Digital Commons Network^™

Domestic Shakespeares In The Antebellum United States, Daniel G. Lauby

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation examines how early nineteenth-century female novelists developed a new mode of adapting Shakespeare, what I am calling “domestic Shakespeares,” that cite, reference, and rearrange plays based on women’s experiences in and of the home. I focus on popular women authors whose novels appeared between 1827 and 1862, a time when identity was especially apparent in the geographical formation of the United States. These women novelists used allusions to and adaptations of Shakespeare in their works to express their frustrations with conventional paradigms of womanhood and related disciplinary systems, such as coverture, that limited women’s citizenship. “Domestic Shakespeares,” I …

Paying Attention To Prior Reinforcement: How Acetylcholine, Norepinephrine, And Adolescence Influence Anterior Cingulate Cortex Function, Madison K. Clement

Doctoral Dissertations

Converging evidence supports the need to understand the unique contributions of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in attention. The ACC has been implicated in filtering distractors, determining the relevance of stimuli, generating prediction errors, conflict monitoring, and goal-oriented behavioral changes. Unfortunately, much of this work has used broad definitions of ACC, which have often captured activity or deficits in regions outside of the ACC. Specific attention to the ACC, without concomitant damage to other regions of the prefrontal cortex is necessary to illuminate the specific role of the ACC in attention. Dysfunction of the ACC in humans is implicated in …

Embedding Explicit Metacognitive Instruction Into The General Chemistry Curriculum: Equipping Community College Students With 21st Century Stem Competencies, Sonja Gamby

Doctoral Dissertations

This work describes the development, implementation, and assessment of a curriculum- embedded metacognition instruction model. The Talking About Learning is Key (TALK) module, a 10-week, discussion-based instruction module was initially integrated into a general chemistry course at a community college in Spring 2020. This case study was assessed qualitatively using a thematic analysis to characterize student posts and replies to the Learning Management System discussion board. Course outcomes between Spring 2020 – Fall 2021 were analyzed to determine what effect participation had on course completion and final grade.Finally, the generalizability of the module was investigated using a focused case comparison …

“They Turn To Violence”: Active Shootings And The Convergence Of Hegemonic Masculinity, Race, And Perceived Injustice, Linda M. Fogg

Doctoral Dissertations

Public rampage shootings like Parkland, FL, the Las Vegas concert shooting, and Sandy Hook are a type of crime that captures national attention. As media covers these incidents and the perpetrators of them, they seek to explain why someone would commit such violence. Using active shooter data for incidents that occurred between 2000 and 2019, I examine shooter identity with particular focus on the shooter’s race, an often-unreported statistic. Finding 55.4% of active shooters are white men, interviews with 20 white men and 10 white women are analyzed for explanations for white men’s violence. These men and women describe active …

Examining Empathy During An Initial Nutrition Counseling Session Through Video-Cued Narrative Reflection, Kevin Joseph Pietro

Doctoral Dissertations

Empathy is considered critical to client-centered care within the broader nutrition profession. Through empathy, practitioners are said to recognize the individual experience better, support client/patient autonomy, and encourage collaboration in decision-making regarding treatment. However, the literature on empathy is fraught with conceptual disagreement and methodological misalignment, which has resulted in a limited understanding of the role and presence of empathy within a nutrition counseling session. Additionally, research conducted on nutrition undergraduate students using self-reported questionnaires may offer insight into students’ perceived/believed tendencies related to empathy but fail to provide evidence of empathy during a patient/client interaction. Given the current landscape, …

Type 3 Adenylyl Cyclase, Neuronal Primary Cilia, And Hippocampus-Dependent Memory Formation, Yuxin Zhou

Doctoral Dissertations

Primary cilia are microtubule-based cellular antennae present in most vertebrate cells including neurons. Neuronal primary cilia have abundant expression of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and downstream cAMP signaling components such as type 3 adenylyl cyclase (AC3). The deflects of neuronal cilia is associated with many memory-related disorders, such as intellectual disability. Thus far, little is known about how neuronal primary cilia regulate neuronal activity and affect hippocampal memory formation. Episodic memory is thought to be encoded by sparsely distributed memory-eligible neurons in the hippocampus and neocortex. However, it is not clear how memory-eligible neurons interact with one another to form …

