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Item Research and Scholarship Day 2026 [Booklet](Husson University, 2026-04-16) Research and Scholarship Day CommitteeItem Keynote Speaker: Jude Maul(2026-04-16) Maul, JudeItem Comments from the Distinguished Faculty Research Award Recipient(2026-04-16) Camire, MichaelPublication DOCUMENTING SALT MARSH BIODIVERSITY, INCLUDING LOW MARSH DIE-OFF, IN COBSCOOK BAY, MAINE: IMPLICATIONS FOR MAINE’S BLUE CARBON STRATEGY(2026-04-16) Menzmer, Austin; Seeley, Robin HadlockThe health of Cobscook Bay salt marshes, particularly low marshes, in Washington County, Maine, has declined over the past decade (R. H. Seeley, pers. observation and Seeley and McCullough, unpublished data). Maine’s blue carbon strategy counts on healthy coastal salt marshes to sequester carbon, but there is no published work yet on these marshes in decline. We propose a first-year pilot study to document salt marsh vegetation from the forest edge to the low marsh intertidal zone in two Cobscook Bay marshes, and thereby set the stage for a long-term study describing, quantifying, and analyzing the causes of low marsh die-off. We will establish four vertical transects at each of two marshes: one in Dennysville and one in Edmunds. Along each transect, each month of the year, we will photo-document (and later analyze in the lab) plant species in 0.5 m2 quadrats, spaced regularly along each vertical transect. Plant species samples will be collected and retained as voucher specimens at the University of Maine Herbarium. In addition, we will collect water temperature and salinity data at each marsh through monitoring units fixed in the marsh. Documenting the patterns of microgeographic and seasonal variation in salt marsh vegetation will establish a baseline for testing hypotheses after 2026 about the mechanisms that underlie those patterns.Publication INNOVATION(2026-04-16) Walton, BrienInnovation 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.Publication SUPPORTING REFLEXTIVITY IN HUMAN-ANIMAL STUDIES CURRICULA(2026-04-16) Butler, Corey; Rezvani, TaylorOver the last four decades, the field of Human Animal Studies (HAS) has consistently grown with substantial increases in course offerings, minors, majors, and research. Relevant to many lines of inquiry, HAS offers meaningful opportunities for exploration that furthers student growth across fields such as veterinary science, animal science, wildlife management, and zoology. Student reflection has been integrated into HAS curricula, revealing student navigation of challenges to perspectives and a broadening of awareness. Reflexivity is a practice of situating oneself within research and recognizing the role of subjective perspectives. The application of reflexive practices has been supported across a variety of disciplines. The purpose of this study is to assess whether pairing objective review with subjective reflection can effectively support student reflexivity in a graduate-level human-animal studies course. Following an explanatory mixed-methods framework, the study consists of a thematic analysis of student coursework that informs an online questionnaire for deeper analysis of student perspectives. Results from the coursework review will highlight themes in students' reflections and indicate shifts in perspective over the seven weeks of the course. Findings from the questionnaire will illustrate trends in students' perspectives on their shifts in related understanding and views, as well as how they experienced the course. Participants include students who have completed the Anthrozoology: Animals, People, and Society (AB 610) graduate course at Husson University (N=64), which includes five cohorts across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years. Findings from the study can inform the design of future curricula on the topic that foster student reflexivity, support student growth, and deepen understanding of the content.Publication 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.Publication ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COPYRIGHT ANALYSIS AND FIDUCIARY CONSIDERATIONS(2026-04-16) Morrow Sr., PaulThis 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.Publication GOVERNANCE AND MISSION ACCOUNTABILITY IN NONPROFITS(2026-04-16) Shimko, JamesNonprofit 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.Publication ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF FOCUSED DETERRENCE STRATEGIES IN REDUCING CRIME(2026-04-16) Bruce, ChristopherFocused 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.Publication ALPHA-CHYMOTRYPSIN PROTEASE-CATALYZED PEPTIDE SYNTHESIS OF ALTERNATING ARGNINE-TRYPTOPHAN PEPTIDES AND THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES(2026-04-16) Lessa, Timothy; Edson, CodyAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an increasingly popular topic in research due to their effectiveness against drug-resistant bacteria and pathogens. These peptides target the cell membrane of the bacteria and that makes them very difficult for bacteria to build resistance to. Due to this, AMPs are being developed to help treat viral infections, aid in wound healing, act as a safe preservative for agriculture, and could be used to target cancer cells. The conventional synthesis methods for antimicrobial peptides however often involve harsh chemicals, large amounts of waste, and high costs. Therefore, to investigate more environmentally and economically favorable synthesis strategies for AMPs we used an alternative synthesis method in Protease-Catalyzed Peptide Synthesis (PCPS). PCPS is conducted using water as a solvent and is relatively cheaper, uses less toxic reagents, and utilizes renewable protease enzymes as catalysts. We specifically sought to form a repeating Arginine-Tryptophan amino acid sequence because of tryptophan’s ability to anchor to a cell wall and arginine’s ability to destroy it, making them a great antimicrobial agent. The