UNH Manchester Rethinks Classroom Design Ahead Of Move

http://nhpr.org/post/unh-manchester-rethinks-classroom-design-ahead-move

Published on NHPR on February 6, 2015

The University of New Hampshire Manchester will become a big player in data science education this fall when it launches its new Bachelor of Science in Analytics program—the region’s first on-campus, bachelor’s degree program in data analytics, and one of just a handful of such programs in the country.

The UNH Manchester Analytics program will focus on both cutting-edge technical skills and essential “soft” skills—like effective communication and collaboration—that are best taught and learned in on-site programs, and not online.

“Our program is designed to prepare the next generation of data scientists and analytics professionals,” says program coordinator Jeremiah W. Johnson, Ph.D., a senior lecturer in mathematics at UNH Manchester. “It will incorporate experiential education, professional development, and projects and work experience at a greater level than that typically seen in a Bachelor of Science program.”

Another important feature that sets the UNH Manchester program apart: Students will use the industry-standard software, SAS, developed by the Statistical Analysis System Institute for use in advanced analytics, business intelligence, data management, and predictive analytics. Students will have the opportunity to qualify for SAS certification, greatly enhancing their employment prospects.

The goal, Johnson says, is “to prepare students for a seamless transition to the workplace.”

Intense Demand for Data Analysts

The demand for qualified analytics professionals is growing rapidly, says Johnson, at the local, regional, and national levels, and across all sectors of the economy.

With data the chief product of the digital era, industries from finance to engineering to health care are wrestling with how to distill and analyze the vast quantities of it available, and hiring analytics professionals to help them do it.

Johnson points to research from the McKinsey Global Institute indicating that by 2018, the U.S. will face a shortage of between 140,000 to 190,000 people with the technical skills necessary to work effectively with data. That need is especially critical at the bachelor’s degree level, according to the Education Advisory Board, which documented a 32 percent increase in demand for college graduates with data analytics skills from 2010 to 2013.

While an estimated 70 graduate-level analytics programs have been developed around the U.S. in recent years, Johnson says there are fewer than 20 bachelor’s degree programs, “even though the skill set required for many data positions is not actually at the graduate-degree level. This is a rapidly evolving field. While there are senior positions where the ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in computer science, there are many other positions where what’s needed is some knowledge of both statistics and computer science, and the know-how to put them together. People with a bachelor’s level degree will be very well positioned.”

The need for analytics professionals with various levels of education was confirmed by a series of focus groups that UNH faculty conducted with executives from across New England, as well as business leaders in Manchester. Executives also cited the need for professional skills such as critical thinking, the ability to present information effectively, and to work well in groups.

Some of those same executives have agreed to serve on the new Analytics program’s Advisory Board. “The more dialogue we have between industry and academia, the better,” says Johnson. “Our needs are aligned. We want to produce the kinds of graduates who can go on to work for their companies, so we want their feedback on the program.”

How the Program Was Developed

UNH first began exploring the feasibility of an Analytics degree program in 2013. After careful study, proposals were made to launch a Bachelor of Science program at the Manchester campus, and a Master of Science program in Durham.

To research best practices, UNH program planners visited one of the country’s top data science programs, North Carolina State University’s Institute for Advanced Analytics, whose graduates boast a 100 percent employment rate within three months of graduation, and average starting salaries of $96,600.

What makes the NC State grads so sought-after, says Johnson, is that the institute emphasizes both “a strong technical skill set and also a high level of professionalism. In industry, data scientists and analysts work as teams to solve problems, so interpersonal skills can be as crucial as technical skills. We realized we wanted to emphasize both skill sets with our students.”

To road test this pedagogical model, UNH created a month-long pilot program, the 2014 Summer Analytics Institute. Held on the Durham campus, the Summer Analytics Institute immersed students in both data analytics and team projects. “It was very well received, both by students and faculty,” says Johnson. It also helped refine curriculum plans for the full-time undergrad program.

What Students Will Learn

Johnson emphasizes that the new UNH Manchester Analytics program is not just for hard-core computer jocks. “It’s designed to start at the level of calculus and with an introductory programming course,” he explains. Nor, he adds, is the program targeted to a single industry. “It provides a flexible, practical skill set that can be applied widely. If you like problem solving and thinking quantitatively, you can use data analytics in broad range of fields.”

Following foundational courses in computer science, mathematics, and business, Analytics majors will take a sequence of five data analytics courses, all of which will incorporate the kind of team-based projects found in business settings—particularly the capstone course, where students will team up to solve a real-world analytics problem. They will also complete a professional internship, and take a series of specialization courses (for example, in economics or biological sciences) to give them discipline-specific expertise.

Students will learn:

• How data is used in guiding decision-making in industry;
• How data is generated, stored, and accessed, and data security maintained;
• How to use statistical methods to derive actionable information from data;
• How to use multiple programming languages, including Python and R;
• How to use multiple statistical and data analysis software programs, including SAS;
• How to communicate detailed, technical information to a variety of audiences clearly and concisely, without the use of jargon;
• How to work effectively, both as an individual or as a member of a team;
• How to successfully lead a team; and
• How to adapt to a dynamic, rapidly changing work environment.

However workplaces evolve, says Johnson, “there’s only going to be more and more demand for people who can work with computers and data at a high level. This is a cutting-edge field, and our graduates are going to be right there at the forefront.”

Find out more about UNH Manchester's Analytics program.

While most people have heard of the FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid), only some have had the unique experience of filling it out.  Whether you are still a few years away from applying to college or you are already a college student, here are 3 important tips about that FAFSA that you may not know but should!

#1  You don’t need to have your current tax return finished to complete the form.

Many people wait to fill out the FAFSA after they have filed their tax returns for the year.  However this is a big mistake!  While the FAFSA does ask for your most current tax information, it does allow you to submit the form initially with only estimated information.  You can use your W-2s or prior year tax returns to fill out the form in order to submit it as early as possible.  If you do this, you can always update your FAFSA at a later date after you have filed your taxes with the accurate tax information.  The new Data Retrieval Tool makes updating your tax information a smooth and easy process.  Which brings us to the second tip…

#2  It’s important to file your FAFSA as early as possible to meet financial aid deadlines.

When it comes to filing the FAFSA, earlier really is better!  Most schools have a financial aid deadline.  Financial aid deadlines are usually different than an admission deadline and often are 2-3 month earlier in the year.  Schools that have an April 1^st deadline for an admission application may have a financial aid deadline as early as February 1^st or March 1^st.  Deadlines can make or break your financial aid award!  Schools often allot certain pools of money to be given to only those applicants who file their FAFSA before the financial aid deadline.  Missed the deadline?  Well, you are out of luck. So be sure to check the financial aid deadline for any school you may be applying to.  And if you really want to ensure you haven’t missed a deadline, you can file your FAFSA as early as January 1^st each year!

#3  The FAFSA is free to file. 