Access To Nature In New Hampshire: Equity And Quality Of Life, Cody Garrott Crytzer

Master's Theses and Capstones

The primary objectives of this research were to understand what access to nature means for people engaged in the nature economy, economic development, recreation, conservation, and community development sectors of New Hampshire, to identify benefits, barriers and opportunities of access to nature with a focus on underserved communities, and to contribute data and knowledge to inform local, regional, and state efforts to advance equity in environmental protection, justice efforts, and future policy considerations impacting New Hampshire. This research involved qualitative analysis of interviews with statewide policy leaders and stakeholders that work with individuals and organizations closely related to nature economy …

Cultivating Commitment: How Cultural Ecosystem Services Affect Visitor Loyalty In Parks And Protected Areas, Thomas James Robinson

Master's Theses and Capstones

Parks and protected areas (PPAs) provide essential ecosystem services to society, including both the material and non-material benefits obtained from healthy ecosystems. While research on this topic has mainly focused on material-based ecosystem services, limited attention has been given to the benefits of non-material cultural ecosystem services (CES) such as recreation, history, and culture. Visitor loyalty refers to an individual’s commitment and willingness to return to a PPA in perpetuity and is influenced by various factors, including the quality of the recreation experience and the ecological integrity of a natural resource. CES may significantly influence visitor loyalty in PPAs, as …

Investigation Of Motor Programming In Childhood Apraxia Of Speech, Madison Smith

Master's Theses and Capstones

The underlying nature of the motor programming disorder in stroke-related apraxia of speech (AOS) has received extensive investigation. This is not the case for childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). CAS and AOS present with many of the same perceptual characteristics (increased intersegment and segment duration ((i.e., segmentation)), equal lexical stress, and speech sound distortions), however, little work has been done to investigate whether the disorders have the same mechanism of action (McNeil, Robin, & Schmidt, 2009). Previous studies investigating motor programming in AOS have utilized a two-stage model developed by Klapp (2003). This model breaks down the motor programming process …

Moment-To-Moment Fluctuations In Sustained Attention In Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury, Kelly Claire Marinick

Master's Theses and Capstones

ABSTRACTMOMENT-TO-MOMENT FLUCTUATIONS IN SUSTAINED ATTENTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY By Kelly Marinick University of New Hampshire Introduction: The present study examined moment-to-moment variations in reaction time (RT) using the Complexity Estimate (CE), a measure of system entropy. The primary hypothesis explored whether system entropy (CE) is higher in mild TBI (TBI) compared to neurologically healthy controls. The secondary hypothesis was to examine whether system entropy increases with task difficulty in both populations, but to a greater extent in those who have experienced TBI. Methods: 27 individuals who had experienced a TBI and 22 neurologically healthy individuals aged between …

Narrative Insight Into How Rural, First-Generation College Students And Their Families Establish Non-Deficit, Multi-Sited Identities, Sarah Jusseaume

Doctoral Dissertations

This study explores the ways in which rural, first-generation college (RFGC) students position themselves in relation to dominant cultural master narratives and potentially competing alternative narratives related to community and family processes, norms, life pathways, and choices after college. Evidence is drawn from in-depth narrative interviews with 15 RFGC students conducted both at school and in students’ home communities. The study contributes to an anti-deficit understanding of rural first-generation college students’ college experiences and identity by focusing not on challenges and barriers but on the ways individuals both align and agentically reject dominant cultural narratives as well as the ways …

The Intersection Of Gentrification, Race, And Historical Sociology: Utilizing The Construction Of A Racial Gentrification Index To Measure Racialized Versus Economic Changes Across Massachusetts From 2000 To 2020, Paige Elizabeth Depasquale

Master's Theses and Capstones

The phenomenon of gentrification occurs in cities and towns across the United States in a racialized way. Despite several gentrification indices existing, thus far none measure racial gentrification nor incorporate racialized practices associated with gentrification into their measures. This paper aims to create a novel index measuring racial gentrification across 73 cities and towns in Massachusetts from 2000 to 2020 using Census and Diversity and Disparities data. The racial gentrification index constructed comprises of 3 economic gentrification variables and 6 residential segregation variables. Through multiple linear regression analyses, racial gentrification is tested as a predictor of three structural outcomes that …

Environment Influence On Interaction Outcomes, Kaley Lambert

Comm-entary

In tandem with other interactional elements, the body plays a substantial role in communicative interactions with companions and oneself. This research compares environmental differences between spaces from two different reality television program environments (Love is Blind and Love Island) which are specified as having the same interaction-goal, observes how the spaces may influence the types of interpersonal interactions they are built for, and compares data regarding the outcomes of said interactions within these spaces so as to provide support for the argument that environments may influence interpersonal interaction outcomes.

