Digital Commons Network^™

A Data-Driven Assessment Of Coastal Roadway Vulnerability Using Observed Storm Damage Locations, Jack Kearing

Master's Theses and Capstones

Coastal roadways are increasingly vulnerable to storm impacts and sea level rise. One common failure mode during these events is roadway washout, defined in this study as the physical loss or structural failure of roadway segments due to erosion, overtopping, or hydraulic failure. Washout events can disrupt transportation networks, restrict emergency access, and isolate coastal communities, highlighting the need for improved predictive methods that move beyond index-based assessments toward data-driven identification of vulnerable roadways.This study develops a data-driven framework for assessing roadway washout vulnerability using observed damage data and environmental predictors. Machine learning models, including random forest and decision tree …

Wilderness Character Qualities And Visitor Typologies: Advancing Adaptive Visitor Use Management In Parks And Protected Areas, Ethan James O'Leary

Master's Theses and Capstones

Wilderness areas are managed to provide opportunities for solitude, primitive recreation, and the preservation of Wilderness Character Qualities (WCQs), yet visitor experiences within these landscapes are shaped by perceptions of crowding, environmental impacts, management conditions, and more. As visitation to protected areas increases, understanding how visitors perceive and respond to wilderness conditions is critical for sustaining experience quality and informing management. Despite advances in operationalizing WCQs as perceptual and motivational constructs, few studies have embedded WCQ perceptions within a visitor typology framework capable of capturing heterogeneity across wilderness contexts. This gap limits the ability to translate WCQ perceptions into targeted …

Scaling Of Thermal Conductivity In The Eliot Formation, Ryan Todd Siegel

Master's Theses and Capstones

Heat flow governs the performance of geothermal energy systems, and thermal conductivity is the primary material property controlling subsurface heat transfer. This study investigates heat flow through media with spatially variable thermal conductivity within the heterogeneous Eliot Formation, a metamorphic unit extending across the coastal region of northeast New England. The objective of this work is to develop an approach for scaling thermal conductivity from core-scale measurements to field-scale values representative of geothermal borefield systems.Divided bar thermal conductivity testing, petrographic analyses, geological observations, and existing literature were integrated to construct a MODFLOW model that captures the heterogeneous thermal behavior of …

Addressing The Functional Anonymity Of The Post Thaw Microbiome: How Redox And Temperature Conditions Dictate Microbial Community Composition After Permafrost Thaw, Nathan Patrick Alexander

Master's Theses and Capstones

Permafrost is perennially frozen soil that underlays 11% of Earth’s total surface and stores 33%of the planet’s global soil carbon stocks in the form of soil organic matter. Rising global temperatures are causing permafrost to thaw. Permafrost thaw often creates a heterogeneous patchwork of redox conditions on the landscape, resulting in a diversity of microbial metabolisms using alternate terminal electron acceptors. In aerobic respiration, microbes use oxygen as TEAs and soil organic matter as an electron donor; anaerobic respiration is carried out when microbes use alternate electron acceptors, such as NO3-, Fe3+, SO42-, and CO2. Understanding microbial responses to changing …

Is Hipaa Still Protecting Your Medical Data? An Analysis Of Deidentification As A Security Measure In The Age Of Ai., Jessica Novak

The University of New Hampshire Law Review

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly altering the landscape of many industries, and for some, faster than the law can necessarily keep up, leaving those industries unprotected from AI-related concerns. For the healthcare industry in particular, the integration of AI presents large-scale data privacy concerns. The current law protecting patient data privacy, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”), is potentially already outdated and inadequate; concerns about HIPAA’s efficacy have long-existed and AI’s integration has only solidified this concern. It is potentially inadequate because of a provision within the law itself-deidentification. HIPAA allows healthcare providers to remove identifying information from a …

