Digital Commons Network^™

Evolution Of Regulatory Pathways In Vibrio Fischeri Strains Impacts Biofilm Phenotypes And Symbiotic Capacity And Curriculum Interventions Differ In Their Impact On Microbiology Utility Value In Nursing Students, Jennifer Calawa

Doctoral Dissertations

Vibrio fischeri strains vary in their capacity to form mutualisms with animal hosts such as the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes, yet these differences are often not explained by phylogeny. Successful colonization requires biofilm production, which is tightly controlled by a complex network of two-component system regulators including hybrid histidine kinases BinK and RemK, as characterized in the model symbiont strain ES114. Divergence in biofilm network architecture or regulatory logic may lead to strain-specific differences in biofilm formation, limiting symbiotic potential. Part I of this work investigates genetic divergence underlying reduced colonization capacity in strain H905, a planktonic isolate and …

Focal Engine: Filling A Gap Between Game Engines And Big-Data Scientific Visualization Packages, Kindrat Beregovyi

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation presents Focal Engine, a novel 3D visualization engine designed to bridge the gap between game engines and scientific visualization tools. Game engines offer accessible interfaces and high-performance rendering but struggle with large-scale scientific datasets, while tools like ParaView and VTK handle complex data structures effectively but lack intuitive editing capabilities and modern rendering features. Focal Engine combines the accessibility and rendering performance of game engines with the data handling capabilities and analytical tools of scientific visualization platforms. The engine's capabilities are validated through multiple applications and projects, for example: HabiCAT 3D performs 3D complexity measurements on ocean floor …

Modular And Combined Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithms For Extraterrestrial Resource Prospecting, Gregory Hatfield

Master's Theses and Capstones

The success of future crewed and autonomous space missions hinges on effectively utilizing in-situ resources available in the extraterrestrial environment to sustain missions and habitation. Prior to extraction of resources, such missions will require robust and efficient methods for extraterrestrial resource prospecting. However, traditional global optimization techniques struggle with the complex and non-convex search spaces inherent to mapping and identifying resource deposits on extraterrestrial surfaces.

This research addresses the resource prospecting problem by developing and evaluating novel variants of the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Here, four novel algorithms, their variants, and four combined algorithms are rigorously tested and confirmed. The …

An Inter-Model Comparison Of Snow Water Equivalent In Watershed 3, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, For Winter 2023-2024, Ryan Reed

Master's Theses and Capstones

Estimates of snow water equivalent (SWE) are crucial for water availability and flood risk assessment due to the contribution of snow melt to increased surface runoff. However, many regions do not have observations of SWE, thus necessitating a robust method to estimate SWE for streamflow forecasting. Numerical snowpack models provide a potential way to estimate SWE in areas without observations. However, there are a multitude of snowpack models available, and they range greatly in their complexity. Even so, there have been few snowpack model intercomparisons to assess the trade-offs in model performance and complexity, and those that do exist did …

The Skepticism Of Critical Legal Studies And The Function Of Moral Discourse, Paul J. Gudel

The University of New Hampshire Law Review

No abstract provided.

Floodings, Emilio R. Longoria

The University of New Hampshire Law Review

No abstract provided.

Weaponized Deepfakes: A Low-Resourced Attacker Threat Assessment, Joshua David Labelle

Master's Theses and Capstones

The democratization of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) tools, combined with the short-form nature of modern media consumption, has created a ripe landscape for generating and weaponizing synthetic media. The availability of pre-trained, open-source generative models enables would-be attackers, who lack funding and enterprise-grade hardware, to conduct convincing information-based attacks that harm, manipulate, and deceive. This thesis aims to model this threat actor using an open-source deepfake generation pipeline that requires minimal computational resources and is capable of producing deepfakes in the audio, image, and video domains. This model is then used to identify, measure, and evaluate the capabilities …

Pitch Modeling And Control Of Subcarangiform Robotic Fish, Margaret Grace Enderle

Master's Theses and Capstones

The development of biomimetic robotic fish has been an ongoing research topic for the last 30 years. Here, researchers have explored biomimetic propulsion and maneuverability mechanisms, studied energy efficiency in comparison to live fish, and developed autonomous control algorithms for these extremely nonlinear systems. This work studies a multi-linkage, single-actuator propelled biomimetic robotic fish, the Ghost Uncrewed Performance Platform Submersible (GUPPS), developed at the University of New Hampshire. A set of symmetrically driven, static pectoral fins are added to the original platform to enable diving and surfacing capabilities by controlling the vehicle Angle of Attack (AoA) through pitch and yaw …

