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Antibiotic Resistance and Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in the Merrimack River
Get PDFThe Merrimack River is an important source of drinking water and recreation for over 500,000 people including the communities of Lowell, Lawrence, Tewksbury, Methuen, and Andover, Massachusetts as well as Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire. The safety of waters in the Merrimack River is regularly threatened by combined sewage overflows (CSOs), which contribute bacteria, debris, and other substances that may negatively impact public health and the health of the environment. The aim of this study is to detect and quantify antibiotic resistant bacteria in the Merrimack River. Water samples were collected at thirteen sites along the Merrimack River, between Manchester, NH and Newburyport, MA, throughout the summer of 2024. Additional samples were collected in association with combined sewage overflow events. To assay for the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a molecular approach was used in which total water DNA was isolated from microorganisms captured by filtration and antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) were quantified using qPCR. ARGs assayed included molecular markers of beta-lactam resistance (bla-TEM), sulfonamide resistance (sul2), and tetracycline resistance (tetA). ARG markers were normalized to a 16S rRNA control. Our results showed that baseline levels of ARG range from 10E-2 to 10E-7 ARG copies per 16S rRNA and increase several-fold following a CSO event, highlighting a potential environmental route by which ARB may spread. Monitoring will continue in 2025, and in addition, a high performance liquid chromatography/ mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method is being adapted to identify a variety of common antibiotics in the Merrimack River.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1061/thumbnail.jp
Quantitative Analysis of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in the Merrimack and Spicket Rivers
Get PDFWater samples were collected from sites along the Merrimack and Spicket Rivers for identification and quantification of potential contaminants: pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs). River samples were filtered, concentrated, and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS) in order to identify the PPCPs present in each sample. Some of these PPCPs included progesterone, trimethoprim, melatonin, hydrocortisone, and atorvastatin. Upon identification, samples were spiked with PPCPs of known concentrations and standard addition curves were prepared to determine the concentration of PPCPs from each location. These concentrations were compared with typical values reported in literature to determine the potential environmental concern.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1060/thumbnail.jp
Can You Really Multitask?
Get PDFThis study aims to further explore how multitasking affects performance on tasks involving attention and memory, while also examining how the brain prioritizes the ability to multitask. We hypothesized that our independent variables for each experiment would cause a statistically significant difference in the average reaction time.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1083/thumbnail.jp
Investigating Doping Effects in High Entropy Alloys for Enhanced Mechanical Properties
Get PDFWe are exploring the impact of doping elements on the microstructural and mechanical properties of high entropy alloys (HEAs) using computational modeling techniques. This research aims to optimize the composition of HEAs to achieve superior strength and ductility, with potential applications in advanced engineering materials.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1095/thumbnail.jp
Winnipesaukee River Model
Get PDFFor this project, I will be creating a model of the Winnipesaukee River using the softwares we learned in class. The main software that will be used is EPA SWMM to create a base model of my river.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1097/thumbnail.jp
The Importance and Reform of On-Site Mental Health Services in Long Term Care
Get PDFDue to life expectancy being prolonged and birth rates declining, the older adult population is growing rapidly. Along with this growth, mental health concerns are becoming more widespread which in turn creates a heightened need for long term care (LTC) and its services. However, evidence suggests that LTC facilities are not adequately meeting the needs of this population concerning quality mental health care.
This project, in the form of a needs assessment, explores the importance and reform of on-site mental health services in LTC facilities. This assessment will be evaluating the need for interventions in the mental health workforce, state and federal policies and in LTC facilities in order to implement mental health services on-site. To collect the information needed, three key informant interviews were conducted with professionals in the LTC and mental health industries as well as secondary data from various research databases including peer-reviewed articles and MA and federal legal research databases.