protease enzyme I chose to investigate this synthesis with is Alpha-Chymotrypsin, because while it favors the hydrolysis of Tryptophan-Arginine amide bonds, we can target the reverse aminolysis reaction by using Arginine-Tryptophan dipeptide units which interact with the active sight of the enzyme differently and favor aminolysis over hydrolysis. We predict that the Alpha-Chymotrypsin will yield a bell-curve like distribution of alternating peptide chains ranging from 2-16 amino acids in length, which is the typical range of amino acid chain length for PCPS reactions. We will also conduct an antimicrobial assay to determine the oligopeptide’s effectiveness against gram + and gram -bacteria and determine the minimum inhibition concentration.Publication LYING AND DECEPTION IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RELATIONSHIPS(2026-04-16) McLaughlin, Alyiah; Smith, RachelleDomestic violence is widely recognized as a significant social and psychological issue, however, much of the research has historically focused on physical violence while less attention has been given to the role of deception within abusive relationships. The following literature review examines how lying and deception function within intimate partner violence (IPV), particularly as mechanisms of control used by perpetrators and as survival strategies used by victims. Major psychological concepts discussed include gaslighting, coercive control, trauma bonding, cognitive dissonance, and power-and-control dynamics. Peer reviewed research from psychology and interpersonal violence journals was gathered from Husson University Library, including Academic Search Ultimate. They were then reviewed to understand how deception operates within abusive relationships and the psychological consequences of such deception. Findings across these studies suggest that deception is frequently used by perpetrators to manipulate victims, deny abusive behavior, and maintain power within the relationship. Research also indicates that victims may engage in deception as a protective strategy to avoid escalation of violence or social stigma. To add to this, chronic exposure to deception, particularly gaslighting, has been linked to psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and trauma symptoms. Overall, the literature supports that deception plays a central role in sustaining abusive dynamics and complicating victims’ ability to seek help. Understanding the psychological mechanisms behind deception in domestic violence relationships is critical, as it can help improve intervention strategies, clinical assessment, and support services for survivors.Publication STRENGTHENING INTRAPROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: OUTCOMES FROM STUDENT-LED DPT/PTA WORKSHOPS GROUNDED IN IPEC COMPETENCIES(2026-04-16) Slike, Michelle; Abbott, Emma; Crone, Aidan; Bernardo, Marlon; Hinckley, Emily; Pomerleau, Jessica; Reynolds, MitchelBackground & Purpose: Education on the collaborative relationship between Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and physical therapist assistants (PTA) remains limited despite its recognized importance (Sellheim et al., 2020). This gap is particularly important given evidence that PT/PTA collaborative models yield patient outcomes comparable to PT-only care, while facilitating more efficient discharge (Baumann et al., 2023). Prior research indicates that team-based learning enhances student comfort with collaboration and emphasizes the need for improved role clarity and intentional curricular integration (Hawthorne et al., 2018; Hayward et al., 2021). This study evaluated the impact of student-led workshops on PT and PTA students’ understanding of roles, communication, and teamwork, while also exploring strategies for integrating intraprofessional education into entry-level curricula aligned with accreditation standards. Description: DPT students designed and facilitated two workshops for DPT and PTA students. A literature review and a clinician informed needs assessment identified the key themes of collaboration, role clarity, and communication. The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies guided the content. Workshops included didactic sessions on roles, ethics, patient simulations, anatomy dissections, and team-building activities. Pre- and post-surveys assessed understanding of roles and collaboration, with satisfaction surveys evaluating perceived value. Results: A total of 160 participants (113 DPT, 47 PTA) engaged in the workshops. Quantitative analysis showed improvements across all measured domains. Median scores rose from 3 pre-workshop to 4 post-workshop for preparedness, role understanding, communication, delegation, and readiness for collaboration. Mann-Whitney U tests confirmed these gains were statistically significant (p < .05). Participants cited simulations as most impactful for understanding roles and communication, and dissections for fostering teamwork. Suggestions included extending activities and adding more complex cases. Conclusion: Findings support structured, student-led intraprofessional education as an effective method to enhance PT/PTA collaboration. Integrating such models into entry-level curricula may improve role clarity, teamwork, and readiness for team-based care.Publication IN PROGRESS (ALWAYS) – A RETORSPECTIVE EXHIBITION(2026-04-16) Delicata, Janelle; Smith, KathiJanelle Delicata, MFA, adjunct faculty in Fine Arts will present 25 mixed media artworks, which include a combination of paintings, drawings and assemblage in the WBRC Gallery, Gracie Theatre. In the discipline of Fine Arts, scholarship includes the dissemination of creative works through exhibition. This body of work encompasses visual exploration with abstract and landscape-based forms created over the last 30 years. The works in this show were selected from pieces from the 1990s to 2025. As the artist looked through the work, she recognized recurring forms and