BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:kscacademicexcellenceconfer
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com KSC Academic Excellence Conference 2026//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T160000Z
DTEND:20260417T203000Z
SUMMARY:Helpdesk
DESCRIPTION:
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, West Lobby\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e8d7a4efe18f42ddd853a0e5124ddd78
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/e8d7a4efe18f42ddd853a0e5124ddd78
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T160000Z
DTEND:20260417T203000Z
SUMMARY:Registration
DESCRIPTION:
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, West Lobby\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fd6289112230aff928d7776693fb8530
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/fd6289112230aff928d7776693fb8530
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T163000Z
DTEND:20260417T173000Z
SUMMARY:Opening and Keynote: A Fireside Chat with Professor Nigel Malcolm and Provost Kirsti Sandy
DESCRIPTION:The writing process\, the personal journey\, the latest work. Unscripted\, relaxed\, and insightful.\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 101\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0de1c226f9d9febd2736025d61140fbf
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/0de1c226f9d9febd2736025d61140fbf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T173000Z
DTEND:20260417T180000Z
SUMMARY:Digital Object Inspection with M.O.D.I
DESCRIPTION:This project presents the use of MODI\, a modular object detection inspection system for precision optics applications. Designed by GeoPulse Solutions\, MODI is a sensor device that integrates advanced imaging\, precision movements\, and custom software for device control and data analysis. The system supports high-resolution digital microscopy and multi-spectral imaging (MSI) spectroscopy. MODI can produce ‘superimages’ by stitching hundreds of single images together and adjusting edge features. The device is used to analyze objects before and after cleaning processes to evaluate contamination removal\, surface changes\, and treatment effectiveness. Additionally\, the system can identify scratch-and-dig type defects and assess surface damage and micro-scale wear. This versatile platform demonstrates the potential of integrated spectral and microscopic imaging for non-destructive evaluation and materials analysis. Results will be presented that illustrate the range of objects that MODI can analyze and the types of information users obtain.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: ORAL PRESENTATION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 175\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a265b65714a34e5525eb27c476e25141
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/a265b65714a34e5525eb27c476e25141
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T173000Z
DTEND:20260417T183000Z
SUMMARY:Myth of the Teenage Girl
DESCRIPTION:“To be a woman is to perform”- Simone de Beauvoir Does my body provoke you? Growing up as women\, no matter the decade\, you may been conditioned to believe one thing: your body\, their pleasure. This project argues that adolescent women have been misrepresented in a number of ways\, through the lens of the camera. I will interrogate the patriarchal framing of female friendship\, purity\, sexuality and parental figures by comparing classic “teen films”such as American Pie\, Revenge of the Nerds\, and Superbad to their independent competitors such as Thirteen\, Welcome to the Dollhouse\, and The Virgin Suicides. Scholars such as Timothy Shary\, Frances Smith\, and Caroline Madden support the argument that certain indie films reframe the myths of teenage selfhood. My presentation questions if teenage girls are a myth the patriarchy made up\, or if we are simply conditioned to experience teen selfhood by harmful representational traditions.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: ORAL PRESENTATION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 129\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:872cd4d7f8192fe1b78e1d08f3fabd5d
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/872cd4d7f8192fe1b78e1d08f3fabd5d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T173000Z
DTEND:20260417T180000Z
SUMMARY:‘Seeing’ Vision Trends in US Youth
DESCRIPTION:Eye care management is a concern for someone at any age\, but certain disorders require action in childhood. Through use of the Medicaid Claims Vision and Eye Health Surveillance Survey (2016-2021)\, this study finds an increase in vision disorders that need to be treated in early childhood. Between 2016 and 2021 there has been an increase in Degenerative Myopia\, a critical form of progressive myopia\, and Strabismus and Amblyopia for children with low socioeconomic status. Early intervention for these disorders\, like vision screenings\, have also risen during this time. This study evaluates social causes such as vision screenings and population make-up in relation to increases in these disorders. Findings suggest that the change in racial make-up of the United States and an increase in vision screenings do not contribute to higher rates of these disorders in children. This suggests another factor is causing these increases that needs to be examined.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: ORAL PRESENTATION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 126\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:dd7a8715f1453f58e4572ff37f7d2623
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/dd7a8715f1453f58e4572ff37f7d2623
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T173000Z
DTEND:20260417T183000Z
SUMMARY:Writing and Publishing Internship Portfolio Presentations
DESCRIPTION:The English Department’s Writing and Publishing internship course provides an experiential learning opportunity for students at a professional site. This semester\, students are interning at a variety of organizations including nonprofits\, arts organizations\, libraries\, and campus offices. Student interns are learning about and contributing to their internship sites through a wide range of short- and long-term projects. Each project requires the intern to develop knowledge of new content areas\, of the writing genre\, and of their different audiences within these communities. On this panel\, interns will present from their semester-long writing portfolios\, reflecting on their learning process and development as writers in joining these new communities.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: PANEL DISCUSSION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 101\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:650150a9ae746e4012c7d49668922443
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/650150a9ae746e4012c7d49668922443
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T180000Z
DTEND:20260417T183000Z
SUMMARY:Implementing the Toolbox Talk to Highlight Psychosocial Workplace Hazards.
