Student Research

Quick Links

Big ideas start here! Merrimack students lead hands-on research at every level—see how they’re asking bold questions and finding real answers.

Students in Research

Biochemistry

"I worked with Dr. Anthony Franco in Spring 2023 to develop photoactive nylon with the use or Azobenzene with transposes between trans-state and cis-state with the aid of visible light. This polymer has medical applications as it can be utilized as a tissue replacement."

Sydney Babb '24

Biochemistry Major

Health Sciences

"I worked in the MitoCure Laboratory under the direction of Dr. Leena Bharath performing experiments that help us visualize protein expression and mitochondrial structure in aging cells, and to test the effect of two drugs on reducing inflammation, thus extending the human health span."

Kaleigh Gibney '24

Health Sciences Major

Psychology

"I have worked in the Social Cognition and Affective Neuroscience (SCAN) lab for Dr. Allison Seitchik and Dr. Lauri Kurdziel. I took participants through the study by applying equipment, sending out questionnaires and conducting all aspects of the study."

Katelyn Mann '24

Psychology Major

Health Sciences

"While at Merrimack College, I worked in the MitoCure lab run by Dr. Leena Bharath. As someone who aspires to one day work in a research lab, doing so on campus has been a great experience!"

Heather Marszalkows '23

Biology Major

Health Sciences

"The research I assist with is in the MitoCure Lab with Dr. Leena Bharath where at a cellular level, we focus on understanding aging. We mainly look for changes in immune cell mitochondria during aging."

Lyanne Murphy '24

Biology Major, Pre-Dental Pathway

Biology

"During my undergraduate studies, I researched conservation of threatened species like the Wood and Box Turtle with Dr. Bill McDowell. In graduate school, I continued with Dr. McDowell, studying microplastics in drinking water, conducting fieldwork and data analysis, presenting at conferences, and mentoring undergraduate research assistants."

Deana Hutcheson '22, M'23

Biology Major, Master's of Science in BIology

Biology

"I worked with Dr. Charlotte Berkes focusing on the detection of bacteria that confers antibiotic resistance within the Merrimack River. Through this research I was able to grasp the scientific method first hand. I was also able to learn a great variety of scientific assays and understand when they are applicable. I am very grateful for my experience with Dr. Berkes and the rest of the biology department."

Danielle Pintone '22, M'23

Biology Major, Pre-Dental Pathway

Casie White, current student in Masters in Nutrition & Human Performance program.

Health Sciences

"When I started working for Dr. April Bowling in her lab on GamerFit, I thought I was going to learn about individuals with neurodevelopment disabilities. Throughout this experience, I have learned so much more than I could have expected. Besides learning the logistics and technology this study uses, both April Bowling and Tara Daly have shown me how to work with participants and families and help them to our greatest abilities."

Casie White M'24

Master's of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance

Recent Student Publications

STAT3 modulates CD4+ T mitochondrial dynamics and function in aging

Aging promotes numerous intracellular changes in T cells that impact their effector function. Our data show that aging promotes an increase in the localization of STAT3 to the mitochondria (mitoSTAT3), which promotes changes in mitochondrial dynamics and function and T-cell cytokine production.

Phytotoxicity and phytoremediation potential of Lemna minor exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one of the highly toxic compounds which was phased out of application in consumer products in 2015 due to its harmful effects on human and environmental health.This study focuses on the physiological response of duckweed (Lemna minor) exposed to PFOA.

Media consumption and COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy: health literacy as a response

This study explored the influence media consumption and health literacy have on COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy. Controlling for participant political affiliation and general vaccine hesitancy, results indicated that both social media consumption and health literacy significantly predicted COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

Merrimack ScholarWorks (MSW) is Merrimack College’s institutional repository, maintained by McQuade Library, and it proudly showcases the academic, scholarly and creative achievements of our students alongside the work of faculty and staff. Through MSW, students’ publications, research projects, theses, presentations and creative works are preserved and shared with a global audience.

The platform serves as the home of Merrimack’s digital archives and highlights the impactful contributions our students make to their fields. By providing broad access to this work, MSW supports the College’s Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue while elevating student voices and scholarship.

Student Research