Digital Commons Network^™

A Novel Deliberative Multicriteria Evaluation Approach To Ecosystem Service Valuation, Georgia Mayrommati, Mark E. Borsuk, Richard B. Howarth

New Hampshire EPSCoR

Although efforts to address ecosystem services in decision making have advanced considerably in recent years, there remain challenges related to valuation. In particular, conventional economic approaches have been criticized for their inability to capture the collective nature of ecosystem services, for their emphasis on monetary metrics, and the difficulty of assessing the value of ecosystem services to future generations. We present a deliberative multicriteria evaluation (DMCE) method that combines the advantages of multicriteria decision analysis with a deliberation process that allows citizens and scientists to exchange knowledge and evaluate ecosystem services in a social context. Compared with previous applications we …

Rule Breaking In Corporations: Does Leadership And Seriousness Make A Difference?, Marissa T. Montagna, Ellen S. Cohn

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Fall 2026 Environmental Sciences Seminar Series, Sam Bogan, Sam Bogan

NRESS Seminars

The deep sea is Earth's largest and least-explored habitat, leaving much of its biology unknown. I will present two studies leveraging long-read sequencing to uncover the population dynamics and evolution of deep-sea vertebrates. First, we examined how deep-sea invasions constrained thermal adaptation in  globally distributed fishes. Second, we reconstructed the demography and population health of elusive, deep-foraging whales. In these intractable but important systems, advances in long-read sequencing enabled previously unattainable biological insights.

Fall 2026 Environmental Sciences Seminar Series, Wenjing Xu, Wenjing Xu

NRESS Seminars

Animal movement is fundamental to biodiversity, offering early signals of species' responses to environmental change. I first discuss how wildlife movement is shaped by landscape composition and configuration, from global to local scales. I then focus on one linear infrastructure reconfiguring landscapes worldwide: fences. Drawing on research from the western US and beyond, I show how fences reshape animal movement, with cascading consequences for ecosystems and societies. I close with reflections on broadening this science through visual storytelling.

Fall 2026 Environmental Sciences Seminar Series, Bianca Lopez, Bianca Lopez

NRESS Seminars

Bianca has a PhD in ecology from UNC Chapel Hill and was a postdoc at the National Socio- Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC), the New School, and UMass Amherst, studying plant community ecology, urban ecology, and invasive species. She has been a professional editor at Science for 5 years, handling papers in community and ecosystem ecology, biogeography, paleoecology, sustainability, and environmental economics. In this talk, Bianca will discuss her work at Science and the inner workings of publishing research in this journal.

Fall 2026 Environmental Sciences Seminar Series, Shamsunnahar Suchana, Shamsunnahar Suchana

NRESS Seminars

Plastic pollution has become a major environmental challenge because of its persistence and widespread impacts on natural systems. This has accelerated the transition toward sustainable plastic alternatives and recycling based approaches. While these strategies aim to reduce the long term impacts of plastic waste, relatively little is known about how these materials change once they enter the environment. Using examples from biodegradable and semisynthetic polymers and recycled tire rubber, this seminar will examine how environmental weathering influences their transformation and interactions, with implications for their fate, exposure, and potential toxicity.

Fall 2026 Environmental Sciences Seminar Series, Morgan Crump, Morgan Crump

NRESS Seminars

U.S. national parks protect more than landscapes—they preserve natural soundscapes and dark night skies that are vital to ecological integrity and visitor experiences. This presentation highlights interdisciplinary research conducted with the National Park Service's Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, including studies of artificial light at night, visitor use management, and the Listening Lab at the University of Vermont. Examples from parks across the U.S. demonstrate how science can inform practical conservation and visitor management.

Fall 2026 Environmental Sciences Seminar Series, Kaggie Orrick, Kaggie Orrick

NRESS Seminars

Human–wildlife conservation requires understanding both ecological processes and human behavior. In this talk, I discuss work from my PhD, Social Ecological Practice Theory, and demonstrate its application through two applied case studies: human–carnivore interactions in Botswana and my current work as Director of the University of California, Berkeley’s California Wolf Project. Together, these examples illustrate how integrating social and ecological perspectives can inform more effective and durable conservation strategies.

Research And Innovation Update, September 17, 2026, Office Of The Vice President For Research And Innovation

Office of Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach

No abstract provided.