DESCRIPTION:Psychosocial hazards in the workplace are a major issue affecting the physical and mental well being of workers in occupational settings. They also create a financial burden on the economy\, particularly for companies that incur direct and indirect costs related to worker health and productivity. These risks contribute to workplace injuries\, disabilities\, and reduced overall functioning. This study identifies the relationship between prevalent psychosocial and physical hazards by defining the major factors and risks present in occupational environments. Evidence collected across 68 workplace studies conducted between 1992 and 2022 demonstrated that hazards such as long working hours\, high job demands\, poor work life balance\, and workplace bullying were strongly associated with increased stress\, anxiety\, and depression. These findings highlight psychosocial hazards as serious occupational risk factors\, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and preventive measures to protect worker health and improve workplace safety outcomes across modern occupational settings worldwide today. One method with a proven track record of mitigating psychosocial hazards in the workplace is the toolbox talk\, which increases awareness and reinforces safe workplace practices through direct communication with workers.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: ORAL PRESENTATION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room  175\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d35a1ecbbe6e108585d63a5a6e444962
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/d35a1ecbbe6e108585d63a5a6e444962
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T180000Z
DTEND:20260417T183000Z
SUMMARY:Predicting Pancreatogenic Disease Progression via Hybrid Physiological and Machine Learning Modeling
DESCRIPTION:The pancreas operates as two interconnected systems: one for digestion\, exocrine\, and one for blood sugar regulation\, endocrine. While usually studied in isolation\, these systems exert significant mechanical and chemical influence on one another. This project proposes a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to simulate how digestive enzyme levels physically stress or support insulin-producing Beta cells. This mechanistic approach provides a predictive framework for understanding how localized inflammation in pancreatitis\, structural pressure from pancreatic cancer\, or enzymatic shifts trigger the onset of Type 3c diabetes. By integrating chemical reaction rates with cellular data using Neural Ordinary Differential Equations\, the goal is to quantify the thresholds where digestive dysfunction leads to endocrine collapse. This synthesis of computer science and molecular kinetics offers a predictive mechanistic framework for diagnosing and managing the progression of multi-system pancreatic diseases.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: ORAL PRESENTATION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 126\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a371744ca57fac959cd10bce48c01f89
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/a371744ca57fac959cd10bce48c01f89
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T184500Z
DTEND:20260417T191500Z
SUMMARY:Chemistry Around Us: Using Sensory Analysis to Understand the Chemical Composition of Beer
DESCRIPTION:From the moment you crack open the can\, take a sip\, and look at the color of your favorite beer\, your senses are playing a key role in decoding the chemical composition of the beverage. Inspired by my newfound career as a craft brewer at Frogg Brewing\, this study takes a deep dive into how aroma\, taste\, mouthfeel\, and the appearance of a fermented beverage directly relates to compounds found within. Evidence suggests that cultivating a trained sensory palette can help both the brewer and consumer of a beer determine which chemical compounds\, such as various esters and terpenes\, are influencing their beverage. Unlocking an understanding of the chemical makeup can ultimately aid in unpacking the processes that occur within the brewing operation. Key results linking sensory analysis to the chemical composition of the fermented beverage of beer will be presented.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: ORAL PRESENTATION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 126\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:042f41ac847c0a605f23bfaba395b2d3
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/042f41ac847c0a605f23bfaba395b2d3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T184500Z
DTEND:20260417T191500Z
SUMMARY:How We Know How Many Colors You Need To Color a Map (And Why You Might Need More) — An Overview of Empire Coloring
DESCRIPTION:The four-color theorem is a beautiful fact in math\, showing that any political map can be colored in such a way that no two countries that share a border have the same color with only four colors. However\, it may surprise you to learn this property is not often used in creating maps of countries. This talk will give an introduction to empire coloring — the reasons why many political maps may exceed the four-color threshold — and prove theorems about the required number of colors for some interesting maps which have qualities that are not represented in the four-color theorem.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: ORAL PRESENTATION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 175\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4222345e5ab73b9c039d9b79322c6039
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/4222345e5ab73b9c039d9b79322c6039
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T184500Z
DTEND:20260417T191500Z
SUMMARY:True Crime in Early America - A Case Study in Early American Criminal Trials
DESCRIPTION:What can we learn about social structures in early America from criminal trials and court documents? Student judges from Dr. Knouff's True Crime in Early America Spring 2025 class each present one of six significant cases from the early American period\, analyzing their cultural significance and what they can tell us about social structures of the time. Themes of the cases include gender hierarchy\, Revolutionary politics\, race\, class\, traditionally silenced voices\, and the importance of court documents as historical records.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: ORAL PRESENTATION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 129\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:983c71f95ae18f57056856954be5465c
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/983c71f95ae18f57056856954be5465c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T184500Z
DTEND:20260417T194500Z
SUMMARY:SURF 2025 Recipients Talk about Their Work
DESCRIPTION:In this panel\, the recipients of the 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships will speak about their research and their experiences conducting research.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: PANEL DISCUSSION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 101\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a31f512b4a96e59aa97375872cb2ea92
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/a31f512b4a96e59aa97375872cb2ea92
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T191500Z
DTEND:20260417T194500Z
SUMMARY:Nicotinic Acid-Based Ionic Compounds: B3tter Ester Synthesis
DESCRIPTION:The Fischer esterification is an organic reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol to form an ester. Esters contribute to a wide variety of relevant molecules from flavors and fragrances to pharmaceuticals. The current reaction conditions use corrosive catalysts\, require long reaction times\, and generate excess chemical waste. Recently\, a series of ionic compounds derived from nicotinic acid have been synthesized. Nicotinic acid\, or vitamin B3\, is an essential nutrient in the human body. When chemically modified\, these ionic compounds could serve as alternative catalysts for the Fischer esterification and the potential exists to develop a more efficient and environmentally friendly chemical process. The synthesis\, optimization\, and catalyst recycling studies show promising results\, with possible future applications in organic synthesis.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: ORAL PRESENTATION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 126\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:acaea662aff926daa800f92b80486575
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/acaea662aff926daa800f92b80486575
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T191500Z
DTEND:20260417T194500Z
SUMMARY:TRAP Laws and Abortion Rates: A Local Projections Difference-in-Differences Approach
DESCRIPTION:Even before Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022\, state legislatures found ways to limit access to abortion\, namely through Targeted Regulations of Abortion Providers or TRAP laws\, which sidestepped the federal protection of the right to an abortion by placing excessively burdensome requirements on abortion providers.This study will examine the impact of TRAP laws on women’s labor mobility using county-level abortion data\, state-wide TRAP law data\, and data on the employment and average salary of workers in the leisure and hospitality industry\, spanning from 2001 to 2022. The study will employ Local Projections Difference-in-Differences (LP-DiD) methodology (Dube et. al 2025) which utilizes a “clean control” to ensure appropriate control group assignment\, mitigating the issue of negative weighting that arises from using earlier-treated panel members as controls for later-treated panel members. This methodology will ensure that differences among states in TRAP law enactment and abolishment are treated properly.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: ORAL PRESENTATION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 129\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2e860c60103fbca6c581980957cc4000
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/2e860c60103fbca6c581980957cc4000
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T200000Z
DTEND:20260417T210000Z
SUMMARY:The Grubman Family Collection - What we can learn from Holocaust survivors and their descendants
DESCRIPTION:The Grubman Family Collection\, initially intended to be a travelling trunk for students to learn about the Holocaust\, is a collection donated by Dr. Jim Grubman and developed by Cohen Institute Archive Fellow Amarrah Gates and Assistant Archivist and Digital Archivist Mary Meagher. The collection consists of an oral history interview\, learning materials for educators\, and digitized documents\, photos\, and physical artifacts related to the Grubman family. Gates and Meagher have used the materials donated by the Grubmans to create learning materials for educators as part of the Cohen Institute's mission in educating students about the Holocaust\, genocide\, and what we can learn from history. Through these primary source materials\, students will interact directly with a family history to learn about the Holocaust to encourage awareness and understanding for the need of genocide prevention. 
