Investigating the Effect of BMP Inhibition on Otic Vesicle vs. Epibranchial Neuron Formation in Inner Ear Organoids

During development, the otic vesicle (which forms the inner ear) and epibranchial neurons (which form the distal ganglia of cranial nerves) both originate from the otic-epibranchial progenitor domain (OEPD). In vitro, OEPD cells can be induced by the sequential exposure of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in the inner ear organoid model. From there, activated Wnt signaling induces the otic fate over epibranchial. Analysis of inner ear organoids using single cell RNA-sequencing shows that OEPD and epibranchial cells are present prior to Wnt activation at 8 days in vitro (DIV). Further analysis of active signaling in DIV8 organoids revealed substantial BMP signaling to the OEPD from residual mESCs, as well as developing surface ectoderm and mesendoderm cells. Previous literature has shown that BMP signaling is important for epibranchial neuron development from the OEPD; in mice, BMP inhibition with the chemical LDN193189 can result in decreased epibranchial neuroblast formation. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that repression of BMP signaling could improve the formation of otic cells over epibranchial neurons. To test this, we added LDN193189 to DIV8 organoids and collected them on DIV11 at the stage of otic vesicle formation. Using qPCR, we found that LDN193189 treatment did not significantly change otic vesicle or epibrachial neuron marker gene expression compared to controls. Our results suggest that BMP inhibition at DIV8 may be too late of an intervention to have a significant effect on epibranchial neuron formation from the OEPD.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2026_posters/1068/thumbnail.jp

“Patent Cliffs as Catalysts for Biopharma M&A” and “Forecasting Biopharma Revenues Using Prescription Data.”

Patent cliff years—periods when blockbuster and mega-blockbuster therapies lose market exclusivity—trigger rapid revenue erosion for affected biopharmaceutical companies. This paper examines whether these revenue shocks systematically influence acquisition behavior. Using data from 2015–2024, we look at patent cliff years and compare M&A activity across cliff and non-cliff periods. The five largest acquisitions in patent cliff years averaged $97.3 billion, more than double the$46.3 billion in non-cliff years, a statistically significant difference (t-test, p = .022). Analysis of Humira, Revlimid, Lyrica, and other blockbuster therapies demonstrates how exclusivity loss influences dealmaking, particularly amongst firms most affected by generic and biosimilar entry. Using relationships between revenue erosion and acquisition spending, we forecast approximately $39 billion in acquisitions by Bristol Myers Squibb and Merck as they navigate losses of their respective top therapies during the 2028 patent cliff. The evidence indicates that patent cliffs are catalysts for significant biopharmaceutical M&A.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2026_posters/1052/thumbnail.jp

Associations Between Screen Exposure and Externalizing Behaviors in Preschool-Aged Children

Externalizing behaviors (EB) refer to outward actions in which children negatively interact with their environment (Hinshaw, 1987). Research on young children’s screen exposure (SE) and EB suggest a complex and potentially bidirectional relationship (Neville at al., 2021). SE and EB in preschool-aged children remain understudied and are frequently examined as secondary outcomes, leading to methodological variability and inconsistent findings(Descarpentry et al., 2023; Eirich, 2021; Eirich et al., 2022; Gillioz et al., 2025; Griffith et al., 2024; & Neville et al., 2021). The present study addresses this gap. SE was measured using the caregiver-reported 7-in-7 Questionnaire, assessing weekday, weekend, and average daily screen use. EB were measured using caregiver ratings on the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC-3) and the Vineland (Kamphaus, 2020; Sparrow, Cicchetti, & Saulnier, 2016). To date, 87 preschool 4-and-5-year-old participants have provided data. Preliminary analyses indicate weekday screen use and average daily screen time each significantly, negatively correlated with caregiver-report of child negative emotion, hyperactivity, attention problems, and emotional self control (rs=-0.27, adj ps =0.03). Average daily screentime was also negatively correlated with aggression (r=-0.26, adj p=0.04). Weekday, weekend and average daily screentime were also significantly, negatively correlated with caregiver-report of maladaptive behaviors, more broadly (rs=-0.36, adj ps=0.003). These findings indicate greater SE is associated with lower EB, informing ongoing research and media use guidelines (Fitzpatrick et al., 2016). Results suggest SE may support behavioral regulation and the context in which they view screens may decrease negative EB in preschoolers.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2026_posters/1067/thumbnail.jp

