. The author begins by introducing the topic through a brief history of the internet, web 2.0, and its byproduct, social media. The text continues on to discuss the central question of, “is social media beneficial for small businesses?” This question is studied as the author negotiates the positives and negatives associated with social media and its potential impact on small businesses. The author outlines the main benefits of social media and examines them in greater detail and then provides examples of ways businesses can use social media to increase their publicity. These range from targeted and affordable advertising, to funding a project using fans as backers. The poster also compares these benefits of social media with the potential downsides and offers specific examples of products developed by small businesses, such as Minecraft, the Ouya Console, and the Pebble Smartwatch, to illustrate the ways in which social media has contributed to make each a success. The author concludes the research project with a summarization of why the benefits of social media outweigh the detriments for small businesses. (Author abstract)
AI in Visual Art and Media
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2023-04-05) Willingham, Jeffrey; Umen, Harry
The presentation details that Artifical Intellegence recently has been used to create images, videos, and various other artiffacts. The presentation shows emaples of various works (images and videos) made using these programs and how the final product differs between them. The ethical issues are discussed, such as the difficulty of gaining copyright for AI works, the potential of removing the need for artists, the use of artists work without consent, and the lack of understanding these AI programs have. The future of these programs and artist are dependent on the legislature that is soon to come.
The all-you-need-to-know grammar guide
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2015) Hamilton, Sarah; Marcille, Selina
The goal of this proposal is to preface my senior thesis, which will be a Grammar Guide for SNHU students. This guide will be directed particularly at international students, and English 099 (Fundamental Writing in English) students. I intend to divide the final product into different chapters, detailing basic grammar (parts of speech, subject/verb agreement, prepositions, sentence structure, etc.), punctuation, essay-writing (outlining, the nine paragraph essay and the five paragraph essay, structure, content, and critical thinking), citation (MLA and APA), and activities (creating examples of outlines, thesis statement formation guides, etc.). The research element of the paper will focus more specifically on some of the struggles students face while learning English at this level, as well as my own experiences as a tutor. I intend to include a section in the research on common writing styles for other cultures and languages, as these styles tend to vary greatly from American English writing formats. In this area, I intend to focus heavily on Saudi Arabian and Mandarin writings, as these two language populations make up a sizeable contingent of the international population here at Southern New Hampshire University. I intend to complete this project in the second semester of the 2014-2015 school year. (Author abstract)
Analyzing Subway’s successful social media efforts
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2015) Bodi, Evan; Spirou, Pat
“Analyzing Subway’s Successful Social Media Efforts” is a required project for the social media and marketing communications course. This project, which began during the fall semester of 2014, involves identifying Subway’s varying advertisement campaigns, the main target market these ads are intended for, the main media vehicles used to deliver these ads, and how effective these ads are in expanding Subway’s global footprint. More specifically, the research paper uncovers Subway’s varying advertisement campaign themes, multiple execution styles, and how Subway successfully applies the dual adaptation strategy in global markets through the use of social media formats Facebook and Twitter. The research also highlights the company’s history, main competitor, product lines and assortment, and its recent financial success. The paper concludes that Doctor’s Association’s Subway brand is highly successful in marketing its products due to its ability to relate the themes of health and fitness with its submarine sandwiches in ads that vary in both execution style and in media format based on the respective audience the company is trying to target. (Author abstract)
Anticipated psychosocial stress informs sustained attention performance: A behavioral and physiological perspective
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021-04-07) Brau, Julia M.; Fortenbaugh, Francesca C.; Esterman, Michael; Corbo, Vincent
The ability to sustain attention is paramount to the completion of daily activities, such as driving or attending to a lecture. Previous studies have suggested that stress prior to cognitive testing leads to changes in attentional performance based on stressor context, but the impact of anticipated stress on attention remains unclear. To answer this question, the current study examined a sample of thirty-one undergraduate students (age 18-35, M=21.5, S.D.=3.1) who either anticipated a psychosocial stressor or completed guided meditation before completing a go/no-go sustained attention task (gradCPT). Subjective measures of anxiety, self-esteem, extraversion, and neuroticism were also gathered along with heart rate and electrodermal activity measures to objectively determine stress reactivity. Correlational analyses revealed negative associations between state anxiety and commission errors (r=-0.5, p=0.048), reaction time variability (r=-0.522, p=0.038), and a positive association between state anxiety and accuracy (d’) (r=0.521, p=0.038) in the stress condition exclusively. When controlling for state anxiety, mixed design ANOVAs revealed a significant main effect of condition on d’ (F(1,28)=5.54, p=0.026), where the stress group showed lower d’. Further, data showed a trend of an interaction on reaction time variability (F(1,28)=3.49, p=0.072) where increased variability across the task duration occurred as a function of condition assignment, and a trend of a main effect of condition (F(1,28)=3.93, p=0.057) suggesting more commission errors under stress. The results suggest that anticipation of a stressor does impact sustained attention, but that performance may exist on a spectrum based on subjective appraisal of the stressor. (Author abstract)
Appearance discrimination in politics
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-03-02) Bodi, Evan; Hughes, Jeanne
The purpose of the research paper is to inform the reader of the impact a political candidate’s appearance has on his or her electoral success. The author cites sources that confirm role-independent traits (appearance, personality, other non-political traits) play a more crucial role in people’s voting decisions compared to the role-relevant traits (experience, political record, proposed plans) of politicians. The research paper cites evidence that proves role-independent traits are more important to voters by referencing research that explains how quickly individuals subconsciously identify the winner of an election after watching 10-second silent clips by observing candidate body language. The race and gender of politicians also influences the perceptions of voters, as voters have been proven to identify and relate different characteristics to different races and genders while other factors are held constant. Research also proves that certain appearance features like babyface and posture can either benefit or harm certain candidates depending on the circumstances. Finally, various media outlets like Facebook and YouTube influence people’s perceptions about political candidates in different ways. In conclusion, appearance discrimination in politics is a very complex topic, and it takes place in several different ways. Not much research has been done on why this takes place, but there is enough evidence in previous research that allows the author of this paper to conclude that people do vote for political candidates based their respective appearances. (Author abstract)
Arboretum Invasive Species Management
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2022-04-06) Larue, Julianna; Weinstein, Mike
Are SNHU Waterways Impaired by Excess Chloride Due to Road Salt Application?