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: ORAL PRESENTATION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room129\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4ce2319e65b60ecd48228fac906213ef
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/4ce2319e65b60ecd48228fac906213ef
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T200000Z
DTEND:20260417T203000Z
SUMMARY:Workforce Development in a Rapidly Evolving Demographic Landscape
DESCRIPTION:All over the United States\, there are a plethora of issues new Americans face while trying to settle here. The same issues apply to new Americans in Keene\, NH\, and there are significantly less resources to support them. Research findings indicate a significant disconnect between businesses in Keene\, NH and support organizations that help new Americans find employment. This disconnect leads to an increase of labor shortage and unemployed new Americans who struggle with settling. The purpose of this study is to explore the causes of this misalignment through both secondary and primary research. Primary research involved interviewing spokespeople from businesses and new American support organizations both local to Cheshire County\, NH. The data collected from these interviews suggest a lack of urgency resulting from unfamiliarity\, implicit biases\, lack of funding\, and language barriers. Research findings reveal potential solutions to enable both workforce development and community connections.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: ORAL PRESENTATION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room126\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:78ff9e44f9eacc31dda9fc2852780e5d
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/78ff9e44f9eacc31dda9fc2852780e5d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T200000Z
DTEND:20260417T210000Z
SUMMARY:Communication Internship Panel
DESCRIPTION:This Internship panel will feature Communication majors/minors who have participated in a variety of off-campus internships while at Keene State College. Students will share their experiences\, specific skills developed\, how this work complements their coursework and/or post-graduation career plans. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: PANEL DISCUSSION
LOCATION:Putnam Science Center\, Room 101\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d259dd347dcd6a5b4495c9ffd4140b2b
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/d259dd347dcd6a5b4495c9ffd4140b2b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Writing Together\, Writing for Fun: The Center for Research & Writing\, Bricowlage\, and the KSC Archives
DESCRIPTION:With the help of a PepsiCo grant\, Keene State's Center for Research & Writing collaborated with Bricowlage to host "This Picture is Worth 100 Words" contest. The Center's tutors worked with the KSC Archives staff to choose 20 images representing life at Keene State over the years. These pictures were distributed around campus with the hope of inspiring student writers. Students were encouraged to write stories or poems of 100 words or fewer based on one of the images. A judging panel of administrators\, faculty\, staff\, and students selected ten finalists\, with the top five winners receiving a prize and the opportunity to have their pieces published at AEC and in the 2027 edition of Bricowlage.\nRowan Adkins — "Morning remembers"\nLee Gleason — "We rested"\nBella Moran — "Now what?"\nDyland Yardley — "Ovens hummed"\nAmie Lehane -- "Window (widō) noun"\nAustin Bartnicki — "Who can say"\n\n
CATEGORIES:EXHIBIT
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:16185ec30190b49440a37a74fbb16650
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/16185ec30190b49440a37a74fbb16650
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:A Community-Based\, Multi-Component Intervention to Address Homelessness\, Substance Use Disorder\, and Overdose Risk in the Monadnock Region by Integrating Policy Engagement\, Harm Reduction\, and Education: A Capstone Research Project
DESCRIPTION:This case study examines the interconnected public health challenges of homelessness\, substance use disorder\, and overdose in the Monadnock Region. Conducted in collaboration with the Center for Population Health at Cheshire Medical Center \, the project applied the frameworks of Healthy People 2030 and Healthy Monadnock to design a three-pronged community health strategy. The approach focused on policy engagement\, community-based harm reduction\, and accessible education. Key objectives included increasing local business participation in community support initiatives by at least 5% through policy engagement\, implementing harm reduction efforts to decrease improperly discarded needles and improve perceptions of safety and belonging\, and providing educational programming on addiction\, overdose prevention\, and available support resources. This study highlights how collaborative\, community-informed strategies can address complex social and health needs while strengthening local awareness\, engagement\, and access to support individuals experiencing substance use and homelessness.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8365d21eb15dd9f4e3435c2b50122d3a
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/8365d21eb15dd9f4e3435c2b50122d3a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:A quantitative ways to predict occupations replacement by AI by 2036
DESCRIPTION:Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming work by automating and redesigning many routine cognitive tasks\, including summarization\, drafting\, coding\, scheduling\, and basic analysis. These tasks are increasingly converted into low-cost software actions that benefit firms and reduce human workload. As most companies adopt AI across their services\, this paper seeks to predict which occupations will be most affected by AI by 2036 using a task-based mathematical model grounded in linear algebra. Jobs are modeled as vectors of task time shares\, while AI progress is captured through time-dependent capability and adoption functions. We introduce an AI Exposure Index and a Replacement Pressure Index to distinguish between task augmentation and job substitution. Sensitivity analyses examine outcomes under varying adoption speeds\, capability growth rates\, and substitution assumptions.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:924958ec8c0cac6888e704efbe0d7e42
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/924958ec8c0cac6888e704efbe0d7e42
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:AI-Generated Art and Its Economic and Ethical Impacts on Human Artists
DESCRIPTION:Art generated by Artificial Intelligence is causing real problems for actual\, talented\, human artists. While artists often spend years developing technical skills\, personal style\, and creative voice\, AI systems produce images in seconds by drawing on large public datasets of existing artwork. This leads to fewer people hiring human artists. Beyond this economic impact\, AI-generated art raises deeper questions about creativity\, authorship\, and artistic meaning. Real art comes from genuine human experiences and emotions. AI\, however\, is basically just a fancy copy machine. AI can create so much content so fast\, it’s flooding the internet\, making it harder for genuine artists to get noticed. In this research\, we examine the ethical implications of AI-generated art through lenses of artistic labor\, originality\, and cultural value. By analyzing real-world cases\, we argue that without clear regulation\, transparency\, and attribution standards\, AI-generated art threatens to undermine the recognition and sustainability of human creativity.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e1c91c7a903d5d8b305464e9b9118b7b
