2379 research outputs found
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Split Focus: Investigating Visual Attention with Competing Tasks
Get PDFThe goal of this experiment is to test whether individuals can effectively divide their attention between two visually demanding tasks. The project requires two experiments. The basic attentional task for both experiments was performed by having participants look at random images that are either cute (e.g., a cat or dog) or scary (e.g., a frightening face). They must respond by pressing the 0 key for scary images and the 1 key for cute images. Reaction time in milliseconds will be recorded for all of the experiment. The distractor task for experiment 1 was a visual distractor. While completing the basic task, participants will also watch an episode of Peppa Pig on a phone placed next to the computer screen. To ensure they are engaged in this secondary visual task, they will be asked follow-up questions about the content of the episode after the experiment.The distractor task for experiment 2 was verbal distractor. While completing the visual categorization task, participants are also asked to recite the nursery rhyme The Itsy Bitsy Spider out loud.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1094/thumbnail.jp
Understanding Where Microplastics are Located and their Concentration in the Lamprey River
Get PDFMicroplastics are a group of environmental contaminants that have been rapidly emerging in various aquatic ecosystems and raising a high concern. These microplastics are small plastic particles ranging in size from 1 nm to 5 mm. Despite their small size, microplastics pose a threat to aquatic ecosystem health and stability, water quality, and human health. Microplastics can enter aquatic environments through a variety of mechanisms, including agricultural runoff, wastewater treatment plants, plastic littering, and atmospheric deposition. The rapid rise and concentration of various microplastics are believed to disrupt ecological functioning, with an effect on ecosystem food webs, particularly at the base of the food web. Furthermore, the increasing concentration can pose harms to sources of drinking water for humans. The accumulation of microplastics in freshwater bodies can vary due to weather patterns,environmental factors, human activity, ecological processes, and more. Our research focuses on quantifying microplastics in a local freshwater ecosystem, the Lamprey River watershed in southeastern New Hampshire. Samples from 19 locations in the Lamprey River watershed were collected bimonthly. We digested samples using 30% hydrogen peroxide at 50 C for at least 48 hours, in order to destroy any organic matter, then we filtered 5 mL of samples onto Millipore gridded cellulose filters. To count these microplastics, we used dissecting scopes at 40x magnification with NightSea lights, causing the microplastics to fluoresce for easier identification. Results of each sample vary, and can be due to changes in the environment; for instance rainfall, temperature, sediment disruption or even drought. The data we collect shows the concentration of microplastics within specific times of the year, giving us insight as to why that is. Further research is needed to back this data overall, as well as the overall effect that these concentrations of microplastics have on the environment and its organisms.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1105/thumbnail.jp
Senior Design Project Vex High Stakes
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/1108/thumbnail.jp
Mechatronic Model of Phytoremediation using Tomato Plants
Get PDFFor this project, I have worked under the direct supervision of Dr Caldwell and the indirect supervision of Dr Noori. The goal of the project was to produce an interactive museum display of the silver nanoparticle detection and accumulation in tomato plants. Over the last two semesters, I have successfully developed 3D scans of the plant, created and edited 3D mesh designs, and printed complete prints of the plant. I have been able to produce a working prototype for a tomato plant. The project is still ongoing but currently I am working on the next stage of the project which is displaying the movement and accumulation of the nanoparticles on the model. Due to it being on-going, this part is constantly changing right now. There will be more details closer to the RCAC.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1114/thumbnail.jp
Revolutionizing Hip Replacement: Bridging Innovation & Patient Care with Stryker’s Mobile Bearing Hip System
Get PDFWith hip injuries and on the rise—particularly among aging populations—there is a growing demand for advanced hip replacement technologies. This poster explores the biomechanics of the hip, the prevalence and impact of hip degeneration, and the consequences of delayed intervention. It highlights the Modular Dual Mobility (MDM) Mobile Bearing Hip System by Stryker as a solution offering increased stability, reduced dislocation risk, and enhanced mobility. This study bridges innovation and patient care, showcasing the device’s competitive advantage in both surgical success and long-term patient satisfaction.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1123/thumbnail.jp
Understanding Psychological Barriers to Strength Training in Endurance Athletes
