Honors 401 Theses

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The American juvenile justice system: Examining disparities and effects in sentencing
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2020-05) Welch, Dakema L.; Speropolous, Lisa; Matthews, Lowell Chris
In the American juvenile justice system, the rights afforded to juveniles and the sanctions they may be subject to vary considerably from state to state. These disparities contribute to inconsistent effects of detainment and incarceration on juveniles, as well as varying rates of recidivism, between states. This research explores the various ways in which juveniles throughout the country are processed and sentenced, as well as how these practices impact juvenile offenders. Additionally, alternative sentencing options and their efficacy are evaluated. To understand this issue, the present research uses two vastly different states in the United States to compare and contrast the juvenile justice practices in each state, and analyze how a real case of juvenile parricide would be handled in each state based on the relevant laws and sentencing guidelines. The way in which juveniles are detained and sentenced plays a significant role in their potential for rehabilitation and this research aims to provide insight on which juvenile justice practices offer youth the best opportunity for success after contact with the justice system. (Author abstract)
Applying linear algebra to image deblurring
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2019-05) Sanborn, John Julian; Jamieson, William T.; Matthews, Lowell Chris
This thesis expands on the concepts taught in Applied Linear Algebra (MAT-350), using singular value decomposition (SVD) and discrete cosine transform (DCT), with a focus on image deblurring. The principles discussed throughout this thesis were guided by the readings of Deblurring Images Matrices, Spectra, and Filtering by Christian Hansen, James Nagy, and Dianne O’Leary. The thesis will focus on various techniques that were used to deblur an image, how the SVD and DCT were applied, and the results applied to a blurred photo. The mathematics are made easier using MATLAB’s built-in tools including: The Signal Processing Toolbox (SPT) and the Image Processing Toolbox (IPT) as well as tools created by the authors of Deblurring Images Matrices, Spectra, and Filtering. The goal of this project is to not only learn the theoretical side of the mathematics behind image deblurring, but also to write code to implement various techniques used to deblur an image. (Author abstract)
The benefits of sport on young girls: Increasing female sport participation rate through effective marketing strategies for organized sport programs
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021) Wile, Meaghan; Sheehan, Elizabeth; Matthews, Lowell Chris
health disorders found in teens” (Herren Wellness, 2019). Knowing this, it is important to recognize the correlation between young individuals’ health and sport participation. Throughout such a critical time in adolescence, young individuals need to adopt healthy habits and sports provide young athletes with just that, structure. Specifically, transitioning towards the young female population, it is known that, “By age 14, many girls are dropping out of sports at two times the rate of boys” (Women’s Sports Foundation, n.d.). This unsettling statistic represents the disinvolvement of young women in the world of sports, which then results in them losing the ability to reap the benefits of physical activity. To change this, there are various organizations nationwide which are established in hopes to increase young female participation within sport; however, these organizations may not be getting the recognition or participation rates in which they deserve. (Author abstract)
Characters and creatures: Know the difference
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2020-04) Dys, Nicholas M.; Brilland, Edward; Matthews, Lowell Chris
Throughout television shows, video games, movies, myths, and novels, creators share worlds through detailed settings and especially interesting characters and creatures. If someone were to create their own characters and creatures, one would have to learn what distinguishes a character from a creature. To find out what is crucial in creating characters and creatures, I evaluated various video games and cartoon shows to see what defining qualities I could gather from different characters and creatures, humans, and natural animals in the real world. From this research, I have concluded there are two key factors that distinguish characters and creatures: appearance and intelligence. The appearance factor is outlined via examples from video games and cartoons; while the intelligence factor is explained using a spectrum of intelligence, natural animals, and humans. (Author abstract)
Children born to substance abusing mothers
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021) Joyce, Shannon; Nordmeyer, Ann; Matthews, Lowell Chris
In our world today, we are facing an increase in mental health awareness. A major topic in this category is babies being born to addicted mothers. Children born to these mothers are entered into this world already needing help. What is important to focus on is whether the baby is born with withdrawal symptoms right away. As well as focusing on what type of environment they will be entered into. Is the mother going to get sober? Is she going to get treatment? As well as, is she addicted to drugs or alcohol. All of these will be examined and related back to how the child is affected mentally, emotionally, and physically. The main focus of this paper is, the life of the children born to mothers who struggle with substance abuse. This project will break down scholarly journals, findings from local counselors in my community, and formulate a way to improve my own community when it comes to helping these mothers and children. By focusing on my local community, I can see how families are affected by substance abuse, and see where our mental health system needs help. (Author abstract)
Cohesion and sport teams success
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2019-05) Fitzgerald, Jenna; Frost, Peter; Matthews, Lowell Chris