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2023-03-02) McCoy, Katy; Collins, Aaron
The chloride ion found in road salt accumulates in water bodies and has negative impacts on aquatic life and ecosystems. Amphibians experience developmental and behavioral changes at high chloride concentrations. Ecosystems can also be impacted – too much salt can cause water density changes, soil contamination, harm to algae, and harm to mammals. The road salt that is applied in colder climates is effective at ensuring the safety of drivers, but little attention is focused on the consequences of applying large amounts of road salt. To understand how much road salt is present in water bodies in southern New Hampshire, and to understand the relationship between urbanization and salinization, the conductivity of water samples was measured in an area immediately adjacent to the campus roadways and another remote location. The results are compared to meteorological data and impairment threshold values.
Are the Warming Temperatures of the Gulf of Maine Affecting Local Shark Populations?
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2023-03-03) Lavoie, Kelley; Collins, Aaron
The Gulf of Maine is one of the fastest warming waters in the world. The temperature of these waters plays a large role in the survival of all the species that live there, from influencing their behavior, to how the find food and what kinds of food they can find. The primary objective of this study was to understand and describe the effects the warming of the Gulf of Maine has on local shark populations in regard to their feeding habits, migratory patterns, and interactions with humans. This study was primarily done through the use of previous studies which used methods of tagging and looking at past information to both track shark movement through the areas, as well as look at past warming trends in the Gulf of Maine and to predict future warming trends and how the warming affects species commonly used as prey by sharks. By looking back at temperatures in the Gulf of Maine, primarily between the years 1976 and 2005, an average change in temperature can be recorded and is predicted to increase by 1.1° C to 2.4° C by the year 2050. Since many of these are species that are often preyed upon by sharks in the area, it is expected that shark populations migration patterns, and feeding habits will be affected.
Bait ball simulation
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021-04-07) Harper, Tim; Ramirez, Darren; Duffy, Tim; Jamieson, William; Gilbert, Adam
Banned books ban the future
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2015) Palmer, Megan; Bickford, Crystal
This project examines book banning and curriculum decisions and the effects that both have on students. Book banning has existed since before the formation of the current education system as well as far before the current status of democracy and free speech. By studying its history, and its existence in today’s culture, the research provides insight into the ways in which it influences every English classroom for both educators and students alike. The project delves into book banning in the public library system as well as the library system contained within the schools in order to provide a view of the issue in all of its forms. The research discusses the negative effect that book banning and a narrow English curriculum can have on students in a modern society. Incorporating recent research based on book banning, the project focuses on the ways in which it is affecting and hindering free speech, access to information, and the formation of a generation. Using information at a regional level and a national level, as well as an international level, the research highlights the consequences that are faced due to book banning all around the world. This project seeks to rectify a wrong that is being done to today’s students and to help stop it from being perpetuated on the students of tomorrow. (Author abstract)
Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance at Southern New Hampshire University
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04) Thomas, Michaela; Cox, David
This in-progress research explores Southern New Hampshire University students’ awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance, and aims to determine the percentage of the Southern New Hampshire University student body affected by these conditions. I first provide context for my research by defining gluten and describing the foods in which it is found. I then define the condition of gluten intolerance (or sensitivity) and compare and contrast it with the characteristics and symptoms of celiac disease. I document my own experiences with gluten intolerance and provide statistical information about the prevalence of celiac disease and gluten intolerance worldwide, within the United States, and among Southern New Hampshire University students. I also report statistics regarding the demographic of most commonly afflicted persons and explore the hypothesized reasons for the affliction of this demographic in particular. Additionally, I consider different arguments for the recent increase in reported celiac diagnoses. The methods used for this paper include the collection of primary and secondary data from empirical studies in medical journals, news articles, student surveys and individual student interviews. The survey sample data collected will be used to make conclusive statements about the prevalence and level of awareness that Southern New Hampshire University students exhibit of these conditions through quantitative techniques such as summary statistics and confidence intervals. The interviews will be used for qualitative comparison to my experience of a gluten intolerant life. These results will drive my conclusions about potential steps to be taken by decision makers regarding dining options to accommodate the increasing numbers of individuals on campus with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. (Author abstract)
Chytrid Fungus in NH Frog Populations
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2023-04-03) Dube, Melanie; Pimenta, Ana; Gormley, Faith; Ousseini, Saran; Duryea, Katie
Chytrid fungus, scientifically known as batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, is a fungus mostly found in aquatic environments. It is transferable between frogs and tadpoles, or through contact with infected waters. Chytrid fungus can be poisonous and deadly. It is a fungus that kills slowly, which makes it spread abundantly. The spread is caused by the migration of frogs from pond to pond before their death. Some frogs are resistant to chytrid such as the American bullfrog or the African clawed frog. However, they are still carriers that can spread this fungus to other non-resistant frogs, which may lead to a major frog pandemic and decrease in the population.