It is called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for a reason.  While an education may not be free, filing the FAFSA is.  Be sure to use the correct website, www.fafsa.gov.  The FAFSA form can seem intimidating at times, especially to those who are completing it for the first time.  There are many organizations and individuals out there who are more than happy to provide you with assistance, for a fee.  Some groups may even promise that they can guarantee that you qualify for a specific amount of aid.  Since everyone, even Bill Gates, would qualify for a federal loan, I too can promise you that you’ll qualify for $5,500 of federal aid (in the form of a loan).  There’s no trick to filling out the FAFSA form that will guarantee you extra money.  The only trick out there is the one where someone makes your wallet $75 lighter for filling out a form you could complete yourself. 

If you have questions or are considering getting help with filling out the FAFSA, contact your friendly Financial Aid office counselor via phone 603-641-4189 or email unhm.fa@unh.edu, and get the help you need for free! 

January and February are prime FAFSA filing season.  Do yourself a favor.  Don’t delay, file today!

Request more information about UNH Manchester. 

On December 10th Master of Public Administration (MPA) Candidate Lisa Santilli presented her final Capstone Project. Santilli presented her work with Portsmouth Art Speak, which is part of the City of Portsmouth Cultural Commission. “The mission of Art Speak is to enhance Portsmouth's Community through arts and cultural programs and initiatives.”

Santilli put her MPA skills to the test and worked a great deal on fundraising efforts and other projects for the organization. “I helped work to establish a fundraising plan, an annual fundraising event, and helped facilitate a city wide day of giving.” The elements to the fundraising plan included: board solicitation, individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, the Piscataquis Arts & Cultural Alliance, and other special events.

Santilli attributes much of her capstone success to her Financial Management & Budgeting, Performance Management, and Leadership Theory and Practice MPA courses. “These courses taught me the importance of branding, networking, and how to organize various projects,” Santilli explained.

The Graduate School congratulates Lisa on her hard work and wishes her the best of luck in her future endeavors!

Learn more about UNH Graduate School Manchester Campus. 

For the fourth year in a row, biological sciences students have entered the American Physiological Society (APS) “Phantastic Physiology Voyage” video contest.

Entrants into the contest are judged by an APS panel, as well as by the amount of views that they have on their video. First place winners chosen by the panel receive a cash prize, while the second place cash prize goes to the video with the most YouTube views by March 29, 2015.

Videos from two UNH Manchester students are below. Each view on the YouTube video counts as a vote - so we hope you'll support the students by watching their entries!

The APS Phantastic Physiology Voyage: “Function Follows Form” video contest encourages undergraduate and graduate students to creatively connect with physiology and engages them with the broader public through a short video contest.

The following are the student produced films submitted to the APS video contest.

Adaptations of Respiratory Systems in Aquatic Macro Invertebrates
Authored by biology student Therese R Mehrmann

Ringworm
Authored by biology student Courtney Holdsworth

Visit the APS website for more information.

UNH Manchester to offer analytics degree

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20150210/NEWS02/150219898/0/SEARCH

Published in Union Leader on February 11, 2015

Professor Daniel Seichepine, UNH Manchester lecturer & clinical neuropsychologist presented last week at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society held in Denver, Colorado to discuss the frequency of traumatic brain injuries in a cohort of 1990-1991 Gulf War Veterans. Seichepine and co-authors Megan Yee, Abigail Lemons, Patricia Janulewicz Lloyd, Kimberly Sullivan, Maxine Krengel collaborated in collecting and analyzing data.

Abstract

Traumatic brain injuries have been described as the "signature wound" of the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  However, these injuries were not thought to be a common injury in the1990-1991 Gulf War. Their research is the first to provide evidence that traumatic brain injuries were common in this war. The extent to which these injuries contribute to the long-standing health concerns of Gulf War veterans is unknown, but future studies should consider the potential impact these injuries.      

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a common consequence of war.  However, the extent to which veterans from the 1990-1991 Gulf War (GW) experienced TBIs is unknown.  The aim of the present study was to examine the frequency of self-reported TBIs occurring before, during and after the war in a cohort of these veterans. 

They studied two-hundred and thirteen male GW Veterans (mean age = 54.9 ± 8.4) from the Ft. Deven’s Cohort, who self-reported frequency of mild TBIs (mTBI) before, during and after the war. A definition consistent with the American Academy of Neurology’s current guideline was utilized. 

Thirty-one percent of Veterans indicated sustaining at least one war-related mTBI (median=0.0, range=0-30), with 49.5% of those reporting multiple injuries (at least two mTBIs). 53.9% of Veterans reported having at least one pre-war mTBI (median=1.0, range=0-40). Of those reporting pre-war mTBIs, 72.2% reported multiple injuries (at least two mTBIs). Following war, 43.7% reported having a mTBI (median=0.0, range=0-75). Of the veterans reporting post-war mTBIs, 61.3% noted multiple TBIs.

Their research concludes that approximately, one-third of GW Veterans reported experiencing a least one mTBI during the war.  Additionally, most Veterans reported experiencing multiple mTBIs during their lifetime. Multiple mTBIs has been associated with long-term cognitive problems in veterans from the more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and future studies are needed to examine this relation in GW veterans.

In April of 2014, Jillian D. D’Anna (’05, ’11G) started working at Dyn, one of NH’s highest rated companies. Within five months she was one of their top sales performers and by December was named “Rookie of the Year”. D’Anna attributes her success to hard work, business insight and skills she developed while earning her UNH MBA at the Manchester campus.

D’Anna graduated from UNH in 2005 with a double major in Political Science and International Affairs. Her resume caught the attention of executives at the Subway World Headquarters and was offered a position in the International Department. Over the next few years, D’Anna held leadership roles at other companies, including BFS Daniel’s and Skillsoft. Considering the next steps towards her future, D’Anna debated between attending law school and pursuing a master’s degree, ultimately deciding that an MBA would be more relevant and applicable to her future career goals.

“When I finally decided on the MBA, I knew that I wanted a program that would be led by in class instructors, provide opportunities to collaborate with peers, and have networking opportunities,” said D’Anna. “Most of my peers were looking at other online competitors, but I had a strong allegiance to UNH and really wanted to be in the Manchester community. Even though I did not have tuition support from my employer at the time, I knew that I was investing in my future.”

“Grad School helped me further polish my business acumen, which gave me the opportunity to have higher-level business conversations with confidence,” said D’Anna. “The skills I learned in the classroom were able to be applied directly to business scenarios I was experiencing every day; not to mention that I developed incredible time management skills, juggling a full time work and full time course load.”

“I learned about an opening at Dyn from MBA classmate Michael Veilleux. After visiting the company and conducting a rigorous informational interview, I knew Dyn was a place where I could put down roots and grow professionally.” While D’Anna was attracted to the company culture, the potential for personal growth, and the opportunity to further her career, what appealed most was the company founder’s (Jeremy Hitchcock) commitment to community. 

“While growing up my mother always looked for opportunities to give back and help those in need,” said D’Anna. “I want to instill that in my own children.” In her free time D’Anna volunteers with the New England Handicapped Sports Association (helping with the alpine skiing program), the Nashua Soup Kitchen and trains for half marathons. In the future she intends to apply to the Women’s Leadership Development program offered by UNH’s Paul College, as well as become a mentor for current UNH students in their junior/senior year.