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/e1c91c7a903d5d8b305464e9b9118b7b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:An Investigation into the Properties of Vanadium Haloperoxidases
DESCRIPTION:Enzymes are specialized proteins that serve as catalysts for numerous chemical reactions necessary for survival. Enzymes contain active sites which are portions of the protein responsible for the overall chemical reactivity. Certain fields of chemistry focus on the synthesis of small molecules that resemble this active site and maintain its natural chemical reactivity. A group of chemicals referred to as vanadium haloperoxidases contain a vanadium metal center and are known to be effective at such enzyme mimicry. Our goal is to synthesize and study a vanadium haloperoxidase mimic and analyze its physical and chemical properties.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:124b9b728192a013f5579624b0558d6a
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/124b9b728192a013f5579624b0558d6a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Analyzing Cepheid Variable Stars Using Physical and Statistical Models
DESCRIPTION:Cepheid variables are stars that undergo periodic pulsations caused by internal physical processes\, producing predictable changes in brightness over time. Astronomers measure these variations using photometric observations\; however\, continuous data collection is often limited by seasonal visibility\, weather\, and telescope access. As a result\, observational data frequently contain gaps and scatter that obscure underlying patterns. In this project\, a physical and computational model simulating Cepheid behavior is developed\, and statistical methods are applied to address incomplete and noisy data. These techniques are first tested on model-generated light curves (brightness versus time graphs) and then used to analyze observational data from the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) database. From this analysis\, key physical properties\, including pulsation period and brightness range\, are determined.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:58f53f97a48291e62c32bd095759bcc7
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/58f53f97a48291e62c32bd095759bcc7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Arsenic Toxicity in Mammalian Cells
DESCRIPTION:Arsenic is a known carcinogen and environmental pollutant commonly found in ground water throughout New England. The reliance on private wells and lenient\, water-testing laws in New Hampshire has increased health concerns across the state\, where more than 10% of the population is estimated to be chronically exposed to high levels of Arsenic. Previous studies on Arsenic's effect on mammalian cells have identified multiple biological effects\, such as an increase in reactive oxidative species and activation of cancer-causing genes (p53). However\, most of these studies have focused on high Arsenic doses that are not representative of chronic concentrations. In this study\, we use environmentally relevant\, chronic Arsenic concentrations to study the stress responses in mammalian cells. To quantify our results\, we use two celluar assays or techniques to measure stress responses in our cells when chronically exposed to Arsenic during a 24-h period.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:335f6a09ddcfa7f8e2c9cc7f8984d2cd
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/335f6a09ddcfa7f8e2c9cc7f8984d2cd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Assessment of Indoor Air Quality Parameters in Occupied Classrooms: A Field Evaluation of Ventilation Performance
DESCRIPTION:Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical component of occupant comfort\, cognitive performance\, and overall environmental health in educational settings. This field-based evaluation examines changes in key IAQ parameters—carbon dioxide (CO₂)\, oxygen\, temperature\, and relative humidity—at the beginning and end of regularly scheduled class sessions using a GrayWolf Indoor Air Quality Monitor. CO₂ concentrations are assessed as a surrogate indicator of ventilation effectiveness under normal occupancy conditions. The objective of this project is to evaluate whether classroom environmental conditions remain within commonly accepted comfort and ventilation benchmarks over the duration of instruction. Observed trends will be interpreted in relation to general dilution ventilation performance and building air exchange adequacy. Findings will contribute to a better understanding of how occupancy dynamics influence indoor environmental quality in academic spaces.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bfb0c31a1a9451fd91b1e067cdbb21b1
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/bfb0c31a1a9451fd91b1e067cdbb21b1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Assessment of Mold and Indoor Air Quality in Off-Campus Student Housing
DESCRIPTION:This project assesses mold presence and indoor air quality conditions in selected off-campus student rental houses. The objective is to apply industrial hygiene sampling methods to evaluate environmental conditions and interpret laboratory findings using established guidance values. Students will collect airborne mold samples using calibrated sampling pumps and spore trap cassettes while also measuring oxygen concentration\, carbon dioxide\, temperature\, and relative humidity. Samples will be submitted to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Laboratory results and environmental data will be compared to published evaluation criteria to identify potential moisture-related concerns and ventilation limitations. Based on the findings\, students will assess indoor environmental risks and develop recommendations to improve housing conditions. This project emphasizes applied field sampling\, laboratory coordination\, and professional data interpretation in a real-world residential setting.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7a8823d1ce9225f3719d3392d83f1f79
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/7a8823d1ce9225f3719d3392d83f1f79
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Beyond Blueprints: Why Artificial Intelligence Supports but Cannot Replace Architects
DESCRIPTION:As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into architectural practice\, questions have been raised about whether AI systems could one day replace human architects. While AI technologies can assist with tasks such as drafting\, modeling\, and data analysis\, they lack human judgment\, intuition\, and originality that are essential to architectural design. Creativity\, emotional awareness\, and the ability to understand human needs allow architects to create meaningful and functional spaces\, qualities that current AI systems cannot fully replicate. In this project\, we will examine the limitations of artificial intelligence in architecture by analyzing the aspects of design that remain fundamentally human. By analyzing real-world cases\, we will answer several key questions: Why can’t current AI perform the same tasks as a human architect? In what ways can AI support architects during the creative and technical design processes? If AI continues to develop\, how might the future of the architectural profession change?
