College of Business

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2026 U.S. ECONOMIC FORECAST AND ANALYSIS
(2026-04-16) Cunningham, Steven R.
I analyze the current state of the U.S. economy and provide a forecast for the remainder of 2026 and early 2027. The analysis must be based on the current political and economic environment, but the discussion is purely economic.
A BROWSER-EMBEDDED XR SIMULATION MODEL FOR EXPERIENTIAL ANIMAL BEHAVIOR TRAINING IN ONLINE STEM EDUCATION
(2026-04-16) Thiyagarajan, Tharun
This paper looks at a common issue in online education, where many courses still depend heavily on readings, slides, and recorded lectures. While these are useful for delivering content, they often do not give students enough opportunities to actively engage or learn through experience. This is especially noticeable in areas like animal behavior education, where students are expected to interpret subtle cues, understand context, and develop observational skills. In a fully online setting, access to real environments and live animals is limited, and repeated use of animals also raises safety and ethical concerns. To address this, the project presents a browser-based, XR-ready simulation designed specifically for online learning. The system allows students to explore a virtual veterinary clinic, interact with the environment, and switch between human and canine perspectives to better understand behavior. Since the simulation runs directly in a web browser, it does not require VR headsets or specialized hardware, making it easier to access across different devices. The design focuses on keeping the system lightweight and usable within typical online learning constraints. This includes managing performance in the browser, optimizing assets, and supporting interaction through standard input devices. The simulation can be used in both live sessions and self-paced learning environments. This work is presented as a design and implementation effort that explores how browser-based XR can be used to support more active learning in online STEM and STEAM education. A more structured evaluation of learning outcomes is planned as a next step.
A REVIEW, ANALYSIS, AND RESTRUCTURING OF THE HUSSON STOCK INDEX
(2026-04-16) Fraser, Henry; Liu, Jia
The Husson Stock Index (HSI), developed by Marie Kenney under the supervision of Associate Professor J. Douglas Wellington, aims to track the performance of the Maine Economy through the tracking of various publicly traded companies. These companies are either Maine-based or contribute significantly to the economy in Maine through revenue or employment. Since its introduction, numerous companies have been removed from the index, bringing the total down to 23. Additionally, there has not been a major statistical review of the tracking efforts of the index since its creation. This study aims to identify new companies to be added to the index, create a new weighting system that more accurately represents each company’s contribution to the state, and conduct a statistical review of past performance in relation to the Maine economy. The addition of four new companies and the reformatting of the index proves to be necessary to further the development of the index. The statistical review has shown that the HSI and other relevant large stock indexes are ineffective in tracking the real GDP growth of the Maine economy. Beyond laying the groundwork for future additions of companies and new weighting methods, we also seek to open a new path towards the creation of a tracker for the real GDP growth of the State.
AI CHATBOT FOR PUBLIC FACING BUSINESS WEBSITE
(2026-04-16) Shema, Norbert; Desjardins, Michael; Knupp, Michael
The ScoobySquad AI Agent is an intelligent customer support and workflow automation system designed to enhance the efficiency and scalability of a small service-based business specializing in pet waste removal. This capstone project integrates modern artificial intelligence techniques, including natural language processing and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), to create a responsive chatbot capable of answering customer inquiries, guiding service requests, and supporting internal operations. The system is built using a combination of web-based technologies, a vector database for semantic search, and automation workflows powered by n8n to connect customer interactions with business logic. At its core, the AI agent leverages a structured knowledge base stored in a cloud database, where frequently asked questions and operational data are embedded into vector representations. When a user submits a question through the website chat interface, the system retrieves the most relevant information using similarity search and generates a context-aware response. This approach allows the AI agent to provide accurate, conversational answers while continuously improving as new data is added. Additionally, n8n enables seamless orchestration of backend processes, such as handling incoming requests, routing data between services, and supporting potential integrations like scheduling and customer management systems. The value of this project lies in its ability to demonstrate how advanced AI technologies can be applied to small, local businesses to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. By reducing the need for constant manual communication, the ScoobySquad AI Agent allows business owners to focus on service delivery while maintaining high-quality customer engagement. This project highlights the growing importance of AI-driven solutions in modern business environments and showcases a practical implementation of intelligent automation.
ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF FOCUSED DETERRENCE STRATEGIES IN REDUCING CRIME
(2026-04-16) Bruce, Christopher
Focused deterrence, also known as “pulling levers,” emerged in the 1990s as one of the most promising crime reduction strategies of its age. The model involves identifying high-risk offenders, bringing them into individual or group “intervention-style” meetings, and warning them that future offending will be addressed with severity, swiftness, and certainty. These “threat” messages may be accompanied by offers of support from family and community members, offers of assistance from social service agencies, or both. A 20-year body of literature attests to the success of focused deterrence programs in many locations and for many types of offenses, although most implementations focus on gang-related violence or drug markets. Although there is much evaluative research, there are few research studies that explain the success of focused deterrence from a criminological perspective. The few that exist focus almost exclusively on deterrence theory and its classic variables of severity, certainty, and swiftness. While it seems likely that deterrence theory plays a primary role in the success of these programs, we should not discount the additive or multiplicative possibilities of other criminological theories, such as strain theory, differential association theory, social bond theory, and techniques of neutralization. Unfortunately, the literature on focused deterrence programs does not provide enough detail to confirm or refute the influence of these mechanisms, but it does provide intriguing material for future practice and research.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COPYRIGHT ANALYSIS AND FIDUCIARY CONSIDERATIONS
(2026-04-16) Morrow Sr., Paul
This paper explores the dimensions of Artificial Intelligence Law and Breach of Fiduciary duty when using AI research models. The paper also explores Artificial Intelligence in the international realm providing a basis for educating international firms. Reading this paper is worth your time because: (1) you will learn about copyrights and artificial intelligence; (2) you will also learn about artificial intelligence and the fascinating developments in money and banking; (3) you will read about the best practices in the disciplines, and international firm concerns and applications of U.S. AI dispositions. This paper will give you parameters so that one may navigate the legal landscape to help you plan and avoid the courts. As we all know, inflation is prevalent, and the best use of resources is essential to stay in business avoiding closure. Those firms domestic and global, who are not aware of the dangers suffer the perils that follow poor resource management practices. Our corporate psychologists and organizational managers heartily agree.
Droughts, Conflict, and the Importance of Democratic Legitimacy: Evidence from Pre-Industrial Europe
(SSRN, 2022-02-15) Wigton-Jones, Evan
This research shows that droughts are robustly associated with city-level unrest in Europe over the years 900 to 1800 CE. This relationship is non-linear, with disproportionately greater increases in the probability of a conflict among droughts in the upper tail of the severity distribution. Elected city governments are relatively immune to drought-induced conflict, while those based on representation by burghers or guilds are not. These results suggest that local governments are key to maintaining social stability during economic shocks, and are most successful when they have a greater degree of democratic legitimacy.
EARLY WARNING FOR CAMPUS CYBER RISKS
(2026-04-16) Mwiseneza, Elvis; Lagulos, Marlon
Cyberattacks are a growing problem for colleges and universities. A single phishing email, stolen password, or infected device can interrupt classes, expose private records, and create major costs for colleges and universities. This project presents XCampus cyber risk monitor, a small lightweight cybersecurity risk monitor designed to give early warning signs before a major or minor incident happens. Instead of only detecting attacks after they begin, the system looks for behavior patterns by learning the pattern and that shows risk is increasing over time. It analyzes six main types of activity such as login failures, suspicious IP access, unusual file downloads, new device connections, phishing email patterns, and privileged access attempts from users. Because real campus security data is private, the project uses realistic designed synthetic data to simulate activity across departments such as finance, admissions, registrar, library, research, and student services. The data is cleaned and grouped by department and system, then transformed into features such as off-hours activity, sudden event spikes, and changes in external access. These features are used in three approaches which are; a machine learning model for risk prediction, an anomaly detection model for unusual behavior, and a rule based baseline for comparison. The system combines these outputs into a final risk score and classifies each department or system as low, medium, or high risk. Results from the prototype, it shows that the predictive model performed better than the rule based method, while anomaly detection helped to show suspicious patterns. The final product includes a simple dashboard for viewing risk levels and trends. This study shows that a practical and low cost early warning system can help universities move from reactive security toward proactive cyber risk management.