Jillian and her husband Lindsay live in Milford with their young children Jack and Julie, 2 yellow labs and an ever expanding “farm” of 2 cows, several chickens and a bunny.

Is an MBA right for you? Attend the Flexible MBA Information Session at the Manchester campus on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:00 pm to network with other working professionals and to learn more about graduate study opportunities available in Manchester’s Millyard.

RSVP at: http://gradschool.unh.edu/manchester/php/gsmc_reg.php or by calling 603-641-4313.

“We invented something!” exclaimed Elise, an eighth grader from McLaughlin Middle School, one of thirty-three Manchester New Hampshire students participating in the first of twelve sold out classes held in the STEM Discovery Lab at UNH Manchester. “It’s a complex machine and it’s called a cladder,” added her lab partner Nick, also an eighth grader from McLaughlin Middle School.

The course Elise and Nick are enrolled in, Design Make Code – Play to Invent and Design, is specifically for middle school students and runs from January through May. 

Mid-way through the design phase, Elise and Nick veered away from their original idea of building a lever crane when Elise said she wanted to build a ladder and Nick said he wanted to build a car. “It’s a combination of a ladder and a car,” Elise said. “A ladder on wheels,” Nick chimed in. Lauren Provost, Research and Evaluation Coordinator for the UNH STEM Discovery Lab was standing nearby and she nodded. “Yes, I encourage the students to collaborate and to be as creative as possible during the brainstorming period.

Classes taught in the UNH STEM Discovery Lab give students the opportunity to learn and practice a wide variety of skills companies find vital when hiring employees for jobs in the high tech industry.” Lauren is one of two instructors, along with Mihaela Sabin, director of the STEM Discovery Lab, teaching the Design Make Code classes. “Our goal for the students is to build 21st Century learning skills, and core STEM knowledge” said Lauren.
                
Back at their lab bench, Elise and Nick continued to work as a team making further improvements to their cladder. “It was really hard to make the wheels,” Nick said. “We messed up,” Elise added, “but we learned that we could go back and figure out the problem and fix it. Plus it’s fun!” 

Visit UNH Manchester see the full listing of youth programs being offered this summer at the UNH STEM Discovery Lab or email unh.stemdiscoverylab@unh.edu. 

Congratulations to all of our students who completed their academic degree programs at UNH Manchester in December 2014! The list includes the student name, degree, major, minor, honor status and city/state of residence.

UNH Manchester, the university’s urban campus, is a learning community promoting the growth and success of students, the city and the region. UNH Manchester offers liberal arts and applied science and technology programs. Learn more at www.manchester.unh.edu.

Students from New Hampshire
Alton, NH
Richard James Hilton BSET, Electrical Engineering Technology, Cum Laude
Bedford, NH
John Francis Clancy, BA, Business
John Charles Kelley, BS, Computer Information Systems, Business minor
Emily Lorin Lukasiak, BA, Biological Sciences, Summa Cum Laude
Kaitlin Anne McGown, BA, English
Keegan James McGuinness, BA, Humanities, Summa Cum Laude
Bow, NH
Andrew Michael Mack, BSET, Mechanical Engineering Tech
Bow, NH
Zachary David Steck, BA, Business, Summa Cum Laude
Bradford, NH
Sabrina Ellen Brown, BA, Business
Brookline, NH
Alexis Michelle Scargill, BA, Communication Arts , Summa Cum Laude
Concord,NH
Thomas A. Stacey, BA, Business
Derry, NH
Alexander Michael Guittarr, BA, English, Communication Arts minor
Derry, NH
Michelle Marie Wnek, BA, Business, Summa Cum Laude
Dover, NH
Krystal A. Rosario, BA, Politics and Society
Dunbarton, NH
Julie Ann Darling, BA, Psychology, Cum Laude
Hopkinton, NH
Evan Prescott Morse, BSET, EET, Computer Technology
Hudson, NH
Therese R. Mehrmann, BA, Biological Sciences, Cum Laude
Kingston, NH
Samantha Lee Morison, BA, English Teaching, Magna Cum Laude
Litchfield, NH
Michael Carlton Byron, BA, Business, Magna Cum Laude
Shauna Leigh Poirier, BA, Psychology
Londonderry, NH
Joseph Anthony DeCarolis, BA, Biological Sciences, History minor
Loudon, NH
Nicholas Stephan Hebert, BA, Biological Sciences, Magna Cum Laude
Manchester, NH
Michele Marie Adams, BA, Business, Cum Laude
Nicole L. Bolser, BA, Business
Kyle Stephen Charrette, BA, Communication Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Joseph L Clarke, AA, General Studies
Kyla Mary Fetzner, AA, General Studies
Brian Timmothy Gailis, BS, Computer Information Systems, Business minor, Magna Cum Laude
Yonatan GenaoBaez, BSET, Electrical Engineering Tech, Summa Cum Laude
Omeed Ghafari, BA, Business, Comp Info Systems minor
Evan Andrew Houle, AA, General Studies,Honors
Colby Michael Johnson, BS, Computer Information Systems
Rachael Lynn Kilmartin, BA, English
Chantal Louise Martin, AA, General Studies
Merrimack, NH
Rachel Ann Lewis, BA, Communication Arts, Business minor, Magna Cum Laude
Milford, NH
Alexa Barbara Delage, BA, Psychology
Nashua, NH
Christopher Kevin Bouchard, AS, Business Admin, Honors
Nicholas Philippe Labrie, BA, Psychology
New Boston, NH
Ashley Caitlin Jennings, BA, Business
Crystal Marie LeBlanc, AS, Business Admin
Newmarket, NH
Jared M Rohrdanz, BS, Computer Information Systems, Business minor, Cum Laude
Pembroke, NH
Joshua Kazdee Kalmouni, BA, Biological Sciences, um Laude
Alexandra Gabriella Marcello, AS, Business Admin
Raymond, NH
Michael Dane Duford, BA, Biological Sciences
Sandown, NH
Erin Amelia Ball, BA, Business
Camden Charles Marble, AA, General Studies
Windham, NH
Erin Elizabeth McKone, BA, Communication Arts, English minor
Jennifer Lauren Quinn, BA, Biological Sciences
Marc Paul Stanieich, BA, Biological Sciences, Magna Cum Laude

Request More Information about UNH Manchester

The following students have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester for the fall semester of the 2014-2015 academic year. Congratulations to the 207 students on the list, who come from two states, 52 towns and cities, and represent 17 majors from UNH Manchester.

Students named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire are students who have earned recognition through their superior scholastic performance. The students listed below have earned a semester grade point average of 3.5 or greater on a possible 4.0 scale in a minimum of eight graded course credits.