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8b1727d8a7d9d1bf7b61c21f81a6d3f7
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/8b1727d8a7d9d1bf7b61c21f81a6d3f7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Catalyzing Change: A Greener Approach
DESCRIPTION:Green chemistry is the design of chemical processes that reduce or eliminate hazardous substances\, minimize waste\, and use safer\, renewable materials. Guided by these principles\, our work in Dr. Anderson’s lab focuses on developing more environmentally friendly conditions for forming an amide\, a common functional group in organic chemistry. Traditionally\, this reaction uses diethyl ether\, a highly flammable solvent derived from petroleum. To improve safety and sustainability\, we are replacing ether with methyl tetrahydrofuran (MeTHF)\, a solvent made from agricultural waste that is less hazardous and renewable\, while also exploring alternative reagents to further reduce environmental impact. By systematically testing greener conditions\, we aim to maintain reaction efficiency while making the overall process safer and more sustainable.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0f8d49054f21e98d328ad9ed3bc26635
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/0f8d49054f21e98d328ad9ed3bc26635
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Defining Professionalism and Civility in the Modern Workplace: A Faculty-Mentored Foundational Literature Review
DESCRIPTION:Professionalism and civility are frequently cited as essential components of effective workplace culture\; however\, definitions and behavioral expectations vary across disciplines and industries. This faculty-mentored foundational literature review examines how professionalism and civility are defined in contemporary workplace research and identifies the behaviors associated with those definitions. Drawing from peer-reviewed literature in organizational psychology\, management\, healthcare\, and related fields\, this project maps definitional trends and categorizes behaviors described as professional\, civil\, unprofessional\, or uncivil. The objective of this review is to clearly define these concepts and identify the specific behaviors that represent professionalism and civility in modern organizations. Establishing definitional clarity provides a necessary foundation for future research examining broader organizational and safety implications. Such clarity is essential for evaluating whether breakdowns in professionalism and incivility function as contributors to recognized psychosocial hazards in occupational settings.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:462215bc5a5930ae37aa9705269b9d69
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/462215bc5a5930ae37aa9705269b9d69
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Developing The Origins of Sacred Perceptions Scale
DESCRIPTION:Sacredness as a psychological construct has not received much critical attention in the field of psychology due to a tradition of associating it with Christian spirituality by default. Recent endeavors have moved towards a more secular definition with limited success. In this study\, a scale which quantitatively provides evidence towards a secular model of sacredness including but not limited to religion and spirituality was produced. 189 participants were asked what is most sacred to them\, they then completed the novel scale\, along with already-validated tests. This was done to understand if individuals were deriving their sacred perceptions from solely spiritual sources\, or whether a more holistic model of sacredness is more accurate. Findings strongly indicate that sacredness as a concept can be conceptualized as being composed of at least four factors\, those being social\, emotional\, spiritual\, and practical sacredness.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b004a02cfa7c892dc6e32df6267adde1
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/b004a02cfa7c892dc6e32df6267adde1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Do Gender and Empathy Predict Guilty Verdicts for Sex Trafficked Survivors?
DESCRIPTION:This study examined whether gender and empathy predict guilty verdicts for a sex-trafficked survivor in a mock trial. Using data from 196 U.S. adults\, results showed that women reported greater empathy for the survivor\, and individuals with lower empathy were more likely to render a guilty verdict. Men were 181% more likely than women to find the survivor guilty. Findings highlight the importance of empathy in legal judgments involving trafficked survivors.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d89f00e1be5b8be41cce22afb0366ab1
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/d89f00e1be5b8be41cce22afb0366ab1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Effect of Chronic Environmental Arsenic on Life History of Daphnia
DESCRIPTION:Arsenic is a widespread environmental toxin that commonly contaminates groundwater in New England and poses significant global public health risks. As a known carcinogen\, arsenic exposure has been associated with long-term health consequences that may persist across generations. While many studies have examined the short-term effects of acute arsenic toxicity\, far fewer have evaluated multigenerational responses at environmentally relevant concentrations. We investigated changes in life-history traits in the ecotoxicological model organism\, Daphnia\, exposed to chronic arsenic treatments. Our results demonstrate that life-history responses vary significantly across arsenic concentrations in a non-linear manner. Growth-related parameters were more strongly affected at higher concentrations\, whereas reproductive traits showed comparatively lower sensitivity. Ongoing work will examine the effects of arsenic exposure across ten generations and assess associated patterns of somatic arsenic accumulation. Understanding both short- and long-term responses will provide deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying toxicity of common environmental contaminants such as arsenic.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e74ce5ab2f134ac5fd0414ecd6bdb2f8
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/e74ce5ab2f134ac5fd0414ecd6bdb2f8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Evidence-Based Programming through Mobile Health Clinics: Access to Healthcare in Rural New Hampshire
DESCRIPTION:Rural residents in New Hampshire’s Monadnock region experience significant healthcare barriers\, including geographic isolation and transportation challenges. This has led to higher chronic disease and mortality rates in the area. Guided by the Social Ecological Model\, this intervention proposes a mobile health clinic to provide free screenings\, immunizations and health education. The effectiveness is evaluated by pre- and post- surveys\, service utilization metrics\, and the amount of primary care referrals. The program aims to increase health knowledge and preventive behaviors while reducing distance-related barriers. Success is defined by improved service accessibility and successful patient integration into primary care networks. This community-centered approach addresses the root causes of rural health disparities by bringing services directly to underserved populations. The mobile clinic model offers a scalable strategy to improve health equity and long-term outcomes in geographically isolated regions.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3be58c6e466de57ee66333e16c577aa0
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/3be58c6e466de57ee66333e16c577aa0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Green Chemistry in the Loop: Developing Sustainable Ring-Closing Metathesis Conditions