Get PDFEndurance athletes, such as runners, cyclists, and swimmers, often avoid strength training despite its proven benefits for performance, injury prevention, and recovery. This reluctance is largely driven by psychological factors, including misconceptions about muscle growth, task aversion, and low motivation. Many endurance athletes believe that strength training could interfere with their primary goal of improving aerobic endurance, and they often associate it with unnecessary weight gain or loss of endurance. These misconceptions are compounded by a general dislike or anxiety toward weightlifting, which can lead to avoidance or procrastination. According to self-determination theory, athletes may also resist strength training if they feel it is not aligned with their intrinsic needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. This paper examines these psychological barriers and discusses how they hinder endurance athletes from adopting strength training. It highlights how cognitive-behavioral strategies and providing athletes with more control over their training choices can help overcome these challenges. The paper also emphasizes that integrating strength training into endurance athletes’ routines could improve performance, reduce injury risks, and enhance recovery. Addressing these psychological barriers is key to helping endurance athletes fully benefit from strength training. Future research and interventions should focus on changing perceptions and motivating athletes to incorporate strength training into their training programs for optimal results.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1125/thumbnail.jp
Breaking Barriers: A Socioecological Approach to Sustainable Healthcare Access in Underserved Costa Rican Communities
Get PDFThis research explores the multifaceted challenges faced by rural and underserved communities in Costa Rica in accessing healthcare. Through a qualitative survey of 30 patients in La Carpio and La Garita, and insights from fieldwork, the study identifies significant barriers such as transportation difficulties, financial constraints, lack of insurance, absence of follow-up care, and systemic inefficiencies. In particular, rural transportation emerged as a critical challenge, with many patients walking long distances due to the absence of affordable options. Mobile clinics run by the International Service Learning (ISL) organization were crucial, with 80% of participants accessing healthcare only through these services.
The research also examines community health needs, including chronic diseases, malnutrition, and mental health issues, and highlights the limited access to specialty care and medications. It underscores the importance of partnerships between local healthcare providers, universities, and international organizations to address these disparities. Through a socioecological framework, the study emphasizes the complex interaction between individuals, their communities, and larger systemic factors that influence health outcomes.
Recommendations for improving healthcare access include expanding mobile healthcare initiatives, enhancing volunteer preparation, increasing access to medications, creating structured follow-up care programs, and incorporating cultural competence in mission planning. Additionally, community health education focusing on nutrition, hygiene, and chronic disease management is essential. The study advocates for a shift from episodic mission models to sustainable, community-driven health initiatives that empower local populations, improve healthcare infrastructure, and ensure equitable access to healthcare in underserved Costa Rican communities.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1136/thumbnail.jp
The Impact of Mental Health on Athletic Performance at the Collegiate Level
Get PDFI will explore how high pressure situations can affect athletes emotionally and psychologically. I will conduct qualitative and quantitative data on this issue as well as the creation of a mental health/wellness program that will be carried out within athletics. The goal of this capstone is to address gaps in mental health assistance within athletics and provide wellness initiatives that can impact athletes performance in a positive way.
This capstone I will aim to explore the relationship between mental health and performance in a wide variety of sports and implement physical well-being tools, tasks, and classes throughout the Athletic Program at Merrimack for students and coaches alike. This will propel further implications for being a head coach of a team one day so that I can improve not only the lives of my players through mental health and wellbeing but the performance of my team as a whole.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1145/thumbnail.jp
Movement & Performance Assessment for Collegiate Athletes
Get PDFAthletes returning to play after injury face a high risk of re-injury, particularly in sports involving cutting, pivoting, and jumping. Traditional return-to-play (RTP) decisions often rely on time-based criteria rather than objective performance metrics, leading to inconsistent rehabilitation outcomes. Research supports functional RTP benchmarks such as a ≥85% hamstring-to-quadriceps strength ratio and ≥90% limb symmetry in hop tests as more reliable indicators of readiness.
This project develops a standardized testing battery to assess athlete baseline performance, injury risk, and RTP readiness using evidence-based protocols. The battery evaluates seven key areas:
-Body Composition
-Mobility & Movement Quality
-Strength
-Power
-Explosiveness & Asymmetry
-Neuromuscular Control & Stability
-Psychological Readiness
This framework enhances RTP decision-making by replacing subjective protocols with functional benchmarks, ensuring data-driven rehabilitation and athlete safety. Designed for adaptability across sports and facilities, this model streamlines testing while aligning with strength and conditioning, sports medicine, and coaching needs. This project supports my career as an NCAA Division I Strength and Conditioning Coach by providing a practical, scientifically backed system for performance monitoring and injury prevention.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1153/thumbnail.jp