Students from New Hampshire

Allenstown, NH
Heather Debra Monterio, Business
Stephen Paul Ormond, Biological Sciences

Alton, NH
Dack  C Rouleau, English
Gregory James Tinkham, Computer Science & Entrepreneurship

Amherst, NH
Leslie Ann Beitel, English Teaching
Hannah Rose DePietro, Sign Language Interpretation
Brenna Nicole Gase, Business
Laura Christine Perros, Communication Arts
Ryan Gabriel Reynolds, Business

Andover, NH
Audrey Johanna Rose, Biological Science

Ashland, NH
Zachery Ryan Boynton, EET: Computer Technology

Atkinson, NH 
Nelson Agbesi Gbeve, Communication Arts

Auburn, NH
Nicholas Joseph Ryba, Business
Brandon Gerry Therrien, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Bedford, NH
Emily Lorin Lukasiak, Biological Sciences
Taylor Emiley Murray, English
Tabitha Emily Pariseau, English
Daniel Steven Pratte, Business Administration 
Katherine Nicole Roblee, Business
Justin L Sirois, Undeclared
Bridget Maureen  Soutter, General Studies
Ryan Elias Tidwell, Communication Arts
Hannah Creighton Vagos, Undeclared
Zachary James Window, Biological Sciences

Belmont, NH
Riley Jean Binette, Sign Language Interpretation 

Boscawen, NH
Cassidy Marie John, Humanities

Bow, NH
Harrison James Beck, Undeclared
Benjamin Paul Jarmak, Mechanical Engineering Technology
Zachary David Steck, Business
Elizabeth Grace Walmsley, Biological Sciences

Bradford, NH
Anna Louise Buchar, Sign Language Interpretation
Amanda A   Wood, Business Administration

Brookline, NH
Alexis Michelle Scargill, Communication Arts
Chelsea Rae Theriault, Business

Concord, NH
Neil D Champagne, Computer Information Systems
Ed Daniels, Electrical Engineering Technology
Stephen Michael Griffin, Computer Information Systems
Cynthia Rose Nicolosi, Biological Sciences
Lauren Elizabeth Simmons, Biological Sciences

Contoocook, NH
Ian P Russell, Communication Arts

Deering, NH
Chelsie Elisabeth Veilleux, English

Derry, NH
Kyle Nicholas Bassler, History
Melissa Jean Bruno, Computer Information Systems
Hanna Theresa Duffy, Business
Jessica Marie Landry, Biological Sciences
Jason David Lindner, Biological Sciences
Chris Hayden Wallace, Undeclared
Michelle Marie Wnek, Business

Dover, NH
Melissa Rose DaCosta, Sign Language Interpretation

Epsom, NH
Maryjean Hunt Emerson, Sign Language Interpretation

Fremont, NH
Peter James Ferro, Computer Information Systems

Goffstown, NH
David Mark Chabot, EET:Computer Technology
William Rowe Duval, Politics and Society
Alyssa Ann Ferraro, Psychology
Brendan Robert LaRocque, Electrical Engineering Technolgy
Cole John Riel, Business

Greenfield, NH
Abigail Elizabeth Goen, Biological Sciences

Hillsboro, NH 
Brianna Dawn Sargent Merrill, Psychology
Ryan David Seymour, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Hollis, NH
Stephen G Koble, Electrical Engineering Technology
Chaille Caitlyn Proksch, Biological Sciences
Helen Marie Proksch, Biological Sciences

Hooksett, NH
Brianna M Palhete, Business

Hudson, NH
Aaron Cooper, History
Morgan Leigh Descoteaux, Biological Sciences
Chelsea Jordan Gamache, Psychology
Shayla Kathleen Gannon, Sign Language Interpretation
Dylan John Lindstrom, Computer Information Systems
Catherine Marie McCrady, Psychology
Rene  Antonio Rosa, Business
Ariel M Trachtenberg, Biological Sciences

Kingston, NH 
Samantha Lee Morison, English Teaching

Litchfield, NH
Garrett E Bryan, EET:Computer Technology
Michael Carlton Byron, Business
Robert Thomas Hopkins, Business
Christina Marie Minervini, Communication Arts
Derek John Minervini, Business
Matthew Jeffrey Paquette, Business Admin
Alyssa Marie Paquin, Psychology
Bruce Anthony Rheaume, Biological Sciences

Londonderry, NH
Alex D Beaulieu, Biological Sciences
Joseph Anthony DeCarolis, Biological Sciences
Julianna Rose DelVecchio, Psychology
Gabriela Diaconu, Biological Sciences
Rachel Catherine Meehan, English
Sarah Nicole Michaud, Undeclared
Christen Glendon Palange, Business
Aaron Savoy, General Studies
Nigel  J Swanson, Computer Information Systems
Samuel Whitaker Sweet, Computer Information Systems

Loudon, NH
Nicholas Stephan Hebert, Biological Sciences
Lisa Marie Norton-Mercado, Biological Science

Manchester, NH
Brittany Paige Abbott, Business
Mira Babic, Psychology
Becky Lee  Baker, Biological Sciences
Mikaila Lee Bayers, Psychology
Cassie Ellen Beaudin, Biological Sciences
Nicole Margaret Bouley, Undeclared
Marc Anthony Brennan, Biological Sciences
Kyle Stephen Broussard, Business
Sarah Elizabeth Burns, Business
Wade Michael Bussing, Electrical Engineering Technology
Curtis Alfred Button, Electrical Engineering Technology
Kyle Stephen Charrette, Communication Arts
Wayne Aaron Charrette, English
Sara Hope Clark, Sign Language Interpretation
Kerri Cobb, Biological Science
Caroline Rebecca Consoli, Communication Arts
Julian Henry Consoli, Computer Information Systems
Anes Dulas, Biological Sciences
Kyla Mary Fetzner, General Studies
Benjamin R Fuller, English Teaching
BrianTimmothy Gailis, Computer Information Systems
Andrew Christian George, Computer Information Systems
Matthew Robert Heyner, Computer Information Systems
Akila Zella Hoffman, Sign Language Interpretation 
Mark Alan Isabelle, Biological Sciences
Melissa C Jacob, General Studies
Shane Michael Johnston, Biological Sciences
Refik Karic, EET:Computer Technology
Jessica Katiaj, Biological Sciences
Alexis Reed Kittle, Psychology
Corey Justin Kosowicz, Biological Sciences
Jola Lillian Leary, Sign Language Interpretation 
Torrie Robert Lemon, Biological Sciences
Frederick Marshall Lochner II, Computer Information Systems
Kaitlyn Erin Mastacouris, Sign Lang Interpretation 
Dana Marie Mozzoni, Sign Lang Interpretation 
Michael Joseph Neveu, Biological Sciences
JeffreyRobert Ouellette, Humanities
Juan C Posada, Biological Sciences
Thomas Michael Rhoades, History
Louis Jay Rodrigues, English Teaching
Rachel M Rowell, General Studies
Jonathon Alexander Shallow, Computer Science& Entrepreneurship
Caitlin Marie Siegle, Business
Ryane Nicholas Staples, Biological Sciences
Brian Kojima Tassey, Communication Arts
Michael Cam Tay, Biological Sciences
Jesse Allen Therrien, Mechanical Engineering Technology
Laura Ann Tuttle Serge, Psychology
Alanna Kelly Wagenblast, Sign Lang Interpretation 
Ryan Michael Warrick, General Studies
Scott B Webster, Biological Sciences
Haley A Wright, Humanities