Cohesion can play multiple roles on a sports team allowing them to either flourish or fail during their season. The purpose of this research is to discuss how cohesion and conformity lead to a team’s success and/or failure. By understanding cohesion, a sports team can become successful in their present and future endeavors. There are two types of cohesion, task and social; when each are used together it can help a sports team achieve success. Cohesion can promote conformity among sport teams. There are negative aspects of conformity such as groupthink that can inhibit a sports team’s future success. Conformity can also have positive aspects such as teamthink. Teamthink is important because it can enhance a sports team effectiveness and performance. There are helping and hindering forces of cohesion that can propel a sports team forward or hold them back. Cohesion of a sports team is effective when all aspects of task cohesion, social cohesion, and teamthink are involved. Negative consequences occur when aspects of cohesion and conformity are out of balance. (Author abstract)
Discovering the appropriate business venture
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021) Trindade, Olivia; Losapio, Susan; Matthews, Lowell Chris
The goal for this thesis research was to analyze a noticed gap in the market of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and see if a known piece of property had potential to fit this gap. The research looked at the property itself to analyze the location and property value of the land but also in the local area to compare its value. The research also identified local businesses within the properties radius to see competitors and to see what types of businesses were prominent, old, or new. The researcher identified an idea for the property based on the property value and the businesses around it and from that idea came a process of trying to identify the appropriate business venture based on the collected information. Because the property is family-owned, meaning it has the chance to be passed on, the purpose of the research was to discover the most appropriate business venture for the property based on these many factors to better the Lakes Region and provide something that is missing in the market, but also to keep the property in good use and in the family as a profitable business. In this research, there is a section that is analysis of actual answers from residents of the Lakes Region that were done via surveys. (Author abstract)
The dissipation of the skilled labor force
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021) Spangler, Bethany; St. Jean, Nathaniel; Matthews, Lowell Chris
Currently, the skilled labor industry is facing a huge gap in the number of working laborers. This gap is shown in the quickly declining numbers of workers in the trades and in the 7 million open jobs that are unable to be filled. Unfortunately, this is due to the general lack of interest in the trades, the lack of skills that individuals possess to excel in these fields, and individual attitude towards the trades that influence the decision to learn these skills. This gap affects companies and the amenities that they give to society. With a shortage of workers, many companies are shutting down because they are unable to complete the work needed. High school Career and Technical Education programs are a great way to gain awareness in this issue and begin to help this problem. There are a multitude of personal benefits for students linked to attending CTE programs as well, which in turn enhances their education. Public perception is a huge influencing factor in why the skills gap is so large today. On a refined level, perception directly impacts vocational school attendance, which is arguably the first steppingstone that many take into the trades. With lower vocational school attendance, there are automatically less individuals that enter into the trades which then contributes to the labor gap. In order to help with this issue, we first need to begin with understanding perception. This paper aims to begin to understand this. (Author abstract)
The effects of remote learning on students in an urban school district
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021) Soucy, Kaitlin; Tapley, Colleen; Matthews, Lowell Chris
Remote learning is a new concept to our entire country. Does the equity and accessibility in a school district play a role in academic performance for students through remote learning? For this study, I am going to be surveying teachers on how they perceive student performance levels during and after remote learning. Typically, it is the in-person teaching that has the greatest effect on students to increase their academic performance in content area subjects. With COVID-19 prohibiting in-person instruction, schools were forced to transition into remote instruction for their students. With this study, I am going to ask teachers a series of questions on how remote teaching went for them as well as their students in the spring of 2020. Once school restarts in the fall of 2020, I will re-conduct the interviews to see how remote learning affected students’ performance levels. I hypothesize that if schools remain online, academic performance levels will continue to decrease, and if schools reopen to in-person instruction, students will be at the equivalent, or lower academic performance levels as they were when schools originally transitioned to remote learning. This study will be conducted in grades 1, 3, and 5. In grades 1, it may be hard to gauge their academic performance levels because their brains are at a very young developmental age and it may be harder to retain information, however in grades 3 and 5 their retention rate is higher and they should be apt to recall more information. (Author abstract)
Global refugee crisis and system reform: National response comparison of the United States and Germany
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021) Liriano Trejo, Arielys; Clamp, Christina; Matthews, Lowell Chris
Migration policy faces the new challenges of the 21st century such as civil unrest, climate change, and health concerns. Nearly 26 million people were refugees in 2019 (UNHCR, 2020), which showcases the human rights and political magnitude of the situation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the policy initiatives taken by the United States and Germany in response to increased numbers of refugees and concerns about opening borders to determine ways to improve the refugee intake and resettlement process. Varying nations have differences in policy and acceptance of refugees. Nations need to determine where they lie in the spectrum concerning acceptance or denial of refugee entrance to their borders. By focusing on the United States and Germany, the study aims to assess government responses to the situation and determine whether there are ways to improve policies that impact the current resettlement model. Interviews of key informants in the refugee resettlement process in the United States and literature review of both the United States and Germany will be conducted. In this way, the experiences of service agencies will serve as feedback to determine ways that policy can address gaps in the system and policy implications. An approach of literature review analysis and interviews will allow the audience to gain perspective on a critical examination of German and American immigration law and policy and suggestions to improve the current scheme. (Author abstract)
