The Portland Press Herald reported researchers and students in the University of Maine Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering are developing computerized street lights designed to help drivers avoid hitting moose on rural roads that don’t have street lights. Andrew Sheaff, a UMaine lecturer who is overseeing the project, told the Press Herald the solar-powered lights will only turn on when a vehicle is present.
The Bangor Daily News reported on the University of Maine’s decision to name Francois Amar the new dean of the Honors College. Amar, who is currently chairman of the UMaine Department of Chemistry, will begin his new role Aug. 1. Amar succeeds the late Charlie Slavin, who passed away in July 2012.
Researchers and students from the Climate Change Institute at the University of Maine are featured in an article and video by Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. The report cites work by Climate Change Institute researcher Gordon Bromley and UMaine anthropologist Kurt Rademaker.
WVII (Channel 7) spoke with Kate Garland, horticulturist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, for the latest installment of its “Backyard Gardener” series. Garland demonstrated planting some of the season’s last crops.
Foster’s Daily Democrat reported last month’s annual plant sale hosted by the Master Gardener Volunteers with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in York County was a success. The sale, held in Sringvale, saw hundreds of customers and generated several thousand dollars for community programs, according to the report.
Renewable Energy News, North American Windpower, MPBN, Bangor Daily News, WLBZ (Channel 2) and WVII (Channel 7) were among several news organizations to cover an event in Castine on Thursday recognizing the connection of the VolturnUS offshore wind turbine to the electric grid. The turbine, created under the direction of the University of Maine-led DeepCwind consortium, is the first grid-connected offshore wind turbine in North America.
Mark Brewer, political scientist at the University of Maine, spoke with the Portland Press Herald about a possible “scramble” for U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud’s seat after Michaud announced he is exploring a run for governor in 2014. Brewer said Michaud’s seat is in a district that could go Democrat or Republican depending on the candidate.
WLBZ (Channel 2), WABI (Channel 5) and WVII (Channel 7) reported a 7-year-old from Newport who suffers from hydrocephalus, which has caused her to be developmentally delayed due to seizures, recently received a $4,500 bed specially designed by Millinocket man Patrick Cyr and paid for by the Robbie Foundation. Cyr started his company, Courtney Beds, in 2009 with the help of the University of Maine’s Knowledge Transfer Alliance.
WABI (Channel 5) and the Bangor Daily News reported University of Maine swimming and diving coach Susan Lizzotte attended a check presentation ceremony at Spruce Run in Bangor on Thursday to receive a $7,500 for the swim program and support the presentation of another $7,500 check to the nonprofit organization. The money was raised through the inaugural Erin’s Run: 5K Road Race. The race is held in honor of Erin McGrath Woolley, a former UMaine student and swimmer, and in support of the UMaine swimming and diving team and Spruce Run, an organization dedicated to serving those affected by domestic abuse.
The Portland Press Herald, WLBZ (Channel 2) and WABI (Channel 5) were among several news organizations to carry an Associated Press report on the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center connecting its offshore wind turbine to the electric grid in Castine on Thursday. VolturnUS is the first grid-connected offshore wind turbine in North America. Renewable Energy News also carried a report.