Mason, NH
Patricia J Melillo, Politics and Society

Merrimack, NH 
Kristin Virginia Boelzner, English
Jennilee Burden, Business
Mason Brian Cross, Biological Sciences
Laura J Czerlonka, Sign Language Interpretation 
Michael Edward Graziano, Undelcared
Rachel Ann Lewis, Communication Arts
Grant Raleigh Michael, Politics and Society
Scott David Mithoefer, Biological Sciences
Ryan Thomas Sanborn, History
Christine Allison Smiddy, Communication Arts
Jonathan Matthew Trimble, Computer Information Systems

Milford, NH 
Cara  Amanda Brewer, Politics and Society
Erica Chapman, Biological Sciences
Ashley Nicole Clary, Business
Kristen R Lederman, Biological Sciences
Alexeigh Elizabeth Tlapa, Communication Arts
Jonathan Fletcher Watton, Undelcared

Nashua, NH
Christopher Kevin Bouchard, Business Administration
Melissa Norma Brennan, Psychology
Katherine Elizabeth Carter, Communication Arts
Linus Hong-Jing Cheng, Business
Brenden Patrick Collins, Computer Information Systems
Taylor Michelle Flood, Communication Arts
Jonathan D Gonsalves, Biological Sciences
Meghan Shaun Martell, Communication Arts
Pedro Henrique Olinger, Business
Joseph R Parzych, Business
Alan Guy Provance, History
Arias Joseph Talari, Computer Information Systems

New Boston, NH 
Kaitlin Archibald, Business
Joseph Dane Boulanger, Psychology
Cameron Charles Hawley, Psychology

Newmarket, NH 
Jared M Rohrdanz, Computer Information Systems

Nottingham, NH 
Dakota James Heyman, Computer Information Systems

Pelham, NH 
Kayla Marie Mackiewicz, Computer Information Systems

Pembroke, NH 
Rebecca A Dragon, English
Katie Rose Sarette, History

Penacook, NH 
Erin Marie Conroy, Business
Kenneth Taylor Drews, Computer Information Systems

Rochester, NH 
Annie Elizabeth Cole, Sign Language Interpretation

Salem, NH 
Natasia DiMario, English
Sophie Jo Krueger, Communication Arts
Olivia Margaret Marchioni, Business
Michael Ritipol Mom, Business
Alexandra Rose Twomey, Psychology

Sandown, NH
Victoria Nancy DiPippo, Humanities
Charles Dolan, Business

Strafford, NH
Nicole Barbara Toy, History

Weare, NH
Jonathan M Bunie, Mechanical Engineering Tech
Joshua David Linnane, Biological Sciences 

Wilton, NH
Curtis Richard Guild, Electrical Engineering Technology 
Carolyn Ann Silva, Psychology

Windham, NH
Jennifer Lauren Quinn, Biological Sciences
Joseph Van Zannoni, Undeclared

OUT OF STATE STUDENTS

Morrisville, VT
Jay Tyler Lamel, Biological Science

Bridport, VT
Crystal E Ploof, Sign Language Interpretation 

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- The University of New Hampshire’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present a free performance of the play “Keep on Walkin’” Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, at 7 p.m. on the UNH Manchester campus at 400 Commercial Street in the third floor auditorium.

Winner of the UNH Anna Zornio Children’s Playwriting Award, “Keep on Walkin'” follows the story of two young girls that became pen pals by chance in the late '50s during the throes of the civil rights movement. Watch as they confront their own perception of racism and learn that even if they look different on the outside, they have more in common than they ever could have imagined.

The play is appropriate for students in middle and high school. All ages are welcome.

The music for Keep on Walkin’ was composed by Lavell Blackwell, lyrics are by Joshua H. Cohen, and the book is by James Armstrong. The production includes special guest performances by actor and UNH Alumnus Michael Turner in the role of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Kaia Lontine-Kearson in the role of June Johnson.

The funding for this free performance has been generously provided by a member of the UNH Class of 1943 as part of an effort to expand statewide access to the university’s fine and performing arts.

For more information: 603-862-2919, or http://cola.unh.edu/theatre-dance.

Satonya, a graduate of Manchester West High School and UNH Manchester English major, shares her experience while studying away in Costa Rica. 

I had so many ideas and plans for myself of who I was going to be and how I was going to become that person; yet my awareness of how little of the world I would never experience hindered me from fully grasping any of those ideas and plans. I wanted simplicity, and I wanted to be content flowing seamlessly into the perpetuation of days to come.

I always knew that Costa Rica’s optimistic expression towards living was “Pura Vida”. After taking two semesters of Spanish at UNH Manchester I discovered this phrase meant “Pure Life”.

I began to seriously consider what it would mean to embody a lifestyle based on this maxim. I entered an idealistic trance where I lived in quiet mornings drenched in possibility with hope imbued in my movements. I resolved to find some way to free myself from the fond restraint of the comfortable life I had built in New Hampshire and leave my footprints in the hot sand of a tropical beach surrounded by the empty shade of palm trees and absorb the sound of reverberating echoes of an unknown foreign language against the backdrop of an exotic land.

I wanted a life full of unspoken glances with strangers destined to become friends. I wanted to stride along the ideals of a world where vocabulary was freedom and fluently utter my spirited meditations to the promise of Costa Rica's unhurried avenue of living.

My own genuine wonder coupled with a retaliation against conventional pursuits allowed me to begin the process of turning this fantasy into a reality. I went through the motions of applying to the USAC program which proved adequately suited to my endeavors and more importantly, my budget.

As the ambitions I had tucked away for myself became actualized, I was alive in the moment of my newly acquired freedom to wander and I found myself telling the world that I would soon be leaving for the beautiful country of Costa Rica.

As the undertaking of my adventure drew nearer, I began to feel lost. The type of lost that I had to first recognize as a feeling of dissolved inhibitions in order to be found again.

My mind was open and my desire for a change of scenery began to shift my perception to an entirely new side of life. I could feel myself turning the page to something new, something different. I began to realize that the emotions of fear, uncertainty, and excitement swelling up inside of me were the very emotions that would fuel my future. I just had to relax and trust that what I wanted was coming.

My best friend dropped me off at the Boston airport and as we parted at security I watched him cross the invisible boundary I had drawn between myself and my memories; back to the life I was about to remove myself from.

As he receded further into the distance an incessant question lingering in my mind kept asking: So what if you don’t make it to where you wish to be? Yet I had already sacrificed so much to be able to make this journey. I looked around at all the people about to embark on their own journeys and I thought to myself it’s a beautiful thing to learn to be strong and independent on your own; to learn not to always depend on others.

The plane was packed to full capacity and the air smelled sterile. I gazed outside the small capsule window and let my mind run away with daydreams of swaying palm trees and dazzling stars. Hours later the small window had expertly framed the fresh swept blue of the Pacific Ocean whose view finally enticed me to abandon my old life.

