Digital Commons Network^™

Introducing Coding Into Teacher Education: An Interdisciplinary Robotics Experience For Education And Engineering Students, Jennifer Kidd, Krishna Kaipa, Sam Sacks, Lilian Almeida

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Despite nationwide mandates to integrate computer science into P-6 curriculum, most P-6 preservice teachers (PSTs) are not exposed to coding or computational thinking during their professional preparation, and are unprepared to teach these topics. This study, conducted as a part of an NSF-funded project, explores a teacher preparation model designed to increase PSTs’ coding knowledge and coding self-efficacy. PSTs in an educational technology course partnered with engineering undergraduates (EUs) in a computational methods course and worked side-by-side on robotics activities to develop skill and confidence with basic programming concepts and block coding. Students utilized experience gained from these interdisciplinary partnerships …

Using Mobile Devices To Facilitate Student Questioning In A Large Undergraduate Science Class, Helen Crompton, Stephen R. Burgin, Declan G. De Paor, Kristen Gregory

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Asking scientific questions is the first practice of science and engineering listed in the Next Generation Science Standards. However, getting students to ask unsolicited questions in a large class can be difficult. In this qualitative study, undergraduate students sent SMS text messages to the instructor who received them on his mobile phone and via Google Glass. Using observations, coding of texts, and interviews, the researchers investigated the types and level of questions students asked and the perceptions of the instructor and TAs on how the messages were received. From the findings of this study, it is evident that students asked …

Raising Children To Speak Their Heritage Language In The Usa: Roles Of Korean Parents, Guang-Lea Lee, Abha Gupta

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Parents play a significant role in fostering Korean-American children's heritage language learning. This qualitative inquiry investigates Korean immigrant parents' beliefs and the language practices they engage in to raise their children to speak Korean. Based on questionnaires completed by 40 parents and in-depth, open-ended interviews with 5 parents, this study specifically focuses on Korean parents residing in an area with a low Korean immigrant population and how they perceive, foster, and advocate for their children's Heritage Language (HL) learning. The findings show that parents play crucial roles as active advocates of their children's HL learning and positive belief in HL …

Writing The Rainbow: Facilitating Undergraduate Teacher Candidates’ Lgbtqia+ Allyship Through Multimodal Writing, Judith Dunkerly-Bean, Julia Morris, Valerie Taylor

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

This yearlong qualitative descriptive case study conducted by an interdisciplinary team of education faculty with pre-service elementary teacher candidates sought to disrupt heteronormativity and to increase candidates’ awareness and preparedness for inclusivity with future LGBTQIA+ elementary students. Central to our findings was that in researching and authoring multimodal texts addressing topics and concerns faced by the LGBTQIA+ community for their future classrooms, there was a shift in the perceptions and preparedness of the candidates toward working with children identifying as LGBTQIA+. However, we also encountered resistance and/or apathy that led us to develop an analytical framework for disrupting teacher candidate …

Teachers' Efforts To Support Undocumented Students Within Ambiguous Policy Contexts, Hillary Parkhouse, Virginia R. Massaro, Melissa J. Cuba, Carolyn N. Waters

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Although education scholars have recently focused greater attention on the experiences of undocumented youth in schools, few studies have examined educators' perceptions of their roles and responsibilities with regards to this population. Since the 1982 Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe guaranteed education to this group and barred schools from inquiring about immigration status, little additional policy has offered guidance on how schools can support this group while also refraining from identifying it's members. Policies are particularly lacking in new destination areas where there are fewer resources and less infrastructure for new immigrant populations. As increasingly harsh immigration enforcement policies …

Characteristics Of Critical Friendship That Transform Professional Identity, Signe E. Kastberg, Melva R. Grant

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

We met at CASTLE 2018, two trained mathematics teacher educators (MTEs), interested in mathematics, and teaching elementary mathematics methods to preservice teachers (PTs). Melva’s self-study research, focused on improving her online methods course, was approaching its second year and her second critical friend had lost interest in continuing. Melva invited Signe to be her critical friend (Schuck & Russell, 2005) and Signe agreed. Explicit expectations of our critical friendship included weekly meetings. Our critical friendship seemed to follow an expected trajectory for, “supporting/coaching the transformation of another’s teaching” (Stolle, et al., 2019, p. 20). However, there were implicit ways our …

The Use Of Technology To Continue Learning In Palestine Disrupted With Covid-19, Khitam Shraim, Helen Crompton

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

This qualitative study examined how decision-makers and teachers have responded to offer education for all Palestinian students at the immediate onset of the COVID-19 outbreak and how technology is being used to continue education online. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants from parents, teachers and decision-makers in Palestine. Interview transcripts were coded using a grounded theory design with a constant comparative method. The findings show that participants identified that technologies such as mobile devices, social media and cloud computing would be useful for design and delivery of educational materials as well as raising safety awareness, and communication during the …

The Efficacy Of The Healthy Families Flourish Program For Families Raising Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Carli Madalena Rita