Fall 2026 Environmental Sciences Seminar Series, Jingyan Huang, Jingyan Huang

NRESS Seminars

This seminar presents a game-based social simulation of emergency response to water contamination, in which large language model (LLM) agents represent stakeholders with diverse roles, information, incentives, and constraints.

Through unfolding crisis scenario, the simulation explores how communication, coordination, and decision making shape collective outcomes under uncertainty. In this seminar, I will discuss the game’s design, the use of LLMs to model social interaction, and opportunities and limitations for research, training, and practical policy experimentation.

Financial Pessimism Abounds In Connecticut Amid Widespread Opposition To Tariffs 9/9/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Half of Connecticut residents say they are worse off financially than a year ago, particularly those with lower incomes, and four in ten expect to be worse off a year from now. Most say their cost of living has increased in the past year, especially groceries, gasoline, and energy. State residents are downbeat about the short and long-term futures of the state and national economies, with majorities expecting a recession within the next year in both economies. A majority of Connecticut residents disapprove of President Trump's use of tariffs and believe they will have a negative effect on the U.S. …

Fall 2026 Environmental Sciences Seminar Series, Rebecca L. Hale, Rebecca L. Hale

NRESS Seminars

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a powerful lens for understanding watershed processes and ecosystem impacts, integrating upstream biogeochemistry, landscapes, and climate. In particular, DOM provides insights into how urbanization reshapes ecosystems and hydrology.

In this talk, Dr. Hale will share work on local to continental patterns of urban DOM and how DOM can be used as a predictive tool for water quality monitoring.

Rhode Islanders Gloomy Over Personal Finances, National & State Economies 9/3/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

The percentage of Rhode Islanders who feel better off financially than they were a year ago and expect to be better off a year from now continues to fall. Half of state residents envision bad times for the national and state economies over the next year. Most Rhode Islanders say their cost of living has increased in the past year, particularly those with the highest incomes. Groceries, gasoline, and energy are mentioned by three-quarters or more as areas where they have seen notable increases. A majority in Rhode Island expect tariffs to cause prices to increase and disapprove of President …

Granite Staters Disapprove Of Trump's Tariffs, Think They Will Increase Cost Of Living 9/3/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Pluralities of New Hampshire residents feel worse off financially than a year ago and expect to be doing about the same a year from now. More than three-quarters of Granite Staters say their cost of living has increased in the past year, especially gasoline, groceries, and energy. More than three-quarters expect tariffs to cause prices to increase and a majority disapprove of President Trump's use of them so far. Overall, Granite Staters are largely pessimistic about the wider national economy, with a majority expecting a recession within the next year, but are more ambivalent about the New Hampshire economy.

Bay Staters Say Cost Of Living Has Increased In Past Year, Nearly Half Feel Worse Off Financially 9/3/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Nearly half of Massachusetts residents feel worse off financially than a year ago and expect to be doing about the same a year from now. Those with lower incomes are twice as likely as those with the highest incomes to feel worse off financially than a year ago. Most Bay Staters say their cost of living has increased in the past year, especially groceries, gasoline, and energy. Four in five expect tariffs to cause prices to increase and two-thirds disapprove of President Trump's use of tariffs. A majority of Bay Staters expect a recession within the next year and nearly …

Research And Innovation Update, September 2, 2026, Office Of The Vice President For Research And Innovation

Office of Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach

No abstract provided.

Folding The 4-H Clove-Air, Claes Thelemarck

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

Massachusetts Governor Healey: So-So Approval Ratings, Still Favored For Re-Election 8/27/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Half of Massachusetts residents approve of incumbent Democratic Governor Maura Healey's overall job performance, but majorities disapprove of her handling of housing and the cost of living, the two most important problems cited by Massachusetts residents. However, Healey holds wide leads over both Michael Minogue, the frontrunner for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and Brian Shortsleeve in the November general election.

Ayotte's Approval Improves, Lead Over Warmington Grows In New Hampshire Gubernatorial Race 8/27/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Governor Kelly Ayotte has increased her lead in the 2026 New Hampshire gubernatorial election over presumptive Democratic nominee Cinde Warmington. Nearly all Republicans and a plurality of Independents plan to vote for Ayotte while four in five Democrats plan to vote for Warmington. Approval of Ayotte's job performance has also increased since July. Housing remains the most important problem facing New Hampshire, but the proportion of state residents who say taxes are the most important problem is at its highest point in more than two decades.

