{"id":33439,"date":"2025-01-22T16:14:13","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T21:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/?page_id=33439"},"modified":"2025-04-11T14:17:54","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T18:17:54","slug":"2025-mswc-poster-session","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-mswc-poster-session\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 MSWC Poster Session"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6{margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:0px;row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6{background-image:linear-gradient(130deg,rgb(8,46,88) 22%,rgb(65,118,161) 69%);}.kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;background:linear-gradient(222deg,rgb(65,118,161) 0%,rgb(8,46,88) 100%);mix-blend-mode:darken;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6 alignfull kt-row-has-bg um-UMBHHeaderWithImage wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-layout-overlay kt-row-overlay-gradient\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column32237_69b960-6b\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36{margin-bottom:-7px;}.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:20px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-row kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:150px;padding-left:150px;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;align-items:flex-start;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:stretch;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery{align-self:stretch;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:40px;padding-right:35px;padding-bottom:35px;padding-left:35px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;align-items:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:35px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;align-items:center;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column32237_7d0637-96\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db\"]{margin-top:0px;text-align:left;font-size:45px;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-family:Abel;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db\"]{text-align:center!important;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db\"]{padding-right:25px;padding-left:25px;font-size:40px;text-align:center!important;}}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-white-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db\">2025 Maine Sustainability &amp; Water Conference<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_101710-84\"]{margin-top:0px;font-size:20px;line-height:32px;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-family:'Open Sans';}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_101710-84\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-size:20px;line-height:32px;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_101710-84\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_101710-84\"]{text-align:center!important;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_101710-84\"]{padding-right:25px;padding-left:25px;text-align:center!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-white-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_101710-84\" data-aos-duration=\"1200\" data-aos-once=\"true\">Thursday, March 27, 2025<br>Augusta Civic Center<br>Augusta, Maine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c{position:relative;}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c:not(.specificity){margin-right:-15px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c:not(.specificity){margin-left:-15px;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c:not(.specificity){margin-right:-25px;margin-left:-25px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image32237_f4243f-40 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-image.kb-image32237_f4243f-40:not(.kb-specificity-added):not(.kb-extra-specificity-added){margin-right:-20px;}}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image32237_f4243f-40 size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-32756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-105x59.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-317x178.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-423x238.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-634x357.jpg 634w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-320x180.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id33439_68b2fd-03 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id33439_68b2fd-03 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id33439_68b2fd-03 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id33439_68b2fd-03 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id33439_68b2fd-03 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id33439_68b2fd-03 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id33439_68b2fd-03 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column33439_613401-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kadence-column33439_613401-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column33439_613401-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column33439_613401-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column33439_613401-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column33439_613401-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column33439_613401-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:rgba(142, 209, 252, 0.23);}.kadence-column33439_613401-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column33439_613401-14{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column33439_613401-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column33439_613401-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column33439_613401-14\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_d71c30-18, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_d71c30-18[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33439_d71c30-18\"]{margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);text-align:center;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-family:Abel;color:#003263;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_d71c30-18 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_d71c30-18[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33439_d71c30-18\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_d71c30-18 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_d71c30-18[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33439_d71c30-18\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading33439_d71c30-18 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33439_d71c30-18\">Conference Menu<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns33212_bd98e1-61{gap:var(--global-kb-gap-xs, 0.5rem );justify-content:flex-start;align-items:center;}.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-button{font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;}.