DURHAM, N.H.—Research from the University of New Hampshire reports that in 2024 there were 5.7 million more childless women of prime child-bearing age than expected given prior patterns—a significant jump from 2.1 million in 2016 and 4.7 million in 2022. This shift in fertility patterns has contributed to 11.8 million fewer births than expected in the past 17 years. “Childless rates increased the most among women under 30, where fertility rate declines were also greatest,” said Kenneth Johnson, professor of sociology and senior demographer at UNH’s Carsey School of Public Policy. “In 2024, there were four million more women aged 20–39 than in 2006, but 7 million fewer have given birth—that’s an increase of 45 percent.” Johnson, who authored the brief, analyzed data from the U.S. Census...

DURHAM, N.H.—Research out of the University of New Hampshire shows that communities that were easier for people to lace up and get out for a walk during the COVID-19 pandemic also helped lower the impact of mental health issues, like stress and anxiety. “The unknown of the pandemic was difficult but to be able to get outside and simply go for a walk was a salvation for many people,” said Karen Conway, professor of economics at UNH’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics. “In my own family, all my adult children moved home during the pandemic and we must have gone on walks three or four times a day. It was a chance to see other people, we could wave across the street and say, ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ It was definitely a mental thing more than a physical thing.” In a study recently...

DURHAM, N.H.—The University of New Hampshire has once again been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. “This redesignation affirms UNH’s commitment to cybersecurity education as well as workforce empowerment by helping organizations manage their cybersecurity risks at a local, state and national level,” said Mike Decelle, dean of UNH’s College of Professional Studies. UNH was the first institution in New Hampshire to receive the designation in 2019, this latest redesignation extends that status until 2030. UNH continues to be selected based on its strong degree programs, exceptional faculty, active student engagement in cyber security and outreach to share cyber defense...

DURHAM, N.H. — The University of New Hampshire (UNH), in collaboration with the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS), proudly announces the launch of UNH Early College, an innovative dual enrollment program designed to empower high school students across New Hampshire and beyond with affordable, flexible access to college-level courses. UNH Early College offers students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously through a suite of online courses taught by UNH faculty. This partnership with VLACS, New Hampshire’s leading online public charter school, ensures that students can participate from anywhere, removing traditional barriers such as location, transportation and scheduling conflicts. “Dual enrollment is a proven pathway to college success,”...

DURHAM, N.H.—The University of New Hampshire’s Sustainability Institute has received a grant from the Barr Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in New England, to bolster climate and resilience efforts among local governments across New England, reinforcing the university’s leadership in sustainability initiatives. The $100,000 funding will enhance UNH’s ongoing support of the New England Municipal Sustainability (NEMS) Network, a regional collaborative of nearly 40 cities and towns representing approximately 2.5 million residents. The NEMS Network serves as a hub for municipalities to share strategies, align resources and develop joint solutions to pressing climate and sustainability challenges. UNH’s Sustainability Institute has served as the administrative backbone of the...

DURHAM, N.H.—The following students have been named to the Dean's List at the University of New Hampshire for the spring 2025 semester. Students named to the Dean's List at the University of New Hampshire are students who have earned recognition through their superior scholastic performance during a semester enrolled in a full-time course load (12 or more graded credits). Highest honors are awarded to students who earn a semester grade point average of 3.85 or better out of a possible 4.0. Students with a 3.65 to 3.84 average are awarded high honors and students whose grade point average is 3.5 through 3.64 are awarded honors. Dean’s list New Hampshire by county Dean’s list New England states: Connecticut Maine Massachusetts Rhode Island Vermont Dean’s list non-New England states Deans...

DURHAM, N.H.—A new study by researchers at the University of New Hampshire and University of Hawaii’s Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) Marine Ecological Theory Lab reveal that coral reefs are creeping toward both the North and South poles in response to warming oceans, but the pace is too slow to threatening their survival. However, the study also shows that immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could significantly improve the future outlook for coral reefs globally. The breakthrough paper, published in Science Advances, outlines how the team turned to sophisticated simulation models and used software created at UNH, called EZfate, to predict changes in coral reef distributions. “We wanted a publicly available software program that could easily take lots of bulky...

DURHAM, N.H. — A new report from the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (IOD) highlights significant gaps in workplace lactation support across New Hampshire, just before a landmark law goes into effect. The IOD’s NH Occupational Health Surveillance Program (NH OHSP) 2024 statewide business survey found that while many employers are physically equipped to support employees who may be nursing, they are falling short in policy and communication. “Supporting nursing mothers isn’t just the law, it’s smart business,” said Liu Yang, project director and principal investigator of the NH Occupational Health Surveillance Program. “Clear policies and effective communication make a measurable difference in employee well-being and retention. New Hampshire employers have a great...