DESCRIPTION:Ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactions are organic chemistry transformations that have won the Nobel prize and are now widely used in the industrial production of pharmaceuticals and polymers. However\, these reactions are commonly performed in hazardous solvents such as dichloromethane. This work explores the development of greener RCM conditions that align with the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry\, as outlined by the American Chemical Society\, particularly less hazardous chemical syntheses and the use of safer solvents and auxiliaries. The model reaction investigated is the ring-closing metathesis of diethyldiallylmalonate to form a cyclopentene product\, a versatile intermediate in pharmaceutical syntheses. Alternative green solvents have shown promising results in this synthesis\, specifically reactions run in dimethyl carbonate. Future work will pivot towards finding catalytic alternatives to the ruthenium-based system\, and expansion of the optimized conditions to assess reaction scope beyond the model substrate.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5dadad57e58bca0c9631b9053809466a
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/5dadad57e58bca0c9631b9053809466a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:HoneyPod
DESCRIPTION:This project originated as a student-led architectural concept that evolved into a professional partnership with the Softwood Lumber Board\, the world’s premier softwood organization. Tasked with showcasing the versatility of softwood species\, our team designed the HoneyPod: a modular\, collapsible space designed to define intimate environments within larger architectural spaces. We addressed three primary constraints: ensuring the structure fits within standard shipping containers\, improving user ergonomics\, and utilizing component-based assembly. The resulting "flat-pack" system allows for efficient transport without sacrificing aesthetic or structural integrity. As a scalable proof-of-concept\, the HoneyPod supports the Softwood Lumber Board’s mission to expand the boundaries of timber construction. What began as a classroom assignment now travels the country\, demonstrating the capabilities of softwood while showcasing the innovative design work of three Keene State College students.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6c8681ba6669320bf3b59475516b72a9
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/6c8681ba6669320bf3b59475516b72a9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Impact of Evening Meal Timing on Sleep\, Cognitive Performance\, and Physiological Arousal
DESCRIPTION:This study examined how late-night eating influences stress\, sleep\, and cognitive performance in college-aged individuals. Participants consumed a final early (7–8 pm) or late (10 pm–12 am) meal and abstained from caffeine and alcohol. The next morning\, they completed a stress-inducing task\, mood scales\, and physiological measures\, such as blood pressure and skin conductance\, while fasted. Preliminary data shows groups differ significantly in baseline systolic blood pressure\, indicative of increased physiological stress\, and a larger reduction of blood pressure across the task. Integrating physiological\, cognitive\, and self-reported data\, this project highlights meal timing as a modifiable factor in stress resilience and performance\, with potential implications for health and academic functioning.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5c76d0bdf9f45e3d6a0167f7e6472602
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/5c76d0bdf9f45e3d6a0167f7e6472602
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Integrated STEM Curriculum
DESCRIPTION:STEM learning is most powerful when students see how science\, technology\, engineering\, and mathematics (STEM)  work together in the real world rather than as separate classroom units.  In response\, we created a multiweek integrated STEM unit for third-grade learners centered on sea turtles. The unit engages students in learning about six sea-turtle species while intentionally aligning activities with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)  and Common Core ELA and Mathematics standards. The lessons themselves include a combination of writing\, reading\, sensory\, and engineering-based activities. This comprehensive unit concludes with a multi-day\, narrative\, game-based summative\, in which students will complete challenges and make choices using their knowledge to help their small groups of turtles survive throughout their entire life cycle. This presentation will showcase the process and final lesson plans created to explain to attendees.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:746c52e659de5534cec334120aff0f78
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/746c52e659de5534cec334120aff0f78
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Maternal Health and Newborn Care
DESCRIPTION:Postpartum depression (PPD) is a critical health crisis stemming from inadequate access to resources. Our program targets New Hampshire women aged 16-25 through three strategic pillars: Education\, Community\, and Policy. We propose interactive educational websites and local Planned Parenthood classes to build literacy and support networks. Crucially\, we advocate for extending maternity leave from 12 to 24 weeks\, providing the necessary recovery time to reduce systemic stress. By implementing standardized pre- and post- programs screenings\, we aim to achieve a 30% improvement in participants’ mental health status. This integrated approach ensures young mothers aren’t just surviving the “fourth trimester”. This proposed intervention was developed and shared with The Center for Population Health.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c347f0c2262a5e8ad9c44f3b8a608dc2
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/c347f0c2262a5e8ad9c44f3b8a608dc2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:New Methods for Identifying Important Structures in a Neural Network Model of the Brain
DESCRIPTION:Combinatorial Threshold-Linear Networks (CTLNs) are a neural network model that is used to simulate the firing rates of neurons. This model is based on a system of differential equations that compute the firing rates of each neuron in the system. In particular\, we are interested in a special family of CTLNs called core motifs. Identifying these core motifs is integral to extrapolating CTLN findings to larger networks like the brain\, but checking if CTLNs are core is computationally complex and difficult to scale. In an effort to more easily identify core motifs\, I formed two conjectures that rule out large numbers of CTLNs as not core using simpler computations. These two conjectures use determinant sign and out-degree uniformity respectively to drastically reduce the computations required to find core motifs\, allowing for greater scalability and computability.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:00ebba84e176faaa01f462b8596be7cf
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/00ebba84e176faaa01f462b8596be7cf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Outlier School Districts in the New Hampshire Education Funding System
DESCRIPTION:New Hampshire funds its K-12 education system primarily through local property taxes\, with the state contributing only a small percentage of the total school budget. This makes New Hampshire unique among the New England states\, which fund schools primarily through broad base taxes\, and creates a wide disparity in school funding conditions. This case study aims to take a closer look at three districts\; Grantham School District\, Hampton School District\, and Bethlehem School District. These three districts have the highest test scores in the state while having below average property values\, family incomes\, and disadvantaged student rates. This study attempts to identify the reasoning behind this\, and potential gaps that districts can close to improve academic performance with limited financial resources. After the AEC study will be published by Dr. Carozza in the NH School Scoop\, a weekly newsletter sent out on New Hampshire education news.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e75ca76935428d3e7dc733337beaada4
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/e75ca76935428d3e7dc733337beaada4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Preventative Policing in Cybercrime