shapes. Delicata looks beyond the surface of her motifs and explore what’s not readily visible. Her explorations start in reality but she works intuitively. Delicata believes that her art, like in her life, is a work in progress. It’s an ongoing journey, a constant search and exploration—in progress, always. This sentiment is shared both conceptually and aesthetically by many Modernist art movements, including but not limited to the Abstract Expressionist, Cubists, and even Surrealist artists of the 20th century. Delicata takes a contemporary lens to a familiar subject of form inspired by landscape. Delicata believes that all art is autobiographical in that each artist’s work is influenced and informed by his/her perceptions and life experiences. She interprets influences and forms from land, water, sky and elemental forces to create a personal iconography and language. Her earlier work incorporates more dimensional elements whereas the more recent work, while layered, has more flat surfaces. All include explorations in texture, color, line, and movement. Janelle Delicata was born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts. She lived and worked throughout the eastern United States and Canada before settling in Maine in 1986. She works in several media and likes to “mix things up,” incorporating elements from one medium into another. Delicata earned a BFA at the Maryland Institute, College of Art, Baltimore, MD in 1975 and an MFA at Rochester Institute of Technology’s School for American Crafts, Rochester, NY in 1983 with a major in Weaving & Textile Design and a minor in Jewelry & Metals. She is an artist member of the Maine Crafts Association and a member of the Union of Maine Visual Artists. She owns a small business creating and selling my jewelry and artwork.Publication IMMERSIVE DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATION(2026-04-16) Hope, Colby; Avelange, Dylan; Ahlers, Eric; Knupp, MichaelThis 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.Publication AI CHATBOT FOR PUBLIC FACING BUSINESS WEBSITE(2026-04-16) Shema, Norbert; Desjardins, Michael; Knupp, MichaelThe 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.Publication EXTENDED REALITY PROJECTS IN XR277: IMMERSIVE, INTERACTIVE, AND INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTS(2026-04-16) Nadeau, Alexa; Thy, Anthony; Chaput, Logan; Kennett, Ash; Dorr, Connor; Williams, BraveA 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.Publication 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, TheresaThe 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.Publication PAPAIN-CATALYZED SYNTHESIS OF ALTERNATING ARGININE-TRYPTOPHAN PEPTIDES FOR ANTIMICRIOBIAL APPLICATIONS(2026-04-16) Nichols, Kaleb; Edson, CodyAntimicrobial peptides represent a promising strategy for combating multidrug resistant pathogens. However, the conventional synthesis strategy using Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) relies on harsh reagents, extensive solvent use and costly, multi-step protocols. In this study, we investigate a greener and more efficient approach to synthesizing peptides using Protease-Catalyzed Peptide Synthesis (PCPS) to generate short arginine-tryptophan (Arg-Trp) peptides, molecules known to possess antimicrobial properties. We examine the enzymatic coupling of Arg-Trp dipeptides using papain, a well-documented protease, as a biocatalyst under mild conditions, promoting peptide bond formation through aminolysis rather than hydrolysis. The reaction products are characterized by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to assess peptide formation and composition. This approach aims to provide a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional peptide synthesis, with findings that will inform future studies on alternative syntheses and antimicrobial efficacy of Arg–Trp peptides produced via PCPS.Publication ANTIBACTERIAL EFFICACY AND SACCHARIDE COMPOSITION OF HONEY DETERMINED BY MICROBIAL ASSAYS AND GC-MS(2026-04-16) Beaulieu, Sierra; Edson, CodyHoney is a food product that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy. In light of growing concern regarding antibacterial resistance, honey has been investigated as an antibacterial agent. This presentation considered the efficacy of honey as an antibacterial agent and quantified biochemical properties that may allow honey to be used as an alternative therapy. To determine this, testing began by utilizing an agar disc diffusion method to determine how different types of honey inhibited the growth of bacteria, these included E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and B. subtilis. No significant differences were observed between the two honey types, where a raw honey product and a commercially available honey were each tested. Further analysis was conducted to determine a minimum inhibitory concentration of honey, where each honey type was diluted 10-fold in a 96-well plate containing an E. coli and B. subtilis culture. Further testing was performed to deduce what biochemical properties contribute to the antimicrobial characteristics of honey. A two-step derivatization process allowed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to be used as the main method to identify saccharides in honey samples by utilizing retention index values compared to a set standard. Further testing was performed to calculate the exact concentrations of fructose, glucose, and sucrose in each honey sample. Additional testing on the heavy metal contents of honey was also carried out as a means to further compare the raw and commercially available honeys, along with their antibacterial efficacy. Together, these methods help determine the value of honey as an alternative therapy. This presentation highlights the need for further research on alternative antibacterials and provides a foundation for methods and possible antimicrobial agents.
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