Interorganizational Communication: Case Study, Emma Darocha

Comm-entary

The case presented in this study examines coercive power. An eighteen-year-old freshman attending college in a new state found himself longing for a community on campus which led him to decide to join a fraternity. Regrettably, this student did not find this community or brotherhood in this fraternity. As part of the pledging initiation, he was put in an extremely dangerous situation that was overseen by the authority figures of the fraternity. When he tried to drop out of the pledge process, he was coerced by older members to continue it and made to believe that this was something that …

Performing Relationships During Special Occasion Openings, Ashley Kayla White

Comm-entary

All conversations start with an opening. However, opening sequences take on different and at times more grandiose representations during special or uncommon interactional events. How these openings are performed, furthermore, conveys much about the social dynamics and relationships between interactants. The goal of this research is to explore how special event opening practices display relationships between people in day-to-day interaction by drawing from two recordings of special occasion communication. To achieve this, a conversation analytic perspective is employed and several concepts are analyzed in conjunction with openings. These include preference organization, affiliation, repair, body torque and spatial orientation, gaze, epistemics, …

Content For Change, Kaley Lambert

Comm-entary

This piece considers the perspectives of environmental activist Paul Kingsnorth, and author of Anthropocene Unconscious: Climate Catastrophe Culture Mark Bould when assessing the power of storytelling in efforts for climate crisis action. Stories hold the potential to change perspectives and encourage new mentalities. Media content is able to perpetuate, develop, and share stories to a massive audience. This paper argues that if media content were, on a wide scale, to deliberately shift narratives to encourage compassion, action, and concern for the environment, and to discourage wastefulness and mentalities of expansion and colonialism, then it may become more feasible to mitigate …

Pandemic Through The Lens: An Examination Of Repeat Photography During Lockdown, Lauren Cole

Comm-entary

The Covid-19 pandemic had sweeping effects on environments across the globe including, decreases in pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and many others. Repeat photography and social media became tools to document these changes for people to see. Generally, traditional climate imagery and repeat photography depict the degradation of the environment rather than its recovery. This paper works to show how the use of this unique situation, to promote positive environmental change, might work better as a persuasive tool in the fight for climate action.

Art In Climate Argumentation, Matthew Morely

Comm-entary

My paper examines the role of art in the environmental crisis that we are currently facing. I believe that the climate emergency is largely the result of a disconnect between the scientific community and the non-scientific community. In other words, scientists are trying to portray scientific information to a non-scientist demographic. I believe that if we are to prevail during these uncertain times, we need a middleman between these two parties. We need someone who is able to take the information that the scientists are bringing to the table and break it down to non-scientists in a way that makes …

Empathy Meditation To Soothe Division, Kaley Lambert

Comm-entary

In that widespread lack of empathy and the presence of excess stress may be contributing factors toward harsh social division in the United States, programs to increase empathy and decrease stress may help to soothe these issues. Classrooms act as spaces which may be specially suited to trial and implement such programs. This research presents the foundational backing for such programs, and offers a detailed proposal for one set within the structure of a college level course.

Evaluating The Equivalency And Ecological Validity Of Tpitos And Iters-3 Ratings Of Quality In New Hampshire’S Quality Recognition And Improvement System, Eileen Elizabeth Murphy

Master's Theses and Capstones

Quality in early childhood care and education is increasingly being monitored through state-run Quality Rating/Recognition and Improvement Systems (QRISs), however, the design of these systems is under-researched. This study explores the alignment of two observation tools used in a QRIS to assess the quality of infant and toddler care and education – the Teaching Pyramid Infant-Toddler Observation Scale (TPITOS), and the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale, 3rd edition (ITERS-3). These two tools are central to the two pathways for center-based care providers in New Hampshire’s QRIS, which are designed to be equivalent but different methods for measuring quality. In this study, …

Psychology Grads Helping Those Who Need It Most, Dave Moore

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Center For The Humanities Awards Five New Hayes Fellowships, Katie Umans

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Effects Of School Curriculum On Adolescents With Eating Disorders, Gary Von George

M.S. in Health Care Management

This project explores the relationship between school curriculum and the development of eating disorders among adolescents. It examines the perspectives of eating disorders advocates to shed light on how educational institutions can contribute positively to promoting a healthy body image and preventing the onset of eating disorders through early intervention. By analyzing the available literature and incorporating insights from advocates, this project will compare a New Hampshire school system curriculum and provide recommendations to the school system for implementing education strategies that foster body positivity and mental well-being among their students.