Hiking as nature's therapy
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2020-04) Warren, Ashley; Catano, Francis N.; Matthews, Lowell Chris
Hiking is a favorite recreational activity of Americans. It allows for one to stay in physical shape while exploring nature. This paper explores how hiking can be used as a therapy with benefits for the mind, body and spirit. Hiking has been shown to demonstrate a change in a person’s attitude which leads to changing behavior. This change in attitude and behavior creates a positive outlook on one’s self, relationships, and life. The literature provides personal stories of how hiking has been able to improve one’s state of mind which then helps to improve their life. Other literature explored showcases studies demonstrate hiking’s positive effect on mental illness and cognitive functioning. Research conducted with Southern New Hampshire University’s Region Geography integrates personal interviews of students’ perceptions of hiking and its benefits. Students describe hiking as a calming and positive experience. The following research effectively explores the topic and helps to determine that hiking can be used as a therapy. (Author abstract)
How communities can help veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2020-05) Thomas, Julie; Kosegarten, Jay; Matthews, Lowell Chris
How can communities better help veterans who are suffering from PTSD? Veterans of our United States Military have long been affected by their service. What used to be called “shell shock” or “battle fatigue” is known today as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. They face a great deal of stigma surrounding their PTSD and there are a variety of barriers to getting the care that they need. Often, family members want to help but don’t know how. This paper looks into the ways community members and family members of a veteran with PTSD can help him or her assimilate into civilian life and cope with PTSD. Data collected will include a literature review on what has already been tried successfully, what therapies are available, and a review of resources available to help veterans. (Author abstract)
How flexible seating can benefit students and challenges caused by COVID-19
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021) Gemas, Hannah L.; Whitmore, Linda; Matthews, Lowell Chris
when using flexible seating to discover how these changes can be related to the lack of flexibility in classrooms currently. The results from the survey will be compared to previous research done with young learners, and learners with disabilities to discover how flexible classroom designs can assist students who have diverse needs. This research will assist current and future teachers with designing their classroom in a way that will fit these student needs in the future. (Author abstract)
How social media uses the psychology of persuasion to influence the purchase of beauty products to the young generations
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2019-05) Denton, Kiersten; Thorpe, Jeannemarie; Matthews, Lowell Chris
As someone who currently works in the beauty industry and follows the industry intensely. I noticed how much impact persuasive methods have on the young generation of consumers through social media and digital marketing. This was illustrated through the various sources on social media such as influencers, bloggers, celebrities, social media outlets and much more. This thesis sought to determine if these persuasive techniques that brands use to market their products to younger generations are increasing the amount of purchases these consumers make or influence their decisions to purchase beauty products. A survey was conducted through Qualtrics and distributed to the target market, comprised of the Millennial Generation and Generation Z between the ages of 18-40 years old to determine how much of an impact these persuasive methods conducted by the beauty industry has on them overall; as well as to gather demographic information. Results showed that although these methods have a strong impact on the purchasing decisions of young consumers on beauty products many still rely on word of mouth recommendations from trusted friends and family members. (Author abstract)
The impact of international travel on college students' development of intercultural competence
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2020-04) Harper, Lindsay R.; Monk, Kimberly; Matthews, Lowell Chris
As the world becomes more interconnected, the need for graduates to have the skills and confidence to communicate with individuals from other cultures is important. This study explores the impact of international travel on Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) students’ development of intercultural competence. The paper consists of a literature review in addition to primary research using data from a survey completed by fifty-one (51) SNHU students who participated in international experiences during their time at the university. The analysis of survey data reveals that international travel adds value to a student’s ability to communicate with individuals from other cultures. The findings of this research also show that valuable intercultural competence is caused by the amount of interaction with the locals in the host countries; not the amount of time spent abroad. (Author abstract)
The impacts of experiential learning travel courses on student education, professionalism, and interpersonal relationships
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021) Gilbert, Alyssa; Corbin, Joseph; Matthews, Lowell Chris