Economic and Access Impacts of Excluding Ambulatory Surgery Centers from Maine's Certificate of Need Program
(Brien C. Walton, 2025) Walton, Brien
EXTENDED REALITY PROJECTS IN XR277: IMMERSIVE, INTERACTIVE, AND INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTS
(2026-04-16) Nadeau, Alexa; Thy, Anthony; Chaput, Logan; Kennett, Ash; Dorr, Connor; Williams, Brave
A collection of student projects from XR277 at Husson University presents extended reality (XR) experiences developed around three core criteria: immersion, interaction, and integration. During the Spring 2026 semester, students created individual projects that are spatially registered in three-dimensional space, enabling users to engage with digital content in a physically coherent environment. Each project supports interaction within three-dimensional space, requiring active user engagement through movement, input, or system response. Projects also incorporate integration by combining real and virtual elements into unified mixed-reality experiences. The work demonstrates a range of applications and design approaches, highlighting how foundational XR principles can be translated into functional experiences. Through iterative prototyping, students addressed challenges related to spatial computing, user interaction, and real-time responsiveness. Collectively, these projects illustrate the potential of XR as a medium for immersive and interactive experiences while emphasizing the role of hands-on development in building technical and conceptual understanding. This showcase reflects how students apply core XR principles to create meaningful, real-time applications within an academic setting.
GOVERNANCE AND MISSION ACCOUNTABILITY IN NONPROFITS
(2026-04-16) Shimko, James
Nonprofit organizations are typically mission-driven rather than profit-driven institutions. However, many reporting and evaluation systems used in nonprofit management emphasize financial performance and compliance measures. While financial accountability is essential, an overemphasis on financial metrics can obscure whether organizations are effectively achieving their mission and may limit stakeholders’ ability to evaluate the ethical stewardship of organizational resources. This presentation introduces ongoing research examining how nonprofit governance structures shape the ways organizations evaluate and communicate mission performance. The central research question guiding this work is: how can governance and reporting systems help nonprofit organizations measure and communicate mission success more effectively than traditional financial metrics alone? To address this question, the research explores how governance design, role clarity, and internal reporting systems influence the development of indicators that better reflect mission quality and organizational purpose. The study adopts a conceptual governance and accountability perspective to examine how organizational structures shape the information used to evaluate mission performance. Drawing on research on governance, transparency, and accountability in nonprofit organizations, this work examines how governance frameworks and disclosure practices shape the ways organizations document mission outcomes, interpret organizational performance, and communicate mission-related value to stakeholders and the broader public. The presentation shares emerging ideas from this research and considers how nonprofit organizations may develop governance and reporting practices that support mission-centered accountability, strengthen ethical stewardship, and improve public understanding of nonprofit performance. The session will also invite discussion on how this area of research may contribute to improving nonprofit effectiveness in practice.
GRACIE THEATRE MARKETING CAMPAIGN
(2025-04-17) Schilter, Cassy; Heady, Hannah; Cirello, Michael; Harvath, Isabella; Pelletier, Logan; Pelletier, Nicole; Schweitzer, Camden; Smith, Hunter; Blake, Corey; Roberts, Nancy
This marketing campaign was developed by students in One Circle Agency, a student-run marketing communications agency that serves as the capstone course for Marketing Communications and Graphic Visual Design students. The objective of the campaign was to increase ticket sales and social media engagement for upcoming shows at the Gracie Theatre. The research phase included an analysis of industry trends, national ticket sales, and competitor strategies, along with investigating previous ticket purchasers to identify potential target markets. Additional data was gathered by reviewing social media and website analytics to determine which previous posts had the most impressions and click-through rates. Based on these insights, students created a comprehensive campaign featuring posters, digital ads, and a social media strategy with engaging posts. The campaign was further supported by email solicitations and a targeted e-newsletter from the Gracie Theatre Director. Success was measured through social media metrics and ticket sales. The campaign resulted in a 473% increase in views and a 404% increase in interactions on Instagram, with a 100% increase in interactions and a 116% increase in views on Facebook. Videos featuring campus community members were the most successful. Ticket sales were strong for the Beatles Solo Years, Frigg, and The Bride this semester. The results were be incorporated in future campaigns for the Gracie. Founded in 2022, One Circle Agency aims to prepare junior and senior undergraduate students for professional roles by providing hands-on marketing experience for nonprofits, start-ups, and government organizations. Students work with two clients per semester in roles spanning marketing, advertising, social media, graphic design, and public relations. The agency also focuses on developing essential interpersonal "power skills," such as teamwork, communication, networking, and problem-solving. This semester, students are also working with Abbott Advantage Leadership Consultancy, Cole Land Transportation Museum, Edner Mae Arts, and MadGab Lip Balm.