A video recording of this presentation is available here.

Understanding The Behavioral And Neurobiological Mechanisms Of Relapse In Alcohol Use Disorder, Hannah Manning

Inquiry Journal Spring 2023

Excessive alcohol consumption causes 95,000 fatalities in the United States every year, making it a leading cause of death. Approximately 14.5 million people, ages 12 and up, suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD), otherwise known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction. Alcohol use disorder is a chronic, relapsing brain condition that causes impaired cognitive functioning towards alcohol. While there are treatments available, the propensity for alcoholics to relapse during recovery remains a major challenge to successful treatment. Understanding the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying relapse into alcohol abuse is a current research interest for those who are trying to improve treatment …

Developing Emotional Intelligence Characteristics In Leaders To Increase Leadership Effectiveness, Katelyn Komisarek

M.S. in Leadership

The purpose of this research is to provide an insight as to how emotional intelligence is a far superior leadership characteristic over cognitive intelligence. The intent of this research delves into how teaching and continuing to develop emotional intelligence in leaders cultivates leadership effectiveness. Leadership effectiveness is crucial for subordinate satisfaction, employee retention, and team productivity. This research takes into consideration years of prior studies and research conducted regarding ways emotionally intelligent leaders directly correlate to leadership effectiveness and functional team behaviors. In conclusion, emotional intelligence is a soft skill that can be taught to leaders and subordinates alike to …

Blind As A Bat: Acoustic Differences Within A Bat Swarm Soundscape Based On Location, Keegan Eveland

Inquiry Journal Spring 2023

In the fall of 2022, I participated in an independent research project under the mentorship of Dr.Kloepper in the Ecological Acoustics and Behavior lab. I decided to delve into a project that shed light on an underrepresented animal, bats. Bats are proficient at producing echolocation pulses that they utilize to their advantage to hunt and navigate cluttered areas. I investigated how Tadarida brasiliensis (the Brazilian free-tailed bat), that lives in colonies of thousands, may shift their echolocation so they can distinguish their own calls from the cacophony of sound when flying all together. A trained Harris’s hawk carried a microphone/camera …

Breaking The Cycle: Using Autoethnography To Reframe The Narrative Of Parental Divorce And Romantic Relationships—Reversing The Curse, Taylor Harper

Inquiry Journal Spring 2023

Humans are innate storytellers, and the way we interpret and tell stories about our experiences provides the framework for perceptions of ourselves and the world around us. For me, experiencing my parent’s high-conflict divorce throughout my adolescence and young adulthood constructed a negative perception of marriage and romantic relationships, one that I wanted to abandon as I began to build a relationship with my own romantic partner as an adult. In spring 2022, I was presented with an opportunity in a communication arts capstone course to explore my experience through autoethnography, a methodical approach to research and writing through personal …

Data Literacy In The Social Sciences: Findings From A Local Study On Teaching With Quantitative Data In Undergraduate Courses, Patricia B. Condon, Eleta Exline, Louise Buckley

Faculty Publications

Objective – The University of New Hampshire (UNH) Library conducted an exploratory study of the pedagogical practices of social science instructors at UNH who teach using quantitative data in undergraduate courses. This study is connected to a suite of parallel studies at other higher education institutions that was designed and coordinated by Ithaka S+R.

The four aims of this study were to explore the ways in which instructors teach and engage undergraduates in the social sciences using quantitative data; understand the support needs of these instructors; develop actionable recommendations for campus stakeholders; and identify opportunities for the development of resources, …

It Runs In The Family: Pincince Household Sends Seven Siblings To Unh, Keith Testa

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Spring 2023 B Impact Clinic Cohort Announced, Sustainability Institute

Sustainability Institute Blog

No abstract provided.