Now You See It: Evaluating A Small Object Detection Model For Uncrewed Surface Vehicle Operations, Jenna Ehnot

Master's Theses and Capstones

As Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) operations scale in size, distance, and complexity, they increasingly rely on artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to maintain situational awareness, and operators must understand how algorithm performance may change as camera configuration is adjusted to meet operational needs. This thesis proposes distance-based evaluation strategies that characterize object detection performance in terms directly applicable to USV operations. In this research, a YOLOv5s model was trained to detect small maritime obstacles, focusing on aids to navigation, and the lobster pot floats common in the Gulf of Maine. Three test videos were collected, each capturing a buoy approaching the …

Quantifying Contributions Of Sonar Systems On Marine Soundscapes: A Statistical And Machine Learning Analysis, Reilly Jacob Lessard

Master's Theses and Capstones

A variety of elements are used to characterize marine soundscapes, including natural and anthropogenic sound. One anthropogenic activity that potentially contributes to marine soundscapes, but is not sufficiently understood, is the use of different types of ocean-mapping sonar systems. Sonar systems are used abundantly in marine environments for purposes such as ocean floor mapping and military security purposes [Ryu et al., 2023] [Marszal and Salamon, 2013]. The systems used to conduct this research are the Kongsberg TOPAS PS40 sub-bottom profiler and the RESON SeaBat T51-R multibeam echosounder, along with SoundTrap recorders, which were deployed in the Gulf of Maine. Periods …

How Human Personality Will Change With The Use Of Artificial Intelligence, John Mayer

UNH Personality Lab

INTRODUCTION: Human personality changes in response to new habits, situations, and maturation, among other causes. As people interact with artificial intelligence (AI), their personalities are likely to change, from their emotional responses to their self-concept.

METHODOLOGY: This theoretical account draws together empirical studies of how personality changed in response to past technological innovations, changes in personal interactions observed in people’s AI usage, changes that arise from the use and disuse of cognitive skills, and works on the self-concept. Research reports in the review were selected according to their relevance and quality.

THEORETICAL STATEMENT: While AI becomes increasingly human-like, humans increasingly …

Rhode Island Democratic Gubernatorial Primary Muddied By High Number Of Undecided Likely Voters 11/24/2025, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

The 2026 Democratic primary for governor of Rhode Island remains unclear, as a plurality of likely voters are undecided on their choice of candidate. Helena Foulkes currently holds a slight lead over prospective candidate and Speaker of the RI House Joe Shekarchi and incumbent Governor Dan McKee. McKee is very unpopular among likely Democratic primary voters and suffers from low job approval among Rhode Islanders overall. Rhode Islanders would like state officials to intervene to keep Our Lady of Fatima and Roger Williams Medical Center open, with many state residents reporting they or their family used one or both hospitals. …

User Interface And Watchstation Improvements Required For Multi-Vehicle Usv Operations, Val Schmidt, Joshua Bergeron

Faculty Publications

In October 2024, the University of New Hampshire and NOAA’s Uncrewed Systems Office embarked on a mapping mission in the Gulf of Maine, simultaneously operating two DriX Un-crewed Surface Vehicles. Goals of the project were focused on testing hypotheses related to concepts of operation, including the safety of operations, cognitive loading of operators, management of vehicle endurance, vehicle logistics, maintenance and field support, refueling and a host of others.

Nitrogen Oxides In The Remote Marine Environment: Implications For Oceanic Emissions And Photolysis Of Particulate Nitrate, Foroozan Arkian, Chelsea Thompson, Jeff Peischl, Ilann Bourgeois, Jack E. Dibb, Jose L. Jimenez, Pedro Campuzano-Jost, Jianghanyang Li, Steven Morey, Brian C. Mcdonald, Steven Wofsy, Siyuan Wang

Faculty Publications

Nitric oxide (NO) in the remote marine atmosphere is underestimated by chemistry-climate models. We explore the potential oceanic emissions of NO and its impacts using a global chemistry-climate model with a newly developed oceanic NO emission inventory, considering the abiotic photochemical production of NO in the seawater. The results are evaluated using global observations from the NASA Atmospheric Tomography Mission (ATom). We propose that the photochemical production of NO from the photolysis of dissolved inorganic nitrite and nitrate in the surface seawater could lead to an oceanic NOx source of ∼3 Tg N per year, which could explain the missing …

University Of New Hampshire 2025-2026 Faculty Senate Xxx - November 10, 2025 Minutes Summary, Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Agendas & Minutes

No abstract provided.