Honors Theses and Capstones

The family unit is the driving force that creates a foundation for life satisfaction and wellbeing of a child that extends across the lifespan. Understanding family health and family participation in meaningful daily activities are critical components of family life lacking in current research, especially for families raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study seeks to determine the effectiveness of an occupational therapy intervention program designed to support families raising children with ASD to identify and overcome barriers to everyday family activities. The Healthy Families Flourish Program is a 10-session occupational therapy intervention program developed for this study …

The Transformation Of Accounting Information Systems Curriculum In The Last Decade, Timothy Patrick Larkin

Honors Theses and Capstones

Accounting information systems (AIS) are an extremely important component of accounting and accounting education. The purpose of the current study is to examine the transformation of accounting information systems (AIS) curriculum in the last decade. The motivation for this research comes from the vast advances made in the world of information technology (IT) and information systems (IS). The specific research questions addressed in the current study are: (1) how has AIS curriculum changed in the 18 years since SOX? (2) How has AIS curriculum adjusted in recent years with the emergence of the new hot-button topic big data/data analytics? Overall, …

Understanding The Importance And Impact Of Technology In An Accounting Setting: Work Outcomes And Relationships With Clients, Megan Elwell

Honors Theses and Capstones

This study explores how technology positively or negatively impacts the accounting profession, and specifically, the impact on work outcomes (i.e. the effectiveness and efficiency of work) and relationships with clients. Three types of technology tools were featured in this study: Accounting and Analytics, Robotic Process Automation, and Communication Technology Tools and Platforms. Our research questions were (1) How much do technology tools improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the accountant? and (2) How much do technology tools affect the relationship with clients? After surveying professionals in the accounting field, we concluded that accountants believe that Communication softwares improve their efficiency …

Peru's "Shameful Secret": The Consequences Of The Squatter Settlements Of Lima, Christian Silva

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

It Security Policy Compliance: A University Perspective, Jack D. Barnes

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

A Rush Of Refugees: How The United States And Canada Have Responded, Tayla A. George

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Pensions On Fortune 500 Companies And The Market, Ivana Korusiakova

Honors Theses and Capstones

This paper is an attempt at identifying the effects of pension changes and negative news associated with pensions on the stock market. This identification is carried out through an extensive review and analysis of the literature on the causes and reasons for different pension techniques and the economics behind pensions. In addition, four major corporations were analyzed after announcing they would either be altering or discontinuing their pension plans due to the coronavirus pandemic. After conducting further analysis, it was found that pensions do cause major shifts in the stock market due to negative news surrounding them.

Examining The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) And Health-Risk Behaviors Among Adolescents In New Hampshire, Riana S. Malik

Honors Theses and Capstones

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic instances in the first 18 years of life including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has outlined priority health-risk behaviors among adolescents as substance use, violent behaviors, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and unsafe sexual behaviors. Previous research has linked both ACEs and health-risk behaviors to negative health outcomes including disability, chronic disease, and substance use. That said, understanding and preventing risky behaviors among adolescents and working to reduce the lasting harm caused by ACEs can lead to healthier adults and communities going forward.

This research defines ACEs …

The Relationship Between Social Media Engagement And Psychological Well-Being In College Students At The University Of New Hampshire, Emily G. D'Antonio

Honors Theses and Capstones

Social media use has increased substantially in recent years, and for the college-aged population, social media is often the leading method of communication. Research indicates this reliance on digital connection could have a negative impact on the health of young adults (Bagroy et al., 2017). The college years are a time of personal growth and defining actions, yet can also be burdened by mental health issues related to stress, anxiety, and depression (Hunt & Eisenberg, 2010). Acknowledging these trends, the current study explores how college students’ specific frequency and intentionality while interacting on social media relates to their psychological well-being. …

The Future Of Actively Managed Funds, Oliver M. Botthof

Honors Theses and Capstones

This study analyzes the relationship between actively managed U.S. equity funds and passively managed U.S. equity funds over the past 20 years. This study concludes with a prediction as to where these markets are headed based off related literature and regression based tests run a a sample of funds.

Csr Communication Strategies: How To Steer Away From Consumer Skepticism, Margaret M. Dauphinais

Honors Theses and Capstones

CSR Communication Strategies: How to Steer Away from Consumer Skepticism and Distrust

Healthcare Stocks And Presidential Elections, Jake Yennaco

Honors Theses and Capstones

In this study I examine the impact presidential elections have had on health care stock returns. Through my own data collection and analysis, I sought to examine the performance of stocks across election cycles in addition to the performance of healthcare stocks across election cycles. Using data from 1998-2019 I find that 1.) In election years, the stock market underperforms relative to non-election years; 2.) Healthcare stocks underperform the broader market during election years; 3.) The impact on healthcare stocks is consistently poor in election years yet contained to only that year; 4.) The Presidential Election Cycle, stating that stocks …