IMMERSIVE DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATION
(2026-04-16) Hope, Colby; Avelange, Dylan; Ahlers, Eric; Knupp, Michael
This project is a spatially driven Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) concept that reimagines the typical music creation process by placing the user inside a digital recreation of a studio environment using virtual reality. This project explores how music composition, collaboration, and performance can be made more intuitive and accessible by positioning musical creation tools within a virtual 3D space. Users can interact with instruments and engage with elements of the music creation process through immersive, hands-on experiences in virtual reality. In some cases, this approach can make these tools more accessible to individuals who may not have access to a dedicated mixing or music creation space. Our focus is on emulating as much of the music creation and mixing process as possible while ensuring the environment runs smoothly on standalone VR hardware, usability, and realism.
INNOVATION
(2026-04-16) Walton, Brien
Innovation is the disciplined and intentional process of transforming ideas into practical, scalable solutions that create sustained value for individuals, organizations, and communities. Although innovation is frequently associated with technological advancement or disruptive change, it more accurately represents a strategic capability rooted in problem identification, creative recombination of resources, and effective execution. True innovation extends beyond novelty; it requires alignment with mission, responsiveness to stakeholder needs, and the capacity to deliver measurable outcomes. As such, innovation is not an isolated event but a repeatable process supported by leadership, culture, and institutional learning systems. In contemporary economic, educational, and organizational environments, innovation has become essential to resilience and long-term competitiveness. Rapid technological change, shifting workforce demographics, regulatory uncertainty, and increasing demands for accountability have elevated innovation from a discretionary activity to a core strategic function. Organizations that cultivate innovative capacity are better positioned to adapt to disruption, improve operational performance, and identify new opportunities for growth. This capacity is strengthened through structured experimentation, data-informed decision-making, and cross-sector collaboration that bridges academic, public, and private domains. Equally important, effective innovation must be human-centered and ethically grounded. Sustainable innovation prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and social impact, ensuring that new solutions address real-world needs rather than reinforcing existing inequities. When innovation is guided by clear values and integrated into governance and evaluation frameworks, it becomes a powerful mechanism for translating vision into action. In this way, innovation functions not merely as a source of competitive advantage, but as a catalyst for institutional relevance, economic vitality, and social progress.
PRODUCT PACKAGE DESIGN & THE CREATIVE PROCESS
(2026-04-16) Blow, Emma; Brooks, Nicole; Dearing, Emmalisa; Delano, Eli; Gallagher, Emily; Plourde, Keegan; Raymond, Samantha; Reardon, Annabelle; Ayotte, Theresa
The United States accounts for approximately 28–34% of the global packaging design market, making it one of the largest and most influential markets worldwide. This is reflected in consumer behavior, with 72% of consumers saying packaging design influences their purchasing decisions. As a result, packaging design has become one of the fastest-growing areas within the graphic design field. In Graphic Design II, one of the assignments is to design a product package. Before beginning the design work, students create a process book that documents the development of their packaging solution. This project addresses a specific design problem and target audience while focusing on introducing a new product and developing a cohesive packaging system that clearly communicates its purpose, appeals to intended users, and stands out in a competitive market. Research is a key component of this process. Students analyze competitors, industry trends, and target demographics to inform their design decisions. This research supports both functional requirements and branding goals, while visual and competitor analysis helps identify opportunities for differentiation. The creative process involves brainstorming and developing ideas through sketches, mood boards, and explorations of typography and color, leading to a refined visual direction. Feedback from peers and the instructor further supports the evolution of the concept, improving clarity, hierarchy, and overall design effectiveness. The final deliverables include both a completed process book and the assembled product packaging. Together, these components demonstrate the full design process, from initial research and concept development to a finished solution that responds to both industry standards and consumer needs.