DESCRIPTION:What if cybercrime could be stopped before it happens? Using data from the FBI Internet Crime Report this project adapts predictive policing\, traditionally used for physical crimes\, to analyze cybercrime data\, uncovering patterns in who is targeted and how. Focusing on high-risk groups\, especially adults aged 60 and older\, reveals not only key vulnerabilities but also actionable prevention strategies. The goal is to help law enforcement strategies and public education to create a safer digital world. Early results show older adults face higher risks\, but solutions exist. Let’s shift from reaction to prevention.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9997020d4113c50f8cbf7753dc1a00c6
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/9997020d4113c50f8cbf7753dc1a00c6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Proposing Novel Metrics Tracking Disaster Recovery Progress
DESCRIPTION:During scenarios of housing damage after a natural disaster\, decision-making occurs under pressure to rebuild. The expediency associated with disruptive events and the corresponding time constraints for damage evaluation are compounded by a historical lack of allocated resources that can limit recovery and lead to undesired impacts (e.g.\, gentrification\, forced migration). The objective of this study is to present a novel evaluation method for evaluating recovery progress using modern image analysis techniques. The application of low-cost drone imagery provides wider accessibility to equipment due to the lower cost\, while enabling rapid data collection with dynamic analysis (e.g.\, multiple and iterative reviews). This study investigates the potential of tracking disaster debris build-up and visual repairs as recovery cues through a case study of the 2020 tornado in Tennessee. The validation of this approach supports the multi-attribute “blue roof” and debris build-up metric implementation for recovery evaluation to assist government decision-makers.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:86f186904bc8471d113e0f3fef368285
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/86f186904bc8471d113e0f3fef368285
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Pros and Cons of Learning with AI in K-12 Education
DESCRIPTION:This research project examines how artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting the way students learn and understand information. With the growing use of AI tools in schools\, many students now rely on AI to help complete assignments and study for classes. While these tools can support learning\, there is concern that overuse may reduce critical thinking\, change study habits\, and limit long-term knowledge retention. The main goal of this project is to explore how often students rely on AI and whether this reliance helps or hurts their learning. This study will use student surveys and classroom examples to examine patterns of AI use among students who regularly interact with these tools. By focusing on the current generation of learners\, this research aims to better understand the balance between AI as a helpful educational resource and AI as a replacement for independent thinking. The findings aim to help students and educators make informed decisions about how AI should be used in education.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:33366f68c573ec65dadd92ace6826ab6
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/33366f68c573ec65dadd92ace6826ab6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Shoulder-Specific MSD Assessment as a New Tool in the Safety Toolbox
DESCRIPTION:In this study\, we developed a new shoulder-specific musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) assessment tool designed to address a critical gap in traditional ergonomic evaluations. It systematically captures both personal and physical risk factors associated with shoulder-related MSDs. The tool development was completed in the Fall 2025 semester. This Spring 2026\, it will be tested in actual workplace settings from February to March. We partnered with safety professionals from manufacturing\, pharmaceutical\, and construction companies around New England. Following training\, the tool will be applied during routine job evaluations\, and data will be collected across multiple tasks\, job roles\, and work environments. Quantitative analyses will be performed to examine inter-rater reliability\, margin of error\, and potential sources of bias.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fcd4e375571c1449c5bbdd7e369308ad
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/fcd4e375571c1449c5bbdd7e369308ad
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Solvent Effects on the Photodecomposition of Potassium Tetrachloroaurate
DESCRIPTION:Photodecomposition involves the breakdown of chemical compounds due to the absorption of light energy. The rate at which a compound decomposes may vary due to several different factors\, including what is present in the chemical’s environment and the wavelength (i.e.\, color) of light used. We have measured the photodecomposition rate of the compound tetrachloroaurate when exposed to ultraviolet light in the presence of several common alcohols. The rate is found to be highly dependent upon both the identity and concentration of alcohol\, revealing detailed information about the photodecomposition mechanism. A mathematical model of our proposed mechanism exhibits excellent agreement with experimental data.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4491f9a8f9d30e1c20410f4d35e28343
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/4491f9a8f9d30e1c20410f4d35e28343
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Somatic Responses to Arsenic Exposure in Keystone Species Daphnia
DESCRIPTION:Arsenic contamination of drinking water is a major global health concern\, including in parts of New Hampshire. Originating from both natural and anthropogenic sources\, arsenic exposure is associated with severe health outcomes\, although its precise mechanisms of toxicity remain incompletely understood. Tissue-specific vulnerability further complicates risk assessment\, as certain organs may accumulate arsenic at higher levels than others. Environmentally relevant concentrations often do not cause immediate toxicity\; however\, arsenic readily crosses the placenta and has been linked to developmental defects in newborns. Despite these risks\, few studies have quantified tissue-specific toxicity or somatic arsenic accumulation during long-term exposure. In this study\, we employ laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to quantify whole-body and tissue-specific arsenic accumulation in the model organism Daphnia under chronic exposure. Preliminary results indicate minimal short-term changes in whole-body accumulation\, but elevated arsenic concentrations in tissues such as the brood pouch.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:865ede96da2512c42ca750113979586e
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/865ede96da2512c42ca750113979586e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Supporting Students with Disabilities through AI-Driven Assistive Technology in Higher Education
DESCRIPTION:As advances in artificial intelligence and digital technology continue to reshape higher education\, assistive technologies have become increasingly important in supporting students with disabilities. While assistive technologies have the potential to create more inclusive learning environments\, access to these tools is often uneven\, and many students remain unaware of the resources available to them. In this research\, we will examine how institutions implement assistive technologies\, how widely they are used\, and whether they truly empower students or unintentionally introduce new challenges\, such as over-reliance on technology or privacy concerns. By analyzing existing public datasets\, this study evaluates whether AI-based assistive tools based on disability are contributing to greater equity in higher education for students with disabilities\, or whether additional institutional policies and ethical considerations are necessary to ensure that these technologies truly support student success and still protect the privacy of students and professors as well.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3c96ff94587a45b431a0f74e021ffb9f
