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Nucleoli undergo dynamic changes during febrile-like stress recovery
Get PDFFever is a physiological response that is defined by an increase in the core body temperature above 38.8 °C, it plays a critical role in the immune response against infections and inflammations. Prolonged and uncontrolled fever can be detrimental to the body’s function and can be associated with cytokine storms in conditions such as sepsis and severe COVID-19, increasing the possibility of mortality and the development of cognitive impairments. Although the physiology of febrile conditions is well understood, the impact of the cellular nuclear structure, particularly centromere-nucleoli interactions, is still poorly understood. Centromeres are critical for chromosome segregation, and they associate with nucleoli during interphase of cell division.
In this study, we investigate the effects of heat stress, simulating febrile conditions (41°C for 2 hours), on the centromere-nucleoli association and their recovery dynamics in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Our initial observations suggest previously undocumented changes in nucleoli integrity during recovery from febrile-like conditions. The significant changes in nucleoli do not prevent cell proliferation suggesting that cell division proceeds without expected nucleoli/centromere positioning within nucleus.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1055/thumbnail.jp
A Rebel Girl’s Example: Elizabeth Gurley Flynn and Her Life as a and Labor Leader, Feminist, and Political Radical
Get PDFMy presentation consists of a summary of Elizabeth Gurley Flynn’s upbringing and life as it contributed to the American Labor Movement, Feminist Activism, and Socialist politics in the United States. While often narratives of Flynn’s life stop at her leadership role in the 1912 Lawrence Textile Strike. Her contributions span much further including being a cofounder of the ACLU, a tireless campaigner for legal representation of labor unions, and eventually a prominent socialist and communist politician. Her eventual condemnation at the hands of McCarthyism and imprisonment, meanwhile, showed the limits of American political pluralism.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1068/thumbnail.jp
BIPOC Connections with Sustainability/Agriculture
Get PDFWe will be interviewing BIPOC (Black/Indigenous People of Color) individuals and asking them about their early childhood, their introduction to sustainability and/or agriculture, their current commitments/jobs in these fields, and the impact they have made as of now in these fields. Our goal is to figure out what common threads these individuals have in their introduction and interest in sustainability/agriculture in hopes of figuring out what factors they were exposed to in their lives to make them interested in these topics. It is important for my group to find answers to this question because we are both BIPOC individuals who grew interested in sustainability/agriculture without having and prior education or introduction to the matters. We are also interested in spreading awareness of sustainability because it does affect BIPOC communities the most. It vital for us to know how the endangerment of our planet affects us directly so that we may be inclined to practice sustainability and partake in agricultural practiceshttps://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1073/thumbnail.jp
Sleep, Travel, and Slumps: Measuring Jet Lag’s Impact on MLB Games
Get PDFThis study examines the impact of jet lag and time zone travel on team performance in Major League Baseball (MLB). Given the demanding travel schedules in professional sports, particularly in MLB where teams often go through multiple time zones, this research looks to find the effects of circadian rhythm disruptions and travel-induced fatigue on competitive outcomes.
Using historical game data from 2000-2024, this analysis evaluates team performance metrics, including home and away records, winning percentages, and statistical trends following long-distance travel. The study considers physical and mental factors associated with travel fatigue, such as sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment, to determine their effects on player performance and game results.
By using advanced sports analytics methodologies in coding languages like Python and RStudio, this research aims to find statistically significant patterns and trends that may improve team strategies, coaching decisions, and scheduling. The findings add to the conversation on sports science and improved athlete performance, giving data-driven insights into the relationship between travel fatigue and competitive success in professional baseball.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1110/thumbnail.jp
VEX Senior Design Spring 2025
Get PDFThis senior design project involved the design, construction, and competitive evaluation of VEX robots by mechanical engineering students. Teams applied fundamental engineering principles to systematically plan, analyze, and simulate robot performance prior to fabrication. Utilizing CAD modeling, structural analysis, and iterative prototyping, students optimized robot mechanisms to achieve efficiency and robustness. Completed robots were subsequently tested through direct competition at the university-hosted robotics event in February, demonstrating practical effectiveness, durability, and competitive success. This experiential approach emphasized not only technical proficiency in robotics but also teamwork, strategic problem-solving, and the integration of mechanical design with real-world constraints and requirements.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1109/thumbnail.jp
Community-Based Interventions for Elderly Mental Health: A Systemic Literature Review
Get PDFChallenges related to mental health among older adults are a growing concern, particularly in New Hampshire, where the population is projected to surpass that of children in New Hampshire by 2030. This study conducts a systematic review to examine adults aged 60 or older who experience mild or moderate mental health challenges while living independently without any serious clinical inquiries. The project focuses on revisiting and analyzing previous research and data to highlight the importance of elderly mental health interventions. The background section suggests why this topic is so necessary and the reason behind serious attention and action.
A review of past studies and previous research regarding different studies and practices that support and enhance the older population’s mental health serves as a guide for developing future projects for New Hampshire on a larger scale. These previous practices support mixed-method research approaches where data and explanations were included to incorporate proposal interventions. Examining secondary data helps to identify key risk, and predisposing factors as well as effective intervention strategies to inform a new and effective program for the aging population of New Hampshire.
This project proposes improving mental health via physical activity, social engagement, and mental health guidance to help improve overall longevity. By integrating previous studies and analyzing existing data, the study ultimately aims to contribute to developing and enhancing the overall mental well-being and quality of life of those 60 and older in New Hampshire communities.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1118/thumbnail.jp
Doggie DNA: Exploring the relationship between genes and appearance in Canis familiaris
Get PDFCanis familiaris (the domestic dog) exhibits incredible diversity in size, build, and overall appearance. The goal of our experiment was to explore the connection between the genotype and phenotype of an organism. One variable feature in dogs is the presence of furnishings, or a “moustache” and “eyebrows” displayed by many popular breeds including most terriers. Growth of furnishings is controlled by a gene called R-spondin 2 (RSPO2). There are two major RSPO2 alleles in the C. familiaris population: an ancestral allele also found in wolves, and an allele with a 167 bp insertion. In this study, we analyzed RSPO2 genotype in over 40 dogs. We isolated DNA from cheek swabs and used the polymerase chain reaction to amplify a portion of the RSPO2 gene. PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Our results show that dogs lacking furnishings are homozygous for the shorter ancestral allele, whereas dogs with furnishings have either one or two RSPO2 insertion alleles. These results indicate that the insertion allele acts in a dominant fashion to influence the pattern of muzzle fur growth.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1167/thumbnail.jp
