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The adoption of the game squad exergaming intervention for young adults with Down Syndrome: A qualitative analysis
No full textAdults with Down syndrome face persistent barriers to physical activity, including mobility limitations, lack of accessible programming, and low self-efficacy. Exergaming represents a potentially scalable, home-based approach to increasing physical activity in this population
Addressing Student Behavior: A Hands-Off Approach
Get PDFThis policy analysis capstone project focuses on gathering secondary research to address physical violence students experience perpetrated by educators in K-12 public school communities. This research is compiled in hopes of raising awareness of a lack of federal protections. By collecting research focused on tenets of Liberation Education and contrasting it with common practices found in public schools, this policy analysis capstone compiles a supported call for continued research and federal protections preventing physical violence against students perpetrated by educators. Key findings support these calls through examining publications from global studies, associations, and K-12 public school policy analysis. This policy analysis capstone collects recent research and theory to raise awareness for a community focused change in order to bring broader change to the K-12 public school experience for students
Understanding the Connection Between a Sense of Belonging in School and Student\u27s School Success
Get PDFThis study aims to understand the connection between a student\u27s sense of belonging within their school community and their success. The sample consists of 81 middle school students in grades six through eight, enrolled in a suburban private religious school in Massachusetts. Data was collected using an adapted version of the School Belongingness Scale, with expanded questions on academics and extracurricular participation. The results suggest a correlation between a sense of belonging, academic performance, and attendance.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1014/thumbnail.jp
Barriers to School Readiness for Young Children in Foster Care: A Systematic Literature Review of Evidence-Based Interventions
Get PDFChildren in foster care often face unique barriers to school readiness, like poor health, frequent transitions, and adverse childhood experiences (Tordön et al., 2020). These barriers increase the likelihood of mental and behavioral challenges, which can impact school performance (Sears, 2023). Early childhood is a critical period for young children to develop academic, social, and emotional skills to foster school readiness. Young children are overrepresented in the foster care system, and school professionals need to understand how to support their needs. Children spend the majority of their time in school, which makes it a practical environment for them to receive support (Lynch et al., 2017). This systematic literature review examines recent studies to evaluate evidence-based interventions that will be effective in mitigating the barriers to school readiness. The articles reviewed separate interventions into three main categories, including trauma-informed care, early childhood programs, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The results can identify evidence-based interventions that can promote quality care and school readiness among this vulnerable population. Furthermore, policy and practice implications will be discussed to improve education outcomes for children in foster care.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1042/thumbnail.jp
Effective Faith-Based Coping Strategies for Anxiety and Depression Recovery in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Literature Review
Get PDFAnxiety and depression are prevalent mental health concerns among adolescents and young adults. Faith-based coping strategies—including prayer, meditation, religious community support, and scripture-based cognitive reframing—have been increasingly recognized as valuable approaches for promoting resilience and mental health well-being. This systematic literature review evaluates recent empirical studies to determine the effectiveness of these strategies in supporting the recovery of adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety and depression. The findings suggest that symptom reduction is aided by religious community support rooted in faith traditions and intrinsically oriented religious engagement. However, variations in effectiveness are influenced by religious affiliation, individual belief strength, and integration with clinical interventions. This review also highlights gaps in current research, particularly the need for longitudinal studies, culturally inclusive analyses, and larger sample sizes. These insights provide a foundation for mental health practitioners, social workers, religious leaders, and policymakers seeking to integrate faith-based approaches into comprehensive youth mental health care.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1044/thumbnail.jp
Comparative Phenotyping of Tomato Seedling Root Architecture Under Nanoparticle Exposure Using WhinRHIZO & ImageJ
Get PDFSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely utilized in healthcare, food packaging, and agriculture, particularly in antimicrobial coatings and pesticides, due to their unique antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, their environmental impact, specifically on plant development, remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates the impact of silver nanoparticles on tomato seedlings by phenotyping root architecture and assessing morphological variations to quantify changes in growth and development. Two genotypes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seeds, wild type (WT) and mutant for plasma membrane transporter aquaporin (AQ) cultivated on ½ Murashige and Skoog (MS) media were exposed to 30 mg/L of AgNPs, silver nitrate (AgNO3), or water for 21 days. The germination rate was measured every two days over a 14-day period. The results indicated no significant differences (p\u3e0.05) between WT & AQ seeds across treatments. WhinRIZO and ImageJ software were used to assess morphological parameters such as root length and thickness on day 21. The results revealed significant differences (p \u3c 0.05) in the root lengths between the control and AgNPs, as well as AgNPs and AgNO3 groups. Exposure to AgNPs resulted in a significant reduction in the development of the radicle, while seeds exposed to AgNO3 germination rate and growth were similar to the control group. These findings indicate AgNPs influence on root development and germination. This study underscores the importance of phenotyping in assessing nanoparticle-induced physiological responses and provides insights into how nanomaterial exposure affects early root development, a critical factor in plant nutrient and water uptake.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1058/thumbnail.jp
How Does Knowledge About Corporate Environmental Malfeasance Influence Decision-Making?
Get PDFThese students will distribute a survey to a sample of Merrimack students. They will test respondents’ knowledge about corporate environmental scandals and ask various purchase decisions.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1074/thumbnail.jp
Bridging Science & Coaching
Get PDFThis project aims to bridge the gap between sport science and coaching by developing a data-driven strength and conditioning approach tailored for ice hockey athletes. As an aspiring strength and conditioning coach, my goal is to optimize performance, reduce injury risk, and enhance athlete well-being through evidence-based training methodologies. Central to the project is the use of the Just Jump Mat (JJM) and ice time tracking to monitor athlete readiness and recovery. By conducting countermovement jump (CMJ) tests twice a week—post-weekend and midweek, I assess neuromuscular fatigue and adjust training protocols accordingly. A drop in jump height greater than two inches signals fatigue and triggers recovery strategies. Ice time and training load data are analyzed alongside jump test results to identify trends and fine-tune individual athlete programs. Future directions include expanding data collection to include sleep, nutrition, subjective wellness, heart rate variability (HRV), and biomarkers. Ultimately, this project serves as a foundation for creating a comprehensive athlete monitoring system that can be applied across various sports. By integrating research into practical coaching, this work supports long-term athlete development and promotes a modern, science-informed approach to performance training.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1140/thumbnail.jp
Building the Physically Optimal Offensive Line: A Guide
Get PDFThis study aims to first outline the “ideal” parameters for the nordboard and force plate data for each position on the offensive line. From there, there are two options, to either influence recruiting and to focus on prospects that match these profiles, or to take current athletes on the team and try to better mold them to their position and it’s physiological needs. In addition, it can help to establish parameters to help reduce injury risk by position, particularly focusing on the hamstrings (Newton et al, 2006). Knee health is crucial for offensive linemen and the knee braces help, but can help to further reinforce the joints and keep more athletes on the field.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1160/thumbnail.jp