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/3c96ff94587a45b431a0f74e021ffb9f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:The Coupling of Suzuki and Green Chemistry
DESCRIPTION:The palladium catalyzed Suzuki coupling is a widely utilized method for carbon-carbon bond formation in pharmaceuticals and other industries. My research aims to evaluate the effect of applying green chemistry principles to the suzuki coupling\, specifically focusing on alternative solvent systems\, less hazardous materials\, and energy efficient reaction routes. Green chemistry focuses on maximizing efficiency of chemical reactions\, while attempting to reduce or eliminate hazardous waste. My project will attempt to find the line between efficiency and hazardous waste reduction for the suzuki coupling. These results will be compared to those of traditional materials and reaction conditions by analyzing reaction yield\, conversion percentage\, and spectroscopic data. The results of this research project will be used to determine if green chemistry principles can be applied to the Suzuki coupling while maintaining efficiency and product yield.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fc5dc24d0be582fef44ddc5096af376d
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/fc5dc24d0be582fef44ddc5096af376d
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DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:The Mental Health Consequences of Feminine Expectations for Women Across Sexual Orientations
DESCRIPTION:The purpose of the current study is to investigate how societal expectations of femininity relate to women’s mental health across sexual orientations. While existing research has examined the mental health outcomes associated with conformity to feminine norms among women\, much of this work has focused primarily on heterosexual populations. As a result\, the unique experiences of lesbian\, bisexual\, queer\, and pansexual women who are often navigating both gendered expectations and sexual orientation-based stigma remain underrepresented in research. To address this gap\, the study recruited female participants from Keene State College to participate in a survey containing the Depression Anxiety Stress scales (DASS-21) and the Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory (CNFI45). Regression analyses were conducted to identify any relationships between the variables.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bf4619300c9d0df7aaa64f7d17da6a8a
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/bf4619300c9d0df7aaa64f7d17da6a8a
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DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Aviation and Aerial Devices
DESCRIPTION:Throughout the history of aviation and warfare\, aircraft and weapons systems have been primarily designed and operated by humans\, with large-scale mechanization emerging only in the twentieth century. Recently\, artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to influence both civilian aviation and military operations\, particularly through the development of unmanned aerial vehicles. This study examines the growing role of AI in aircraft manufacture\, operation\, and drone-based warfare\, focusing on whether AI should function as a supportive tool or enable greater autonomy. Using historical analysis\, modern case studies\, such as the Russo-Ukrainian War\, and current AI research\, the project evaluates the feasibility\, limitations\, risks\, and ethical implications of increased automation. Special attention is given to determining which tasks may be fully automated and which require continued human oversight\, given the high risks associated with aviation and combat operations.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5f067a0e69677d524f3618fd56685ac2
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/5f067a0e69677d524f3618fd56685ac2
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:ThriveED: A Case Study in Countering Adverse Childhood Experiences in Adolescents
DESCRIPTION:Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are a prevalent challenge among adolescents ages 10-19. ACEs are associated with negative short and long-term health\, behavioral and educational outcomes\, with greater exposure resulting in the increased risk of chronic diseases\, mental health disorders\, and reduced educational and occupational opportunities. This case study envisions a program which would aim to reduce such wider reaching negative impacts. ThriveED is a proposed educational initiative with the envisioned focus on improving awareness and understanding among adults in both academic and social life in communities across New Hampshire. It would emphasize trauma-informed education for school staff\, improved collaboration between families and teachers\, and engagement of community partners through evidence-based programming to address the issue of ACEs. By providing the resources necessary for adults to recognize and respond to ACEs\, this program seeks to foster resilience\, improve academic performance\, and reduce long term negative social and academic outcomes for adolescents.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:942e688c8848ab5af3a8adbb6175f98b
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/942e688c8848ab5af3a8adbb6175f98b
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DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:U.S. Abortion Restrictions and Birth Rates in the Wake of Dobbs
DESCRIPTION:In June of 2022\, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization to eliminate the constitutional right to abortion\, overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision and granting authority to regulate abortions to individual state legislatures. Abortion policy at the state level can take many different forms\, including bans on the basis of gestational period\, reason\, and method\, exceptions to those bans\, and requirements to qualify for the exceptions. Although the full scope of consequences the court’s decision will have is yet to be experienced\, certain patterns or correlations in natality data can be observed as early as 9 months post-Dobbs. This study examines the relationship between the relative severity of abortion restriction in 2022\, abortion rates in 2022\, and natality patterns in 2023 pertaining to birth order and age of mother.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3ce471c033b97cbfa85e4556d56cfd96
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/3ce471c033b97cbfa85e4556d56cfd96
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DTSTAMP:20260417T150005Z
DTSTART:20260417T210000Z
DTEND:20260417T230000Z
SUMMARY:Women in STEM and Their Pay
DESCRIPTION:Women in the United States currently face a gender pay gap of earning only 81 cents to the man’s dollar. This project focuses on the pay gap within STEM jobs. Is the pay gap potentially related to the low amounts of women we have seen in STEM jobs over the years? This is an important element to discuss and research as it provides clear evidence on if women are being treated fairly in the workplace and getting equal compensation. This project uses the Unites States Bureau of Labor Statistics findings on job and earning metrics to make careful calculations regarding the number of people in each line of STEM work as well as the average pay they receive each year. The findings of this project show that even though women are making major strides in involving themselves in the STEM field\, their pay still falls short compared to men.
CATEGORIES:PRESENTATION TYPE: POSTER
LOCATION:Mason Library\, First Floor\, Keene State College\, Putnam Science Center and Mason Library
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3e27e9e9ce82a818b2372717b30d1499
URL:http://kscacademicexcellenceconfer.sched.com/event/3e27e9e9ce82a818b2372717b30d1499
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