An Analysis Of Excise Taxes On Wine In The United States, William A. Saunders

Honors Theses and Capstones

Excise taxes are a form of tax that are applied specifically to certain goods, and are charged by the wholesaler to the retailer; they are then usually passed onto the consumer through price increases. Throughout the history of the United States, this form of taxation has transformed and taken on a variety of different roles before arriving at its modern role; a tool to implement certain tax systems, such as the Pigovian system, as well as to influence consumer behavior. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the purpose of excise taxes on wine within the United States by …

Impacts Of Inappropriate Human Possession Of Wildlife On The Animal’S Well-Being, Anika Frink

Honors Theses and Capstones

Wildlife rehabilitation is the temporary intervention by humans on sick or injured wild animals, who would not otherwise survive, with the goal of release. Individual states have their own guidelines for how to become a licensed rehabilitator with extensive standards in place for how to keep such wildlife. The standards help to keep the animals wild for their eventual release and to avoid side effects of Inappropriate Human Possession or IHP. IHP is when an unlicensed person attempts to rehabilitate a wild animal or to keep it as a pet. This study examines the effects of IHP on wildlife patients …

Decreasing Uncertainty In Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Measurements Through The Application Of Pappus Chains, Ryan Williams

Honors Theses and Capstones

To make further advancements in nuclear polarization, the Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Group at the University of New Hampshire requires an accurate measurement of the polarization of their materials. Through a non-traditional method of data analysis, the uncertainty in this polarization measurement via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was reduced. To extract the polarization, we measure an NMR signal through the real impedance of our circuitry, whose area is proportional to the polarization. However, our signal size depends on how in-tune our circuitry is with a specific frequency, with the signal growing smaller the less in-tune it becomes. A new method of …

Identifying Rpa-Dependent Epigenetic Modifications Influencing Arabidopsis Thaliana Flowering Time, Emily S. Berry

Honors Theses and Capstones

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes that do not directly alter the DNA sequence. Many of these inheritance mechanisms are caused by the addition of a methyl group to cytosine nucleotides in DNA that prevent gene expression. The model organism Arabidopsis thaliana (abbreviated A. thaliana) is commonly used in genetic experiments, and its usefulness is extended to research in epigenetics. Our current research (Culligan lab), in part, focuses on genes involved in DNA damage and repair, such as brca2 and the rpa1a/b/c/d/e genes. Previous genetic analyses suggests that the rpa1c/e double-mutant typically expresses an early flowering phenotype despite …

Unh Students’ Attitudes Toward University Of New Hampshire Police, Angela R. Hurley

Honors Theses and Capstones

This study examines undergraduate students from the University of New Hampshire attitudes towards campus police, specifically how student experience with campus police affects their attitudes toward them. There were a total of 113 respondents from the University of New Hampshire that answered an online survey. The survey looked specifically at the relationship between students' experience and attitudes towards UNH police, hypothesizing that students who had perceived fair encounters with campus police would be more likely to contact them in an emergency and have more positive attitudes toward them . Multivariate analysis shows perceptions of witnessing an interaction and being approached …

Just Post It: A Critical Discourse Analysis On Nike’S Instagram, Jillian Cataldo

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

What Drives Prices In Financial Markets?, Sinead Brid Mcdonagh

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

The Evolution And Development Of Chiropteran Flight, Emmaline Willis

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Predicting Gross Revenue Using Online Movie Reviews, Cara J. Small

Honors Theses and Capstones

Today, many people check the ratings and reviews of a movie before they watch it. A review can be easily published online and seen by thousands of people, and this can change a person’s opinion on whether or not they see the film. With the increasing presence of online platforms, it has changed the way people express their thoughts and feelings. There are many different platforms people can go to find varying opinions on a particular movie. This research will consider the problem of predicting a movie’s overall gross revenue. We focus on ratings, reviews and information given on the …

The Effect Of University Sales Education On The First After-College Sales Job, Ilya Feldman

Honors Theses and Capstones

This research investigates the relationship between the amount of sales education and the job performance of the recent UNH graduates on the first after-college sales job. The overarching hypothesis suggests that more sales education leads to better sales job performance. The results of the research found this correlation to be positive and significant. Also, this research found that job performance indicators that are affected the most significantly by the amount of sales education are confidence, passion, commitment, and on-target earnings. Moreover, it identifies the categories of sales education that were determined to be the most crucial in better first after- …

Quantifying Electron Precipitation In The Van Allen Radiation Belts, Timothy Raeder

Honors Theses and Capstones

The spatial and temporal distribution of high energy electron precipitation from the Van Allen radiation belts is not currently well-understood. The FIREBIRD-II mission (2015-present) and the Van Allen Probes (2012-2019) provide a unique opportunity to examine the behaviors and drivers of high energy electron precipitation. This study quantifies electron precipitation observed by FIREBIRD-II as a function of radial distance (L-shell), magnetic local time (MLT), hemisphere, and geomagnetic indices (Kp). Electron precipitation was observed to peak at L-shell 4.5-5. Regions of elevated electron precipitation were identified at L-shell 4-6 at dawn (MLT 6-9) and dusk (MLT 15-21). Hemisphere filtering indicated very …