Animal, Veterinary Sciences Major Featured in Mainebiz

Mainebiz published a feature article on recent University of Maine graduate Matthew Hodgkin, an animal and veterinary sciences major. The article focused on Hodgkin’s research, lobster-related business and his working relationship with Bob Bayer, executive director of the Lobster Institute. While at UMaine, Hodgkin was involved with research related to developing a noninvasive way of testing the viability of lobsters for shipping, as well as finding a way to commercialize the invasive green crab. Hodgkin also co-owns Lobster Unlimited LLC with Bayer; Lobster Institute Associate Director Cathy Billings; and Stewart Hardison, a business partner from outside the UMaine community. The company aims to develop products from lobster-processing industry waste, such as shells with the goal to get more money to lobstermen and improve Maine’s economy. Hodgkin spoke about how Bayer and UMaine’s Innovation Engineering program helped him discover his interest in research. “It’s been fun, it’s always exciting. And once you reach those milestones where your idea is getting closer and closer to fruition, it’s very exciting,” Hodgkin said.