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0{margin-right:5px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button{color:#555555;border-color:#555555;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{color:#ffffff;border-color:#444444;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button::before{display:none;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{background:#444444;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn kb-buttons-wrap kb-btns33212_bd98e1-61\"><style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_3632b1-f6.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_3632b1-f6.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_3632b1-f6.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_3632b1-f6.kb-button:focus{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn33212_3632b1-f6 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-maine-sustainability-water-conference\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Conference Home<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_b5610d-fe.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_b5610d-fe.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_b5610d-fe.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn 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.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_e4dd4a-9f.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_e4dd4a-9f.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_e4dd4a-9f.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_e4dd4a-9f.kb-button:focus{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn33212_e4dd4a-9f kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-mswc-proposed-sessions\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Concurrent Sessions<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_da841f-c5.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_da841f-c5.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_da841f-c5.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_da841f-c5.kb-button:focus{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn33212_da841f-c5 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-mswc-poster-session\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Poster Session<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_04cd04-cd.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_04cd04-cd.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_04cd04-cd.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_04cd04-cd.kb-button:focus{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn33212_04cd04-cd kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-mswc-sponsors\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Sponsors<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_030850-ac.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_030850-ac.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_030850-ac.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn 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kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-mswc-organizing-committee\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Organizing Committee<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_ea5e37-df.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_ea5e37-df.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_ea5e37-df.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_ea5e37-df.kb-button:focus{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;}<\/style><span class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn33212_ea5e37-df kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">E-Newsletter Sign up<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column33439_fa06c9-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column33439_fa06c9-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column33439_fa06c9-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column33439_fa06c9-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column33439_fa06c9-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column33439_fa06c9-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column33439_fa06c9-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column33439_fa06c9-cc{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column33439_fa06c9-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column33439_fa06c9-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column33439_fa06c9-cc\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_7ed16c-40, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_7ed16c-40[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33439_7ed16c-40\"]{padding-bottom:0px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:45px;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-family:Abel;color:#003263;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_7ed16c-40 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_7ed16c-40[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33439_7ed16c-40\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_7ed16c-40 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_7ed16c-40[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33439_7ed16c-40\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading33439_7ed16c-40 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33439_7ed16c-40\"><strong>Poster Session<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poster Competition Winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">High School<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner<\/strong><br><em>1.<a href=\"#p1\"> Improving the Effectivity of Nitrate Removal in Biosand Filters Using N. oculata<\/a><\/em><br>Sofie Rueter (student), Bangor High School<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Honorable Mention<\/strong><br><em>2.<\/em> <a href=\"#p2\"><em>Continuous High Salinity Killing Marsh Grass<\/em><\/a><br>Phoebe Shank (student), Machias Memorial High School<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Undergraduate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner<\/strong><br><em>13. <\/em><a href=\"#p13\"><em>Pigment Analysis Reveals that Picoeukaryotes Dominate Picoplankton Community in Harpswell Sound, Maine, in Late Fall<\/em><\/a><br>Emma Mazlish (student), Bowdoin College&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Honorable Mention<\/strong><br><em>7. <\/em><a href=\"#p7\"><em>Adaption and Application of an Existing USGS Unvegetated-to-Vegetated Ratio Workflow for Salt Marsh Vegetation Monitoring<\/em><\/a><br>Caroline Fales (student), University of New England<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Graduate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner<\/strong><br><em>31. <\/em><a href=\"#p31\"><em>Aligning Community Preferences with Policy Action: Examining Climate Resilience Priorities in Maine\u2019s Community Resilience Partnership<\/em><\/a><br>Faizan Saif (student), University of Maine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Honorable Mention<\/strong><br><em>22. <\/em><a href=\"#p22\"><em>Hydrophobic Modification of Paper Using Emulsified Soybean Wax<\/em><\/a><br>Mahbuba Daizy (student), Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_d58ba8-a2 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_d58ba8-a2 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_d58ba8-a2\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>High School Posters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>1.