Experimental Petrology

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

This is Betty, a Bristol-style piston cylinder apparatus. Betty recently came to UMaine from Boston University

Contact: Dr. Cici Cruz-Uribe

The experimental petrology laboratory here at UMaine is home to a Bristol-style piston cylinder apparatus, nicknamed Betty. The piston cylinder allows us to simulate the pressure and temperature conditions of the crust and upper mantle of the earth. With this press, we can investigate the petrology and geochemistry of mineral and melting reactions that occur in many types of geologic settings.

The experimental lab set-up is currently underway. Click on the videos below to see how we were able to move this 600 kg steel press into the lab and lift it onto the table by hoisting it from the steel structure of the building!