By Ilaria Bardini Writing Intern, A vital aspect of the NSF EPSCoR Track-1 Maine-eDNA grant is the multidimensional collaboration across skill sets. One of the ways to assure continued, cross-generational interest in the world of STEM and the progression of environmental DNA (eDNA) research is through science-based programs and educational opportunities for youth. The development […]
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By Ilaria Bardini Writing Intern, Along the rocky intertidal zones of New England, blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), a native species of filter feeding bivalves, cling onto rocks, piers, and other structures. Although seemingly mundane and relatively sedentary in nature, these molluscs are essential to biodiversity, commercial aquaculture, and serve as habitats for a myriad of […]
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By Caty DuDevoir Data is the core of any scientific project. Proper data management practices and documentation are imperative to allow for the standardization and comparison of results. This is especially important on large projects, like the NSF EPSCoR Track-1 Maine-eDNA grant, which rely on the collaboration of dozens of researchers. Maine-eDNA recently completed its […]
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By Caty DuDevoir The Wabanaki Youth in Science Program (WaYS) intertwines Indigenous cultural practices and knowledge with western science to help give Indigenous youth tools that can better help them understand environmental stewardship. WaYS offers an annual summer camp and opportunities for students to continue exploring their research interests with graduate students throughout the University […]
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By Stefania Irene Marthakis In August of 2022, Sonia Naderi, who worked alongside Dr. Ali Abedi (Associate Vice President for Research and the Director of Center for Undergraduate Research), completed her Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Maine, with a thesis on Low Cost and Reliable Wireless Sensor Networks for Environmental […]
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By Stefania Irene Marthakis This fall, Amy Sidell began her 7th year as a biology teacher at Hampden Academy in Maine—specifically four levels of Biology: remedial, college prep, honors, and AP. Sidell has also been the advisor for Envirothon for the past 11 years. Envirothon is a national high school competition that focuses on solving […]
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By Daniel Timmermann Education, outreach, and diversity is one of the central aspects of any NSF EPSCoR project. Maine EPSCoR recently brought on Beth Campbell as the office’s Education, Outreach, and Diversity Project Manager (EOD). Campbell explained, “As EOD, my job is to connect the research being done on the grant to schools and the […]
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By Caty DuDevoir, Media Intern As environmental DNA (eDNA) becomes a more prevalent research tool, understanding where the most effective applications for it are and how it can help in the management of Maine’s working waterfront is essential. Likewise, as Maine’s aquaculture industry continues to expand, reflecting on how the aquaculture and wild species industries […]
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By Stefania Irene Marthakis Anupam Raj is a third-year graduate student as well as a research assistant in the Master of Science in Teaching (MST) program through the Maine Center for Research in STEM Education (RiSE Center) at the University of Maine (UMaine). Raj is advised by Michael Wittmann (Professor of Physics) as well as […]
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By Daniel Timmermann One of the most important parts of the Maine-eDNA 5-year, $20M NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 grant, is the eDNA CORE Lab that has helped expand the state’s research capacity. The lab, managed by Geneva York, is part of the University of Maine’s (UMaine) Coordinated Operating Research Entities (CORE), led since 2020 by […]
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