"Smart" Cities And Due Care With Emerging Technologies, Anthony J. Luppino

The University of New Hampshire Law Review

The rapid development of increasingly powerful technologies presents new opportunities to produce public benefits, as exemplified by the “Smart Cities” movement. Conversely, emerging technologies pose significant threats to public safety and individual rights, as evidenced by high-profile cyberattacks and other technology-related incidents, and in warnings issued by some Artificial Intelligence experts. This article examines the responsibilities of local governments in the United States as users of technology and as regulators of uses by other actors—arguing that they have a duty of care, traceable to the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, to act diligently in that dual role whether or not …

Beyond The Switch: Identifying Gli2-Associated Secretory Targets For Igm Regulation In Waldenström’S Macroglobulinemia, Trevor Charles Chapman

Master's Theses and Capstones

Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the increased presence of monoclonal IgM circulating in the blood and the infiltration of lymphoplasmacytic cells into the bone marrow. WM cells are heterogeneous, sharing features of both B-lymphocytes and plasma cells while not being able to terminally differentiate. Our labs’ previous work established that inhibiting and knocking down the GLI2 transcription factor effectively reduces IgM secretion in three different WM cell lines. This observed phenotype was discovered to operate through IL-6Rα signaling but whether IgM was regulated transcriptionally was not assessed. GLI2 was initially hypothesized to regulate IgM production …

Climate Vulnerability In Context: Interpretations Of Risk And Reality In Maine And New Hampshire, Sophie Hope Goodwin

Master's Theses and Capstones

This study examines the relationship between place-based climate vulnerability and belief in anthropogenic climate change in Maine and New Hampshire. While exposure-based models suggest that direct experience with environmental hazards should increase climate belief, sociological research emphasizes the role of political ideology and social context in shaping attitudes. Using county-level measures from the U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index combined with individual survey data from the Pine Tree State Poll and Granite State Poll, this study evaluates whether multidimensional climate vulnerability is associated with belief that climate change is happening now and is primarily caused by human activities. Results from three-step logistic …

2026 Ccfan Priority Area Teams And Goals, Mikayla Cerney

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

How To Build A Successful High School Sports Program, Jacob Jude Mulligan

M.S. in Leadership

The goal of this study was to explore the most influential factors for building a successful high school sports program. Through an expansive literature review, including testimonies from Hall of Fame coaches, themes emerged around the importance of Vision, Relationships, Belief, and Identity when it comes to the question of how to build a successful high school sports program. This research was conducted with the purpose of highlighting evidence of how these four themes have led to a positive culture and success for sports programs and athletes. This study is designed to help current and future high school coaches so …

Research And Innovation Update, April 29, 2026, Office Of The Vice President For Research And Innovation

Office of Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach

No abstract provided.

Democrats And Young People In Rhode Island Experiencing Higher Stress, Lower Mental Health Than Others 4/29/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Three-quarters of Rhode Island residents rate their mental health as very good or good and a majority say their mental health has stayed about the same over the past 12 months. Nearly half of state residents report feeling bothered by feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge at least several days in the past two weeks and one in five have felt isolated from others at least several days in that time. Just over a quarter of Rhode Islanders report high levels of stress, with politics, work, international news, and physical health the most common contributors to daily stress. Rhode Island …

Most In Connecticut Report Good Or Better Mental Health But Many Stressed By Politics, Work & Finances 4/29/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Just over seven in ten Connecticut residents rate their mental health as very good or good and a majority say their mental health has declined over the past 12 months. About three in eight state residents report feeling bothered by feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge at least several days in the past two weeks and a quarter have lacked companionship at least several days in that time. Just under a quarter of residents report high levels of stress and most often deal with stress by taking action to improve the situation, focusing on self-care, and taking their mind off …

Young Bay Staters Report Considerably Lower Mental Health, Higher Stress Than Older Mass Residents 4/29/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Seven in ten Massachusetts residents rate their mental health as very good or good but a quarter say that their mental health has declined over the past 12 months. Three in eight report feeling bothered by feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge at least several days in the past two weeks and a quarter have felt that they lack companionship at least several days in that time. A quarter of Bay Staters report high levels of stress, with politics, work, international news, and household finances the most common contributors to daily stress. Massachusetts residents report most often dealing with stress …

Most Granite Staters Report Good Or Better Mental Health But Anxiety & Depression Higher Than In 2022 4/29/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Three-quarters of Granite Staters rate their mental health as very good or good. Measures of anxiety and depression among Granite Staters have increased since January 2022 and under a quarter report feeling symptoms of loneliness in the past two weeks. A quarter of Granite Staters report high levels of stress, up slightly since January 2022. Politics, international news, and work are the most common contributors to daily stress and residents most often deal with stress by taking action to improve the situation, focusing on self-care, and taking their mind off of the source of stress.