When I finally deplaned and patiently waited through endless lines for immigration and customs, I took my first step into the explosive golden afternoon light of Costa Rica. 

The realness of it all was overwhelming and I found myself fading away from the small details of my former life as every sense became further engaged with this new environment. I scanned boisterous crowds of tanned people rapidly spitting out words I couldn’t understand, until finally my eyes recognized my name written in blocky English letters.

A small freckled woman with a soft glint in her eyes and a smile as bright as the Costa Rican sun gathered me in her arms in a warm embrace that I almost got lost in. My chills from the artificial cold air of the plane disappeared and it felt as if everything was exactly as it should be.

Nothing grows in a comfort zone, and I had finally escaped mine.

Every Monday and Wednesday afternoon at the Granite State Organizing Project’s offices on Lowell Street, UNH Manchester alumna Jessica Bissett and her boss, Heather Conley sits with a group of high school students from around the city. They talk about their day – whether it’s West, Central, Memorial High School or Manchester School of Technology – and the problems that came up with fellow students. Bissett then shifts the discussion to focus on bigger issues, like methods for resolving conflict or how the concept of justice fits into a public school system.

“The students I work with, they’re of all different races and cultures. Some are from South Sudan, a few are refugees, there are a few white students. They’re from all different backgrounds,” said Bissett. “They’re brilliant, they are very motivated and they want to make a difference in their schools.”

Bissett’s goal is to turn this group of engaged and diverse students into a pilot restorative justice program at one of Manchester’s high schools.

“I’m not sure what the reaction of the city will be, but my personal goal is to get the conversation started about it,” said Bissett.

Restorative justice in high schools is becoming an increasingly popular way of dealing with discipline issues. Instead of the traditional suspension and expulsion model most American schools have used for decades, restorative justice brings the student who broke the rules face to face with the consequences of his actions.

“The goal is to hold offenders responsible while letting victims play an active role, with the hope of reconciling and helping the offender see the effects of his actions,” said Bissett. “The offender gets to see why he’s responsible and why it’s wrong.”

If a student draws graffiti on the bathroom walls, for instance, that student is brought together with parents, teachers and the staff member who cleaned it up. The group then has a chance to discuss the infraction and come up with an appropriate punishment, rather than suspension, such as cleaning bathrooms one night after school. A parent might talk about problems the student is having at home, or a teacher might offer some words of advice. Even the offender has a chance to talk, maybe shedding light on what led to the infraction. Bissett said schools have been turning to restorative justice for discipline because it’s a way to reduce the number of people who are repeatedly suspended and expelled, which studies show can lead to further problems with law down the line.

The seed for this idea was planted during Bissett’s studies as a Humanities major. It was in Professor John Cerullo’s“Great Trials” class that she started thinking about concepts like justice and reconciliation throughout history. Bissett was especially interested in exploring the idea that a person’s humanity can be lost in the modern court system. It was during her research into this subject that she learned about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission formed in South Africa after the abolition of apartheid. The commission used a form of restorative justice in its proceedings and is largely seen as a key part of South Africa’s successful transition to a free democracy.

“I started looking at what was going on in America with restorative justice and it seemed to be most effective in schools, a place where students have to face the same people every day,” said Bissett.

Bissett spent nearly her entire senior year focused on the topic, doing two research papers and presenting one at the UNH Undergraduate Research Conference.

It was Bissett’s continued contact with UNH Manchester professor, Michael Pugh that led her to the Granite State Organizing Project, at which she now interns and helps runs the “Young Organizers United” restorative justice group.

Bissett said the program is in the research phase, but she hopes to meet with a local high school principal and Manchester School District officials in the coming months to discuss how restorative justice concepts might be included in the schools or the students’ code of conduct.

“I hope to see by the end of the school year maybe a couple restorative justice principles find their way into the schools,” said Bissett.

Learn more about UNH Manchester 

As college students, we know what busy feels like; juggling work, school, social lives, it can become pretty hectic. So, anything that will make our day to day lives easier and less stressful is welcomed, right? With our move to 88 Commercial Street, along with more student space, is the opening of the brand new Wildcat Café run by UNH Dining.

 “As part of UNH we think it’s important that our students get to enjoy the excellent quality of UNH Dining” Kathy Braun, Financial Director at UNH Manchester, said. As a part of the focus to implement more collaboration with the Durham campus, this is an excellent way to begin that.

What is so new about this café? Well, there will be a variety of food “prepared with nutrition in mind”, Braun said. “NH Dining has just been designated one of the best University food services in the country”, so you know the food will be delicious. “The menu has been reviewed by UNH Dining's Registered Dietician”, Richard LeHoullier, area manager-retail for UNH dining services, said. “Once up and running, we are looking to set up a Wellness Committee to work with UNH Dining staff and management to meet the needs of the students, staff and faculty at the Manchester Campus.”

Another question that has been circulating is how sensitive is the menu to those with food allergies? Like stated above, the menu has been reviewed with that in mind, however, if students have direct questions or nutritional concerns they can contact UNH Dining’s Registered Dietician here.

Caffeine is a must for us student, right? Get ready for the in-house Starbucks that will be located in the Wildcat Café! It will offer a full Starbucks beverage menu and will be open to the public! As LeHoullier pointed out, the Starbucks in the Wildcat Café is a “Proudly serve location” and won’t be offering baked goods or food that a franchise store would normally offer. Starbucks gift cards are not accepted. However, our Cats Cache system will be accepted at the Wildcat Café; the more convenience the better! 

Along with Cat’s Cache, regular cash, debit and credit cards will be accepted at the new location.

The café will have set hours that are different from the buildings hours. The café will be open Monday - Thursday, 7:30am - 7:00pm, and Friday, 7:30am - 2:00pm. When the café is not open there will not be access to food such as we are accustomed to at 400 Commercial St.

Something that is completely new to the café is the ability for students to get involved with it through work study positions. LeHoullier said that positions for both work study and hourly are already posted on the Wildcat Careers site and they will be hiring the week of March 9^th. This is another great opportunity to get involved on campus, to gain experience, and to make some money during your time on campus.

For more information about the Café, or the move to 88 Commercial Street, visit the F.A.Q page dedicated to providing the most up-to-date information available. There is a food menu and beverage menu available for view. 

As a student, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process can be intimidating. When is the deadline?Do I need my parent’s tax information? What if we haven’t filed our taxes? Do I have to fill out every line? It seems like too much, and taxes alone are very confusing.

The first time I filled out my FAFSA my mom and I did it. We filed it late because we were unaware of the deadline and we were selected for verification through my school because somewhere along the way we made a mistake.  It was a very overwhelming process. We decided we weren’t going to let that happen again.

We reached out to the Financial Aid Office at NHTI and they suggested that we go to NHHEAF. NHHEAF stands for the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation. They’re a great resource for anything college related. We made an appointment with a NHHEAF counselor before UNH’s priority deadline (March 1^st), brought our tax information, and they completed my FAFSA in under 20 minutes. It was a much better experience.