Climate Change and its Effects on Jellyfish Populations
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2023-03-03) Goettel, Connor; Collins, Aaron
Climate change is an expanding and widely discussed issue, that is at the forefront of many movements. However, there are many issues that are not widely researched or understood. In this thesis we will delve into the effects climate change has on jellyfish populations in the northern east coast of the USA. Works of literature and academic journals have been written about how climate change is affecting reproduction and migration but not enough to be considered “well researched”. Through academic research we produce more combined and focused information. With the current information climate change seems to have effects on jellyfish population but in both growth and decline. We aim to know more about their projected population and how that could affect global food webs, human recreation, and fisheries.
Color and symbol association across cultures
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2015) Frazier, Alicia; Kosegarten, Jay
This paper is a further exploration of some findings by Spector and Maurer (2011). Across six experiments they examined the association between color and letters. Testing three populations, toddlers, literate children, and adults, they found that preliterate children have a different color letter association compared to literate children and adults. By asking subjects to place the letter within the colored box they associate the letter with, they found that preliterate children base color association off of shape vs. the sound or meaning. Letters with few angles, such as O and I, were associated with white, and letters with multiple angles, such as X and Z, were associated with black. Within the present study, instead of evaluating color and letter association across age, it will analyze the association across cultures. There are four groups of symbols, each with four symbols in them. There are the first four Roman symbols (A, B, C, D), and then an equivalent order and shape for alphabetical symbols in traditional Greek, Arabic, a Mandarin languages. Subjects are asked to select from one of the given colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white, black) that they associate most with the alphabetical symbol presented. The data will be analyzed for similarities across cultures for symbol and color association, which will bring to question if the nature of the chosen color is driven by cultural experience or inherent properties of the symbols themselves such as shape or order of presentation. (Author abstract)
Consumers' perceptions of QR codes
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2014-04-02) Tobin, Patrick; Richard, Nathan; Stone, Karen
In recent years, Quick Response Codes (QR Codes) have gained significant momentum in the United States as a use for marketing communications on product packaging (Sago, 2011). In this study, the authors will propose an experiment, survey, and interview. The intended purpose of this study will be to analyze consumer’s perceptions of the current knowledge and effectiveness of QR Codes. The experiment will be constructed to analyze consumers’ perceptions of the physical QR Codes on the packaging. The survey will be designed to produce data concerning consumers’ current knowledge and perception of effectiveness of QR Codes accomplishing the marketer’s goal for the QR Code. The interview will be used to collect qualitative data to gain understanding of how consumers would like companies to use QR Codes - that is if they think they should use them at all. (Author abstract)
Creating a deep space adventure
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021-04-07) McCormick, Bryan; Humphreys, David
A detailed breakdown of effects and techniques used to create the film short Deep Space. This is a film and animation project created using Adobe After Effects taking the viewers on a conceptual journey through the solar system. Techniques include track mattes, compositing, roto scoping, creating planets from NASA planet scans, 3d space, particle acceleration, and creating a theoretical black hole. (Author abstract)
Cryptozoology Meets Ecology: A Look into the Megalodon
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2023-04-11) Chloros, Vinny; Marcille, Selina
The megalodon was the largest shark that ever lived with the oldest fossil specimens being around 20 million years old. The creature is estimated to have gone extinct around 3.6 million years ago, but some skeptics maintain that the creature still exists deep in modern oceans. By examining false information surrounding the megalodon and developing an understanding of the paleontological and ecological mechanisms that scientists use to study it, we can paint a picture of the megalodon and determine how it survived in its ancient habitat and if it could thrive in oceans as we know them today.

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