Approval Of Mckee Remains Low, Foulkes Opens Wide Lead In Democratic Rhode Island Gubernatorial Primary 8/27/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Helena Foulkes has increased her lead over incumbent Dan McKee in the race for the Democratic nomination for Rhode Island Governor. Foulkes leads in general election scenarios against prospective Republican challengers Elaine Pelino and Aaron Guckian as well as Independent Ken Block, while McKee is statistically tied with Block in general election matchups. Four in five Rhode Island residents disapprove of McKee's handling of his job as governor, an all-time high, with particularly poor marks for his handling of the cost of living, roads & bridges, and housing. There are no clear leaders in the Democratic primaries for Lieutenant Governor …

Governor Lamont's Job Approval Slides In Ct But Maintains Lead Over Fazio In Bid For Re-Election 8/27/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Incumbent Democratic Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, fresh off a victory in the Democratic primary, leads Republican nominee Ryan Fazio in the general election. However, approval of Lamont’s performance in office has fallen to its lowest level in the past year and a half. Lamont receives low marks on his handling of the cost of living, taxes, and housing, the three most important problems facing the state. Many state residents have heard about the debate surrounding automated traffic cameras in Connecticut and a majority support a moratorium on the installation of new cameras. Most state residents support several aspects of a …

Reed Retains Leads In Primary, General Election Matchups In Race For U.S. Senate From Rhode Island 8/26/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Incumbent Democratic Senator Jack Reed continues to lead challenger Connor Burbridge in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, fueled by higher support from the center-left and older voters. Reed supporters most often cite his past experience as the reason for their support, while Burbridge supporters most often mention his policies. Reed continues to hold a comfortable lead over presumptive Republican nominee Raymond McKay, who is largely unknown in the state. A majority of Rhode Islanders believe Reed is mentally and physically capable of serving another term at the current age of seventy-six.

Pappas Support Slides, Cd1 Primaries Down To The Wire 8/26/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

First District Congressman Chris Pappas remains ahead in the race for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, but Karishma Manzur continues to close the gap, fueled by strong support from socialist and younger voters. Former Senator John E. Sununu continues to lead former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown on the Republican side and is statistically tied with Pappas in a general election matchup. In the Democratic primary in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, Maura Sullivan and Stefany Shaheen are statistically tied, followed by Carleigh Beriont. Hollie Noveletsky and Anthony DiLorenzo are also statistically tied on the Republican side. In the Second …

Markey Pulls Away From Moulton In Massachusetts Senate Democratic Primary 8/26/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Senator Ed Markey has opened a large lead over Congressman Seth Moulton in the final days of their primary campaign for U.S. Senate. Markey has consolidated his position among socialist and progressive likely Democratic primary voters, and is even with Moulton among moderates. More than half of Moulton voters cite age as the main reason for their support of Moulton, and less than half of Bay Staters overall believe Markey can serve another term at eighty years of age. Markey leads presumptive Republican nominee John Deaton in a general election matchup, while Moulton fares far worse if he were the …

North Country Career Expo Student Brochure, Cooperative Extension, Coos County, Ray Berthiaume

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

Merrimack County Sponsor A Tub Of Ice Cream, Alison Coleman

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

Research And Innovation Update, July 22, 2026, Office Of The Vice President For Research And Innovation

Office of Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach

No abstract provided.

Retaining Residents Is Important To New Hampshire’S Future: Why Do People Leave?, Kristine Bundschuh, Kenneth M. Johnson

Carsey Publications

Migration is critical to New Hampshire’s future. Between 2020 and 2025, the state’s entire population gain was due to migration, since more people died than were born in the state. In part, this migration gain is because fewer New Hampshire residents leave the state than residents of nearby states. While much attention focuses on attracting migrants to New Hampshire, another important piece of the state’s migration puzzle is understanding why people consider leaving.

In this brief, authors Kristine Bundschuh and Kenneth Johnson examine New Hampshire residents’ likelihood of leaving the state and explore why residents consider leaving the state. Their …

Unh Receives $10m For Statewide Expansion Of Stem And Literacy Learning Project, Beth Potier

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Research And Innovation Update, August 5, 2026, Office Of The Vice President For Research And Innovation

Office of Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach

No abstract provided.