Quality Assurance Report For Year 2024 Estuarine Water Quality Datasonde Monitoring, Lara M. Martin

PREP Reports & Publications

No abstract provided.

Sustainability Awards Recognize Alumni, Students, Faculty, And Staff, Unh Communications And Public Affairs

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Correctional System Involvement And Health Outcomes, Sarah Mason Eck ,Ph.D

All Materials

The Institute for Health Policy and Practice (IHPP) at the University System of New Hampshire commissioned Scientific Health to conduct an evidence-based review of the relationship between criminal justice system involvement and health outcomes. This research synthesized findings from recently published, peer-reviewed academic literature and relevant reports to examine how correctional system involvement affects physical health, mental health, and overall well-being among incarcerated individuals, their families, and communities. The review identified common themes related to behavioral health, chronic conditions, and systemic impacts, providing insight into the broader health implications of mass incarceration and deinstitutionalization. These findings aim to inform policy …

Research And Innovation Update, October 29, 2025, Office Of The Vice President For Research And Innovation

Office of Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach

No abstract provided.

Unh Named To Princeton Review's Top 50 Green Colleges List, Unh Communications And Public Affairs

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Jumpstart Worker Training Record, Mary S. Choate

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

College For All And The Postsecondary Experiences Of Rural First-Generation College Students: Patterns Of Alignment With A Predominant Master Narrative, Andrew D. Coppens, Sarah Jusseaume, Jayson O. Seaman, Cindy L. Hartman, Erin H. Sharp

Faculty Publications

The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of rural, first-generation college (RFGC) students in relation to dominant culturally normative expectations about postsecondary educational and workforce trajectories. The study adopted patterns of engagement with a master narrative as both a conceptual framework and unit of analysis, examining both biography and cultural ecologies as well as highlighting agency in the lives and choices of study participants. Evidence is drawn from 4 in-depth narrative interviews with each of 14 RFGC students, conducted both at school and students’ homes, from rural and small-town communities. Results show that a master narrative of …

Unh And Stonyfield Organic Strengthen Partnership, Unh Communications And Public Affairs

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Wildcats For Life Campaign Helps Provide Comprehensive Support For Student-Athletes, Unh Communications And Public Affairs

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Crowds Flood Campus With Wildcat Spirit For Homecoming 2025, Unh Communications And Public Affairs

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Unh's Vashisth Receives $2.1 Million From Nih Aimed At Advancing Therapeutic Discovery, Unh Communications And Public Affairs

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Contracting For Consumer Trade Compliance, Christine Abely

Law Faculty Scholarship

Export compliance is becoming increasingly important for parties required to abide by U.S. law, including many online sellers of consumer products. These retailers' contractual terms with their customers set forth a number of provisions governing the relationship between them, including those which deal with arbitration, indemnification, disclaimer of warranties, and other issues. Many such agreements also purport to create obligations on the part of the consumer as to export control and sanctions compliance relative to the products they purchase. These contract provisions attempt to do so, however, in often markedly different ways, and with language that may leave notable gaps …

Write Free Or Die: Vol. 12, No. 01, Unh Writing Programs

Writing Program Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Nh Ece Research Consortium Spring 2025 Convening Summary & Action Steps, Evan England, Jess Carson

New Hampshire Early Care and Education Research Consortium

The inaugural NH ECE Research Consortium convening in May 2025 welcomed nearly 50 attendees from 29 organizations for a half-day session connecting over research and data. Attendees participated in three activities using the Ecocycle Planning framework. The group sorted NH ECE activities and approaches into three main areas: (1) things we value in which we already invest (or plan to), (2) things we value in which we do not invest, and (3) things that need to change or are already changing. Reflections in each area are summarized here in hopes that the synthesis supports our shared and ongoing efforts to …

Ccfan Brochure 2025, Joy Gagnon

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.