Once I came to UNH and began working in the Financial Aid Office as a work study student, my whole perspective on financial aid and the FAFSA changed. I never knew there were so many resources or so many people that were willing to help me make sure the financial aid process is seamless every year.

Setting up an appointment with NHHEAF isn’t the only way to easily file the FAFSA.

• NHHEAF also has FAFSA filing nights that anyone can attend.
• Using the Data Retrieval Tool is a great way to sync your tax information with the FAFSA to avoid making any minor errors.
• The Financial Aid Office can also help you file your FAFSA at any time.

The deadline is hard to forget because it’s posted on Facebook, Twitter, on flyers, TVs and bulletin boards around campus, on the door to the Financial Aid Office, and students received personal emails. Take advantage of the maximum amount of financial aid you qualify for by filing before March 1^st.

NHHEAF is located at 4 Barrell Court, Concord, NH and can be reached at 603-225-6612.

The UNH Manchester Financial Aid Office cares. If you need it, the help is there. Don’t be intimidated by the FAFSA. Come see the Financial Aid Office today or call 603-641-4189. 

Request more information about UNH Manchester. 

David and Jayden are sixth graders who attend Parkside Middle School in Manchester. The boys have a lot in common in addition to being in the same grade and attending the same school. Both boys are hoping to become Major League Baseball players and both are participating in the Design Make Code program at the UNH STEM Discovery Lab at UNH Manchester.

The Design Make Code - Play to Design and Invent program is hosted at UNH Manchester and co-sponsored by Bring It! who supported the lab by recruiting students into the program. The seven week long Design Make Code course is offered to middle school students who want to expand their leaning by using play to invent and design.

Students are bussed to the UNH Manchester campus from all four middle schools in Manchester including McLaughlin, Hillside, Parkside, and Southside. 30 participants engage in two hours of computing and engineering hands-on lab sessions on Tuesdays following their regular school day.

This week David and Jayden were among the students learning new skills through the theme of Fashion and Design. Using a programming language called Scratch, they gained insight into the work of a computer scientist. “I learned how to give instructions to the computer so our on-screen character could move around,” David said. “We worked as a team,” Jayden added, “and we took turns being the programmer.”

Both boys felt they learned skills which were relevant to computer scientists and baseball players. “Programming takes practice and so does learning to hit a baseball,” Jayen said. “And baseball players need patience and it takes patience to get the computer to do what you want,” David said.

If you would like more information about the summer session of Design Make Code visit UNH STEM Discovery Lab or e-mail Melissa Gould.

As a first-year student at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Jola Leary found her career path in an elective. “I fell in love with American Sign Language and the Deaf community,” she says. 

Leary, a graduate of West High in Manchester, interns as a theatrical interpreter on the stage drama Pinocchio with Wheelock Family Theatre in Boston. “I play 20 different minor characters. They’re all small parts, but they each have their own characteristics and their own way, so you have to create the character in ASL as you would on the page.”

She works with two other theatrical interpreters for the show, one who plays the main character Pinocchio exclusively. A coach works with the interpreting team, acting as “the Deaf eyes until the show starts, because we need to make it as beautiful as possible in ASL, yet tell the story accurately,” she says.

On interning as a theatrical interpreter, Leary says, “It sounded amazing because it meshes the two things I love so much—theatre and language interpreting.” 

Leary discovered theatre as a child growing up in Manchester. As a high school student she was part of a team that traveled with Theatre Knights to Scotland to play in the Fringe Festival. “It was an amazing experience to be part of a group that was internationally recognized,” she says.

At UNH Manchester Leary participates in the Brick and Mortar Theatre Club, and she serves as president of Milling Around, the university’s co-ed a cappella ensemble. “It’s the only a cappella group at a commuter campus in the country,” she notes proudly. “We host a really great festival every year for high school and middle school students; it’s an a cappella competition—Voices of the 603.”

As part of her financial-aid package Leary has a work-study position that echoes her passion for involvement at the university. “I work for student activities,” she says. “I encourage new students to get involved, and I support every club I can. What’s really good about clubs here at UNH Manchester is they’re all open to anyone. You can just stop in and meet new people easily.” 

Leary also enjoys the easy commute to UNH Manchester. “It’s close to home, yet I’m getting an amazing education,” she says. “And the teachers here are wonderful. I haven’t had any professor here who wouldn’t stay to help me out. Or I can just pop into their office and ask a question.” 

In her senior year, Leary notes that she’s been saving money while in college by living at home with her mother. “But I’ve always had a plan that when I graduate, I’ll move out,” she says. “And that’s still the plan.” 

Upon graduation, Leary will seek licensure in the state of New Hampshire. “And then the hope is to become nationally certified, so I will be able to travel to work in any state.” 

It’s an important milestone for Leary to reach since she’d like to continue in the field of theatrical interpretation, and be available to help at other social events such as community gatherings or business meetings. “Wherever we go, Deaf people go,” she says. “So, an interpreter can be anywhere, literally.”

Request More about UNH Manchester. 

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester today announced that James Ramsay, Ph.D., M.A., CSP will join its faculty in the summer of 2015. Ramsay will lead the creation of a new Homeland Security area of study at the university.

Ramsay comes to UNH Manchester from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he served as the founding chair of the department of Security Studies and International Affairs after creating the program in 2006.

Ramsay is widely recognized as one of the nation’s foremost authorities on homeland security education, with expertise in a wide range of health, emergency management planning and evaluation issues, as well as occupational safety and environmental health. His research areas of interest focus on the relationship between environmental and human security, resilience, and national security strategic planning, as well as the design and economic evaluation of health, safety, and prevention programs.

“It’s one thing to identify a good opportunity at UNH Manchester for a great new program; it’s another thing entirely to find the right talent to make that concept a reality,” said J. Michael Hickey, Interim Dean. “I’ve long been aware of the impressive work Dr. Ramsay has accomplished at Embry-Riddle, including his scholarship, his excellent teaching record, and the interest that the homeland security program he created attracts. It is fortuitous for the continued success of UNH Manchester that he is available to join our team at this time and bring his 20 years of experience and proficiency to this up-and-coming program.”

Ramsay began his undergraduate education in biochemistry with an eventual plan to continue on to medical school. During his studies, however, he became more interested in the concepts of public health and the systems that form its foundation, such as what causes good health vs. ill health.

With the 9/11 terror attacks and the advent of the homeland security industry, Ramsay then turned his lens of public health and system analysis to this emerging discipline, bringing with him traditionally liberal arts tenets such as critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving to create one of the first homeland security bachelor’s degree programs in the country at Embry-Riddle in 2006. Ramsay now joins UNH Manchester to establish an integrated and highly multi-disciplinary homeland security program in New England.

“I couldn’t think of a better place to create a new homeland security program than at the University of New Hampshire Manchester,” said Ramsay. “They have a wonderful and supportive administration who truly understand how important homeland security is to our nation’s future, as well as an available and interested community of area partners in a wide variety of industries, such as defense, law enforcement, first responders, healthcare, and more.”