Shapes and Colors

We are creating a multi-tasking experiment in which participants are shown a specific number of a flashing color and have to determine how many of that color was shown. While also being shown different groups of hexagons and a single pentagon being placed in a different location every round and being able to locate where it was placed. Participants will participate in two rounds, one with one stimulus(just the flashing color), and one with both stimuli.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2026_posters/1115/thumbnail.jp

Why Doing More Slows You Down

Our experiments aims to measure multitasking ability and the amount of distraction caused by a secondary mental task. Participants are asked to identify the letter G in a series of letters in one trial block, and in the next are asked to do the same while also answering mah questions provided by the researcher.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2026_posters/1118/thumbnail.jp

Electromagnetics of the iPhone 16

Group presentation on the electromagnetics of the iPhone 16: Topics include electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electromagnetics. Students dive deep into looking at the adhesive battery, AC/DC charging, touchscreen, magnetic charging, and multiple antennas (cellular data and transmisison, networking, wifi, tap to pay, bluetooth, and GPS). Students will explore how the iPhone works and how it relates to electromagnetics and foundational formulas learned in class.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2026_posters/1096/thumbnail.jp

Disproportionate Discipline and Developmental Consequences: Exclusionary Practices and Risk of Justice Involvement Among Students with Disabilities

In literature evaluating educational practices, school discipline often becomes identified as a point of controversy, sparking debate regarding how to best support student needs while also continuing to maintain expectations of accountability. Criticism has particularly arisen concerning exclusionary discipline practices, such as that of suspensions and expulsion. Perspectives aligned with this concern highlight the notion that exclusionary discipline removes students from the classroom and disconnects them from the school community; consequently, in turn, exposing students to a greater risk of being arrested and becoming involved with the juvenile justice system. Students who are identified as being a member of an at-risk population, explicitly those impacted by disability, are disproportionately disciplined, rather than receiving the support and services that will allow them to make educational progress and attain social-emotional growth. This systemic literature review assesses the way in which exclusionary discipline approaches function as a risk factor associated with juvenile justice involvement amongst students identified with disability. Using specific keywords within the MackSearch, EBSCO, database, a literature search was conducted which identified twenty empirical studies abiding by the determined inclusion criteria considered within this paper. This review highlights a portion of the most recent literature on this topic, focusing on the negative impacts of utilizing exclusionary practices, and the need to structure school discipline frameworks through a restorative justice model, emphasizing social-emotional learning objectives. Initial findings reflect an emphasis on the necessity of providing students impacted by disability with developmentally appropriate and therapeutic interventions that address their underlying needs.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2026_posters/1049/thumbnail.jp

Gang Involvement and Sexual Risk Among Youth and Young Adults: A Systematic Review of Victimization, Exploitation, and High Risk Behaviors

Gang affiliation has been associated with an increased risk of exposure to violence and other high-risk behavior(Wolff et al., 2020). The relationship between gang association, high-risk sexual behavior, and sexual victimization among male and female youth and young adults requires further evaluation. This systematic review examines how gang involvement influences the outcomes of sexual victimization and engaging in risky sexual behavior such as multiple partners, unprotected sexual intercourse, ect. This systematic review includes peer-reviewed empirical studies focusing on the youth and young adult population with gang involvement. The findings consistently found that gang-involved youth and young adults have an increased risk of sexual victimization, sexual coercion, sex trafficking, illegal sexual behaviors, and risky sexual behaviors (Franchino-Olsen & Martin, 2022; Petering, 2016). These findings highlight the need for further research to best serve this population.https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2026_posters/1042/thumbnail.jp

Mission: Multi-Task Impossible

We are going to be presenting a project based on multitaskinghttps://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2026_posters/1111/thumbnail.jp