Conclusions can be drawn that the lack of on-site mental health services is a multi-faceted problem that stems from workforce challenges, health policies and the perceptions of mental health that the senior population has that is ultimately resulting in several barriers for on-site mental health services to be implemented. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to bring awareness and advocate for this pressing issue now in order to protect current and future residents in LTC so that they can prosper and reach their full potential in health and wellbeing.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1124/thumbnail.jp
The Impact of Pelvic Pain on Academic Performance and Social Engagement Among Female College Students
Get PDFPelvic pain and menstrual disorders are common among college students and can significantly impact academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being. This cross-sectional survey examines the impact of pelvic pain on the academic performance and social lives of female college students at Merrimack College. Eligible participants were female undergraduate students at Merrimack College who reported experiencing moderate or severe pelvic pain within the past 6 months. Data has been collected through a self-administered questionnaire assessing pain severity, menstrual characteristics, and its effects on class attendance, concentration, productivity, and social interactions. To date, 55 participants have completed the questionnaire and data collection is ongoing. Academic and social impacts associated with period pain, as well as those related to general pelvic pain, will be compared using chi-square tests. The chi-square analysis results will be updated accordingly for the poster presentation.
Initial findings indicate that pelvic pain significantly affects students\u27 daily activities. Among respondents, 19% reported that their pain impacted their ability to exercise, while 22% found it difficult to concentrate or sit comfortably during class. Also, 14% missed class or lectures due to period pain, and nearly half (49%) performed below their optimal ability on an exam or assignment due to their symptoms. Furthermore, 14% reported that pelvic pain severely limited their participation in social activities. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness and support systems to mitigate the academic and social burdens associated with pelvic pain among college students.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1130/thumbnail.jp
Looking Beyond the Diagnosis: Understanding Attribution in Cardiac Rehab Adherence
Get PDFThis Capstone project has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to improving CR participation by identifying key facilitators and barriers through qualitative analysis. By understanding the lived experiences of patients, including the psychosocial and logistical factors that influence their decisions to participate or drop out, tailored interventions can be designed to remove these obstacles. Previous studies suggest that integrating family support, remote or home-based rehabilitation options, and incorporating psychosocial support into CR programs can significantly improve adherence rates (Fraser et al., 2022; Hughes et al., 2022). The findings from this study can inform the development of more accessible, patient-centered CR programs that are not only effective but also sustainable for individuals across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This approach could ultimately reduce the long-term health burden of cardiovascular diseases and improve the overall quality of life for patients nationwide.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1132/thumbnail.jp
HIV Care Providers\u27 View on Exercise for Smoking Cessation
Get PDFPeople living with HIV (PWH) smoke more cigarettes thn the general population. Exercise can increase short-term abstinence, help reduce cravings, manage withdrawel symptoms, and can improve negative affective states associated with nicotine withdrawel. However, PWH exercise less and are less likely to quit smoking than the general populationw with one likely factor being a lack of communication about the relationship between these health care behaviors with their care providers. This qualitative study will explore HIV care provider’s perceptions of exercise as aid to smoking cessation in PWH, along with barriers and facilitators to engaging in these important conversationshttps://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1134/thumbnail.jp
Squat Biomechanics: A Comprehensive Approach to Strength, Mobility, & Reducing Injury Risk to Lower Back
Get PDFMy Capstone project is a needs assessment that will help me demonstrate the practical application of strength and conditioning principles. The impact of understanding squat mechanics and its relationship to injury prevention and athletic performance is very vast. Proper squat form is essential for maximizing strength development and minimizing injury risk, especially when considering factors like ankle dorsiflexion, femur length, and hip structure. Athletes with limitations in these areas may struggle to achieve an ideal squat form or one that fits their body. Failing to do this can place excessive strain on certain parts of their bodies, such as the lower back, hips, or knees. By assessing these physical characteristics and tailoring squat techniques and adding alternative exercises, strength and conditioning coaches can mitigate the risk of injuries to the lumbar spine and avoid risk of lower back pain (LBP), which is common in a wide range of athletes from demands of their sport with the addition of performing squats without proper form. This manual will help athletes find which squat variation works best for them, what exercises they should do to help improve their squat mechanics based on their needs, and provide an avenue where athletes can train safely and effectively to enhance their overall athletic potential.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/1135/thumbnail.jp