Holding an M.A.B. in Health Systems Administration and a Ph.D. in Population Health from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Ramsay is co-founder and current president of the International Society for Preparedness, Resilience and Security (INSPRS.org). He also serves on the Board of Scientific Counselors to the Director of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in the CDC; on the Board of Directors for ABET, Inc.; on the editorial review boards for Homeland Security Affairs, the Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Journal of Homeland Security Education and the Journal of Human Security and Resilience; and on the Education Standards Committees for both the International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE) and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), where he also chairs the committee.

Request more information about the new Homeland Security area of study.

The epic snow this season has led to hundreds of people in New Hampshire being displaced by roof collapses and kept structural engineers and fire departments busy. In Massachusetts, the total number of roof collapses from the weight of the snow is over 130, according to statistics cited by Insurance Journal.

Building managers need to know when they have a problem on their hands and at what point they need to take action and have snow removed. The removal process, however, which is largely done manually, can be hazardous to the people doing the work and the rooftop itself.

Here in New Hampshire and in other snow-bound states, a new product from a Barrington, N.H. design and manufacturing company could give building owners and municipalities an early warning when heavy snow loads are making roofs dangerously unstable.

The SnowSentry, a highly accurate environmental sensor and monitoring station, was developed by Christopher Dundorf, founder and president of 2KR Systems LLC, a design, manufacturing, and consulting company. It has been adapted, with the help of UNH Manchester faculty and students, to allow building managers and public works departments to determine when the snow on the roofs of large buildings are becoming dangerously heavy.

Dundorf’s product includes a sensor installed on a rooftop that can measure the weight of the snow load. Because snow can vary in weight depending on how much water it holds, this device can help guide decisions about whether the expense and risk of shoveling the roof of a large high school or a business is required. If the snow load is within a safe level, building managers can breathe easier – at least until the next storm.

Dundorf’s first client was New York City, which depends on snow melt from the Catskill Mountains for its water supply. Designed to measure the water content of the snow pack, a network of the original devices are being used by researchers in upstate New York to monitor snow melt and potential flooding from spring runoff.

The newly designed SnowSentry, now modified for rooftops, acts as a snow sentry alerting managers and other designated contacts when dangerous levels of snowpack are weighing down on buildings. Several SnowSentry stations are currently deployed at UNH Manchester and on campus in Durham where real-time snow load data is being monitored online by faculty and students.

Dundorf wants to deploy the technology on roofs across New Hampshire and beyond. "You can't use snow depth to tell you how much water is in the snowpack," says Dundorf.

“Snow clearing,” he said, “is a very costly operation for retailers and municipalities.” Last week a local NH school official told Dundorf they spent $20,000 to clear the roof of snow.

Moreover, the process of removing snow can be hazardous to the roof itself. Officials at one retailer told him they spend $10 million to $15 million a year just making repairs to roofs that were cleared of snow by workers. When you’re using snow shovels and snowblowers on a rooftop it takes very little to cut through the rubber membrane used to keep the water out of the building.

Using equipment to measure the weight of the pack, Dundorf thinks science can answer important questions about roof safety and snow management.

“Deploying a network of sensors to measure the water content of the snow on roofs could give building managers the data they need to make smart decisions,” he said. Software can analyze data almost constantly; once a critical weight is detected, alerts are sent to building managers.

2KR Systems is a design and manufacturing firm that didn’t have the facilities on-site to develop this type of product. In 2014, Dundorf decided to look for an outside organization that could help develop a prototype.

The company received a grant from the New Hampshire Innovation Research Center (NHIRC), administered by UNH on behalf of the state, which funds projects that lead to job and business growth.

The NHIRC put him in touch with Christopher LeBlanc, assistant professor of engineering technology at UNH Manchester, and Mihaela Sabin, associate professor of computing science at the college. Each put together teams of three students, who began working on adapting the SnowSentry for rooftop use. Additional funding to continue the project was provided by NH EPSCoR, a state program supported by the National Science Foundation.

“Frequently, the best path for a company to grow is creating new products, but funding the R&D necessary to perfect early-stage ideas are challenging for any organization,” says Marc Sedam, Executive Director of the NHIRC. “Technology Innovation Grants from the NHIRC give companies like 2KR the opportunity to reach full commercial development in a much shorter time span than if they had been left to their own resources.”

UNH Manchester has been a good fit for the project because of the school’s hands-on approach to teaching technology classes. It was also a good fit because the students, faculty and Dundorf have also had access to the school’s Engineering and Computing Technology Lab.

“Typically for capstone projects we embed students in a company,” said LeBlanc. “This initiative with the Engineering and Computing Technology Lab provided a space for smaller companies and start-ups to have access to students who can do work on site.”

Casey Hoefer, an engineering technology major who helped build the prototype for his senior project, said his classes have come in handy, especially when it came to programming the open-source electronic prototyping platform called Arduino.

“All of it helps in creating a mind set to create a product that is usable by everyone and reliable,” said Hoefer. “It’s not so much what we've learned in the class. It’s the teaching that enables the mindset to create these kinds of things.”

Final prototypes of the SnowSentry are currently installed at UNH Manchester and on campus in Durham. These units can be set up in 10 minutes, are completely self-contained and safe for roof membranes, have their own solar power, and communicate with each other and through a website to the building manager.

Coming up, Dundorf and Sedam will be presenters at the Portsmouth Science Café on March 18th held at 6 p.m. in the Portsmouth Brewery’s Jimmy LaPanza Lounge.

2KR Systems designs and assembles electromechanical commercial products and offers design services where technical creativity is required. Our Experience is Just the Beginning.

NH EPSCoR is a program funded by the National Science Foundation to advance New Hampshire’s competitiveness in science and engineering. It's critical for the state to broaden the capacity to conduct research; to support business, industry and society with a workforce educated in science, engineering and mathematics; and to improve communication between scientists and the public.

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 12,300 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate students. The University has campuses in Durham, Manchester, and Concord, NH.

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Media contact: Evelyn Jones, NH EPSCoR, 603-862-1804

Photos available to download:

https://nhepscor.org/sites/nhepscor.org/files/images/WeightWatchers.png
Caption: Weight Watchers: Chris Dundorf, president of 2KR Systems, shows off the SnowSentry, an instrument which measures the water weight in snow loads, along with UNH Manchester student collaborators. From left, the electrical engineering team: Rick Hilton, Chris Bye, Dundorf, and Casey Hoefer. Not shown: software developers Stephen Griffin, Colby Johnson, David Meehan; mechanical engineer Patrick Melvin.
Credit: Mike Ross

https://nhepscor.org/sites/nhepscor.org/files/images/Snowscale.png
Caption: SnowSentry installed on the roof of the University of New Hampshire’s Morse Hall in Durham, NH.
Credit: Chris Dundorf, 2KR Systems

http://nhepscor.org/sites/nhepscor.org/files/images/SnowSentryDurhamNHFe...
Caption: Two SnowSentry’s deployed on the roof at the University of New Hampshire.
Credit: Chris Dundorf, 2KR Systems