This research study aims to explore the academic, professional, and interpersonal impacts experiential learning travel courses are having on undergraduate college students. Current research demonstrates that many educational formats do not provide optimal educational outcomes to students. Empirical observations from multiple faculty suggest experiential learning travel courses do provide these outcomes as well as highly impactful lifelong skills. Focus groups with diverse populations were conducted with current students on how experiential learning travel courses (ELTC) impacted their education, career, and interpersonal relationships with other students and faculty. Faculty were surveyed on their perception of how students were impacted by these courses. The research collected from the focus groups was analyzed through a combination of thematic content and narrative analysis. Searching for insightful narratives and recurring themes allowed conclusions to be drawn about the overall academic, professional, and interpersonal impacts these experiential courses have on students. The research hypothesis of this study is that experiential learning travel courses will positively impact academic, professional, and interpersonal aspects of students’ lives and these aspects will interact with each other as well. The research aims to provide a better understanding of how experiential learning travel courses are impacting the lives of students who participate in such courses. (Author abstract)
The influence of social media on the Hilton brand
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2019-05) DeYeso, Kassandra L.; Spirou, Patricia; Matthews, Lowell Chris
Social media is a collection of social networking platforms where people can connect, share and express themselves. These applications can easily be used in marketing campaigns by hospitality businesses. Social media is a marketing strategy that allows brands to set themselves apart from the competition based on the content that they post and share. Each social media application has strengths and weaknesses, which is why it is beneficial for companies to use a multi-platform marketing strategy to convey different content, but the same message. These platforms can be especially useful for the hospitality industry whose main focus is to sell an experience, quality service and lodging. The Hilton Company is comprised of many brands that each offer unique amenities. Accommodations can be a large portion of a travel budget for many people, so it is crucial for the guest to understand all of the benefits and features of their selected hotel. This paper will examine five popular social media platforms and how Hilton is using brand specific accounts to attract guests and how effectively the social media apps are being used. The effectiveness will be determined by monitoring the types of posts and engagement on each brand-specific page on each of the five platforms previously discussed. The paper will conclude in a comparison between the three Hilton brands to see which brand is most effective at using social media to create engagement, build brand value and create sales. (Author abstract)
Let's talk about mental health!
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021) Montpelier, Lindsey; Samii, Leila; Matthews, Lowell Chris
In today’s society, mental health is taking a toll on millions of people, yet it is still not a topic we openly discuss with one another. When one has a mental illness, they are often looked down upon by others or themselves because society has made it seem like the illness makes you weaker. We are living in 2021 and yet we still cannot openly discuss what is going on inside of our heads. This narrative needs to change and normalizing the conversation of mental health needs to continue. This paper outlines research on mental health and mental illness in relation to social media. The findings present within this paper showcase the connections made between the three topics as well as how social media can be used positively in regard to mental health. Social media impacts on mental health, the categories of mental illness, as well as educational aspects of social media will be explored further within this paper. In the end, the hope is that promoting mental health and discussing mental illness online will continue to help normalize these topics on social media platforms as a whole. (Author abstract)
Mammogram more like mammogreat
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2021) Einsmann, Sara; Eshed, Anat; Matthews, Lowell Chris
Studying engineering has allowed me to develop a unique perspective on the technology used every day. My goal for this research project is to take the knowledge acquired through my studies of engineering and apply it to improving the mammogram machine. Viewing my mother’s struggles with breast cancer and witnessing the difficulties of receiving a mammogram have inspired my interests in this research. In this paper I will use, my mother’s personal experience along with scientific journals, and research studies. Through this I will gain background knowledge on how the design of the machine intimidates patients. Along with, how the procedure can cause anxiety and how that’s anxiety affects the people receiving these exams. I will further learn about recent improvements in the testing procedure and the design of the machine. Based on this knowledge I will offer an improved design and a new method for running the exams. (Author abstract)
Neuropsychology for kids: Concussions
(Southern New Hampshire University, 2020-04) Hippert, Fallyn; Matthews, Lowell Chris
The overall objective of this Southern New Hampshire's honors thesis is to create and solve a problem or project that incorporates a topic that challenges the individual but also works to make a difference in the world, no matter how big or small. Specifically in engaging in a course at this University, I have found myself in very challenging classes based on difficult topics. In the spring of 2019 I was taking a biopsychology class and a lifespan development class that tend to overlap sometimes in topics. I found various topics and subtopics in biopsychology to be hard to understand, apply, and explain myself. Therefore I have created a project that involves explaining biopsychology topics in a children's book for the ages including in Piaget's concrete operational stage, which is ages 9 to 12 years old, which incorporates what I have learned from lifespan development courses (Cherry, 2019). In this stage children can think logically and perform mental operations about concrete events. However, conceptual, theoretical and speculative thoughts have not developed in children so far. Based on a study measuring the ability of children in the concrete operational categories ability to understand Chemistry, Biology, and Physics to some extent in learning general science (Ghazi & Ullah, 2015). Therefore this study shows that children in the concrete operational stage have the ability to understand topics related to biopsychology to some extent but not fully. Therefore I believe creating a children's book about these topics, in a language and in pictures that are easy to follow for their age can help to better the ability to understand such concepts. Concepts that even college students and adults struggle to fully understand. (Author abstract)

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