SWIPE RIGHT ON LEADERSHIP – GEN Z’S WORK EXPERIENCE PREFERENCES
(2026-04-16) Camire, Michael; Bland, Elizabeth
As Generation Z (born 1997–2012) enters the workforce, managers face a potential shift in expectations and supervisory dynamics. Unlike previous cohorts, Gen Z has been shaped by a fully digital upbringing, resulting in both advanced tech fluency and heightened anxiety from navigating between online and offline worlds. Existing research has focused largely on Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials, leaving a gap in understanding how Gen Z’s needs may differ from those of the leaders who will manage them. This study investigates Gen Z’s preferences for supervisory behaviors and workplace conditions through an anonymous online survey distributed via social media platforms. Participants identify their generational cohort, rank ten workplace priorities, and describe ten supervisory practices they most value. Preliminary hypotheses suggest that Gen Z will prioritize meaningful, engaging work, authentic leadership, and stronger work–life balance over traditional career-centered approaches. By illuminating generational differences, this research seeks to inform leadership strategies that foster connection, authenticity, and productivity in the modern workplace.
THE ECONOMIC UNDERPINNINGS OF THE 2025 U.S. TRADE AND TARIFFS POLICY
(2025-04-17) Cunningham, Steven R.
This is a purely economic consideration of the apparent motivations, context, and underpinnings of the 2025 trade and tariff policy initiatives of the Trump Administration. The analysis neither supports nor challenges the validity of the initiatives, but rather attempts to make sense of them based on economic theory, data, and experience. Among the motivations offered by advocates are the needs to rebuild the U.S. manufacturing base, to rectify rising federal debt, and to achieve fairness among trading partners. I analyze each of these in turn. While there is some support for each of these, the issues also prove much more complex. There is supporting evidence that while U.S. manufacturing output has risen in recent decades, its growth is likely somewhat suppressed, and has been surpassed by some trading partners like China. But it is not clear why. U.S. manufacturing employment has declined relative to output, but this is more likely a result of automation in non-labor-intensive production, while off-shoring labor-intensive production. The tariffs could bring in significant revenue, helping to address debt and deficit issues, but at what cost, is it enough, and can it succeed long-term? If reciprocity in rates results in mutually lower tariffs, revenue generation will be limited. And is reciprocity really possible? Based on traditional theories of the effects of inelastic supply limiting the ability of producers to pass on tariffs to buyers, it is possible that, in the short term, the tariffs might not result in significant inflationary pressure. Longer term, this likely would not hold.
WORKSHOP SPRING 2025: LEFT WITH THE BONES
(2025-04-17) Ulichny, Ryan; Tanguay, Zach; Arruda, Bailey; LaPrade, Charles; Siegl-Flahive, Isabella; Lowry, Ryan; Murphy, Mickey; Welch, Franklin
The Spring capstone class for the Video program at Husson University decided to make a short film, based on a story written by one of its students. The film was recorded on campus over the last 2 months and included numerous actors and locations. The students are estimating a finish run time of about 12 minutes and are hoping to debut it on May 1st at the Gracie Theater. The class was made up of 8 seniors, each taking the lead on a certain position, but also assisting on all the other positions as needed. The team looked like this: Director: Zach Tanguay Producer: Bailey Arruda Writing: Zach Tanguay Editing: Charles LaPrade Lead Camera: Ryan Ulichny Asst. Camera: Mickey Murphy Asst Camera: Nicole Toth Lead Audio: Ryan Lowry Audio Asst: Nicole Toth Lead Lighting: Isabella Siegl-Flahive

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