Research Programs

Meireles to illuminate centuries of biodiversity data with $1M award from NSF

Jose Eduardo Meireles, assistant professor of plant evolution and systematics at the University of Maine, has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award to develop faster, cheaper methods to study biodiversity and plant function. The CAREER, or Faculty Early Career Development, awards are among NSF’s most prestigious and support research and education activities led […]

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Ph.D. student awarded fellowship to conduct research in Acadia 

One of this year’s Acadia Science Fellows is a doctoral student in the University of Maine School of Forest Resources, Colby Bosley-Smith.  The fellowship program is an initiative of the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park supported by the David Evans Shaw Family Foundation, Sibley-Saltonstall Charitable Foundation and individual donors. Fellows inform management and protection […]

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Maine kicks off Dairy Month at Witter Farm to celebrate industry advances

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and Gov. Janet Mills launched Dairy Month on June 6 at the University of Maine’s Witter Farm, uniting dairy farmers, 4-H students, researchers, state and local leaders and industry partners. Together, and with a celebratory milk toast, they highlighted the vital role of dairy in Maine’s agricultural […]

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UMaine oceanographer trains future scientists on North Atlantic voyage Darling Marine Center documents local shellfish harvesting trends, changes

By studying the Damariscotta and Medomak River estuaries, University of Maine researchers have formally documented shifts in shellfish populations, from soft shell clams to oysters. Because Maine’s intertidal mudflats, such as those found in these estuaries, are difficult to study, this work filled an important gap in information about shellfish harvesting. Research documented how tidal […]

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New guide explores how cemeteries can conserve local flora

University of Maine researchers have released a guide on how to promote the natural beauty of cemeteries statewide while conserving the local flora that populate them.  “Constellation of Living Memorials’ Guide to Intentional Native Landscaping in Maine,” available through Fogler Library’s Digital Commons, offers strategies on landscaping with native plants — identifying what plants reside […]

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Drs. Li and Mallory receive funding for PFAS research from Maine’s DACF

Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) have awarded Dr. Ling Li and Dr. Ellen Mallory polyfluoroalkyl substances (e.g., PFAS, PFOA, etc.) research grants. The intent of the DACF’s research grant program is to fund research that helps farmers determine their best options for maintaining and enhancing viability despite the presence of PFAS on […]

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UMaine research examines best methods for growing Atlantic sea scallops

A new study from the University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) and Darling Marine Center is helping to refine best practices for growing Atlantic sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus), a species of increasing interest to Maine’s aquaculture sector. Published in the academic journal Aquaculture, the research compares two scallop farming methods, ear-hanging and lantern net […]

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State’s new robotic milking barn unveiled at UMaine’s Witter Farm

OLD TOWN, Maine — The University of Maine unveiled its new robotic milking barn — the third of its kind in Maine and a new resource for bolstering the agricultural workforce and pursuing research activities — at Witter Farm in a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, April 2.  Featuring the latest technology in the dairy […]

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Economic contribution of snowmobiling slid last winter, study finds

Scarce snowpack hindered snowmobile recreation in Maine last winter, squeezing businesses that count on the sport to draw tourists. The University of Maine released an updated report on the economic contribution of snowmobiling in Maine, revealing a significant decline in impact for the 2023-24 season. According to the study, snowmobiling generated an estimated $582 million […]

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