Trump's Job Approval Ratings Continue To Slide In Nh, Majority Support Changes For Federal Elections 4/24/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Six in ten New Hampshire residents disapprove of President Donald Trump’s overall job performance and ratings of his handling of foreign affairs are even lower. Majorities in New Hampshire support several proposed changes to federal election laws, including requiring photo ID, requiring physical evidence of citizenship to register to vote, requiring states to set up programs to remove noncitizens from voter rolls, and requiring registration in person. Less than one-third of state residents believe the country is headed in the right direction.

Three-Quarters In Massachusetts Disapprove Of Trump, Feel Country Is Headed In Wrong Direction 4/24/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Most Massachusetts residents disapprove of President Donald Trump's handling of foreign affairs, the economy, and his overall job performance. Bay Staters are also downbeat about the direction on the country, with three-quarters believing the country is headed in the wrong direction. Slim majorities in Massachusetts support requiring photo ID to vote, requiring physical evidence of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, and requiring states to establish programs to remove noncitizens from the voter rolls, while nearly two-thirds oppose prohibiting the use of mail-in ballots unless due to illness, disability, military service, or travel.

Approval Of Trump's Foreign Policy Drops In Connecticut, Majority Support Federal Election Changes 4/24/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

More than six in ten Connecticut residents disapprove of President Donald Trump's overall job performance. Approval of Trump's handling of foreign affairs has fallen since February, with support falling fastest among Connecticut Republicans. Three-quarters of Connecticut residents support requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections, and majorities support other changes to federal election laws. Two-thirds of Connecticut residents believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.

Approval Of Trump's Handling Of Foreign Policy & Economy Falls In Rhode Island 4/24/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Two-thirds of Rhode Island residents disapprove of President Donald Trump's overall job performance. Assessments of his handling of foreign affairs and the economy have also slumped since February, particularly among Independents. Majorities of Rhode Islanders support several proposed changes to federal election laws. Just over two-thirds of Rhode Islanders believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.

Nh Senate Race: Sununu Increases Gop Primary Lead, Pappas Leads General Election Matchups 4/23/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Former Senator John E. Sununu has increased his lead over former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown in the race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. A majority of likely Democratic primary voters support Congressman Chris Pappas. Pappas leads both Sununu and Brown in general election matchups. In the race for Governor, incumbent Kelly Ayotte leads prospective Democratic challenger Cinde Warmington. Granite Staters strongly oppose a proposal to levy an income and statewide property tax but less than half support a constitutional amendment to prohibit ever enacting a state income tax. Housing, taxes, the cost of living, and education are mentioned …

Markey Maintains Lead Over Moulton In Democratic Senate Primary In Massachusetts 4/23/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Incumbent Ed Markey continues to lead Representative Seth Moulton in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts. Both candidates are popular among Democratic voters and both are favored over prospective Republican challenger John Deaton in the general election. Governor Maura Healey leads prospective Republican challengers in November. Massachusetts voters favor proposed ballot questions to enact same-day voter registration, decrease state income taxes, and institute rent control, while most oppose repealing laws that legalized the use of marijuana. Most support a proposed bill regulating the use of social media by children and half say the cost of living or housing …

Lamont Maintains Lead In Dem Primary For Governor; Connecticut Residents Favor Proposed Election Law Changes 4/23/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Just over half of likely voters in the race for the Democratic nomination for governor of Connecticut support incumbent Ned Lamont but challenger Josh Elliott is becoming more well-known among likely primary voters. Connecticut residents are split over Lamont's job performance and give him low marks on his handling of taxes, housing, and the cost of living. Majorities of state residents support proposed laws banning firearms at polling sites and prohibiting federal agents from arresting people or checking voter eligibility at polling sites. The cost of living, taxes, or housing are mentioned by just more than half of state residents …

Reed Comfortably Leads In U.S. Senate Election, Foulkes Expands Lead In Ri Gubernatorial Primary 4/23/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Incumbent Senator Jack Reed is the clear favorite in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and leads prospective Republican challenger Raymond McKay in a general election matchup. Helena Foulkes has increased her lead over incumbent Governor Dan McKee in the race for the Democratic nomination for Rhode Island governor. Three-quarters of Rhode Islanders disapprove of McKee's job performance, with particularly low marks given to his handling of roads and bridges, the cost of living, and the economy. Rhode Islanders have a generally poor understanding of two possible ballot measures which would create new constitutional rights in the state. Housing, jobs …

What's The Scoop On Life In New Hampshire? Youth Perspectives On New Hampshire As A Place To Live, Learn, And Work After High School, Elliot Ng, Jayson Seaman, Cindy L. Hartman, Andrew D. Coppens, Kate Moscouver, Hannah Falcone

Carsey Publications

To support its long-term economic vitality, New Hampshire must cultivate and retain its young talent. This brief analyzes the perspectives of New Hampshire youth and proposes actionable strategies that encourage them to build their futures in the state. While a majority of New Hampshire youth leave the state after high school, retention opportunities lie in leveraging what youth already love about the Granite State: Its natural environment, abundant outdoor amenities, and safe communities. By leveraging these assets and complementary policies such as expanding career-connected learning, promoting the abundance of in-state opportunities, and developing centralized social spaces, New Hampshire can create …

University Of New Hampshire 2025-2026 Faculty Senate Xxx - April 20, 2026 Minutes Summary, Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Agendas & Minutes

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence And Human Values: A Public Conversation Brought Timely A.I. Issues To Unh, Valerie Reynolds

Digital Edition

No abstract provided.

Libraries And Librarians Get After Participatory Science, Catherine Wong, Megan Bresnahan

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

“I Hope This Letter Finds You Well,”: The Good Life Through Letters 1940s-1980s, Taylor Koet

Comm-entary

Taylor is majoring in History and Law 3+3 major with a double major in Philosophy, from Long Beach, CA. She loves to bake and try new coffee and boba spots.

This piece explores the importance of stationery and letter writing in maintaining family connection across distance and time. This essay uses the Sinclair family papers which show how letters from Clayton Sinclair junior and Clayton the third preserved relationships, personal growth, and created a tangible record of their family history. Ultimately this piece argues that even as technology has changed, handwritten letters represent effort, emotion, and a main connection as …

Do We Even Know What ‘Even’ Does? A Ca Investigation, Emily Johnson

Comm-entary

Emily is a Senior communication major with a Business Administration minor. She is originally from Merrimack, NH, and is planning on working in PR or something similar when she graduates in May.

What does “even” do in conversation? This study shows that when used mid-turn, “even” functions as a systematic device for intensifying stance. Analyzing naturally occurring interactions, I demonstrate how speakers use “even” to upgrade assessments, noticings, and complaints, making them more extreme or noteworthy. Recipients consistently orient to this intensification through agreement, accounts, or escalation. Even when the upgrade is left incomplete, others step in to realize it, …

Encouraging Fitness For Women In United Kingdom- How This Girl Can Organization Tackled The Gender Activity Gap, Ruby Prentiss

Comm-entary

Ruby Prentiss is a Sophomore History and Communication student from Falmouth, Maine who is Editor in Chief of Comm-entary. She also is a member of the University’s track and field team as a thrower. In her free time, Ruby enjoys fly fishing, spending time outdoors, and reading.

This paper offers and analysis of the Sport England public relations campaign entitled This Girl Can, detailing the PR strategy of the organization and campaign from the initial market research to the post-campaign efficacy analysis. This Girl Can is examined using historical and cultural scholarly sources with a critical communication lens to prove …