<a href=\"#p1\"> Improving the Effectivity of Nitrate Removal in Biosand Filters Using N. oculata:<\/a><\/em><\/strong> <strong>Sofie Rueter<\/strong> (student), Bangor High School<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>2.<\/em><\/strong> <a href=\"#p2\"><strong><em>Continuous High Salinity Killing Marsh Grass<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Phoebe Shank<\/strong> (student), Machias Memorial High School<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>3. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p3\"><strong><em>The Effect of Offshore Wind Array Frequency on Quorum Sensing of Pyrocystis fusiformis<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Kendra Weaver<\/strong> (student), <strong>Tess Welch<\/strong> (student), Brunswick School District<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_9068f9-3f .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_9068f9-3f .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_9068f9-3f\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Undergraduate Posters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>4. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p4\"><strong><em>Karenia mikimotoi Occurrence in Harpswell Sound, Casco Bay, from 2022-2024<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Emma Barker<\/strong> (student), Bowdoin College<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>4A. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p4A\"><strong><em>Ecology and Distribution of Juvenile River Herring in the Kennebec River<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Dana Bookman<\/strong> (student), University of Southern Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>5. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p5\"><strong><em>Channel Sediment Characteristics Following Dam Removal and Subsequent Historic High-Flow Events, Temple Stream, Farmington, ME<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Will Christman<\/strong> (student), <strong>Alex Debo<\/strong> (student), University of Maine Farmington<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>6. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p6\"><strong><em>Pipes, Pollution, and Prisms: Adapting a mapping tool to assess wastewater outflows along Maine\u2019s coast<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Madeline Gavin<\/strong> (student), <strong>Lara Luczak<\/strong> (student), University of Maine, madeline.gavin@maine.edu; lara.luczak@maine.edu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>7. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p7\"><strong><em>Adaption and Application of an Existing USGS Unvegetated-to-Vegetated Ratio Workflow for Salt Marsh Vegetation Monitoring<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Caroline Fales<\/strong> (student), University of New England<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>8. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p8\"><strong><em>PFAS in Maine Wildlife: How an Emerging Contaminant Impacts Hunting and Angling Behaviors<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Carissa Furtado<\/strong> (student), University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>9. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p9\"><strong><em>The Relationship Between High Elevation Lake Acidity and Watershed Factors<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Christopher Houdeshell<\/strong> (student), University of Maine Farmington<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>10. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p10\"><strong><em>Laboratory-Scale Pilot Study: Evaluating Components and Conditions for Carbon Sequestration using glacial rock flour<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Landen Jorgensen<\/strong> (student), University of Southern Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>11. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p11\"><strong><em>Impacts of Climate Language on Rural Maine Community Resilience Initiatives<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Sonia Leone<\/strong> (student), University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>12. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p12\"><strong><em>Selecting Surface Water and Well Water Sample Sites to Detect and Predict PFAS Movement in the Environment<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Brendan Lewis<\/strong> (student), College of the Atlantic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>13. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p13\"><strong><em>Pigment Analysis Reveals that Picoeukaryotes Dominate Picoplankton Community in Harpswell Sound, Maine, in Late Fall<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Emma Mazlish<\/strong> (student), Bowdoin College&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>14. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p14\"><strong><em>Climate-Driven Range Expansion of Ixodes scapularis: Insights from Predictive Modeling<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Ian R. Mowatt<\/strong> (student), University of Southern Maine&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>15. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p15\"><strong><em>What\u2019s Next? A Policy Analysis of PFAS Regulations in Maine and Throughout the United States<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Eddie Nachamie<\/strong> (student), University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>16. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p16\"><strong><em>Sediment Dynamics Downstream of a Recent Dam Removal: Analysis of Deposits from the May and December 2023 Flood Events<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Kevin Sweeney<\/strong> (student), University of Maine Farmington&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>17. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p17\"><strong><em>Supporting Sustainability in Maine\u2019s Brewing Industry<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Dean Syed<\/strong> (student), University of Southern Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>18. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p18\"><strong><em>Observing Ground-Dwelling Arthropod Biodiversity in Comparison to the Density of Multiple Life Stages of Ixodes scapularis (Blacklegged Tick) at Two Forested Sites in Southern Maine<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Sage Tocci<\/strong> (student), University of Southern Maine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_d51f3a-35 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_d51f3a-35 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_d51f3a-35\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Graduate Posters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#p19\"><strong><em>19. Sustainable PFAS Treatment in Maine\u2019s Public Water Systems: Balancing Water Quality, Policy, and Environmental Impact<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Josephine Adu-Gyamfi <\/strong>(student), <strong>Lukas Norment<\/strong><sup> <\/sup>(student), Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>20. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p20\"><strong><em>Can Freshwater Fisheries Provide Sustenance in an Age of Scarcity, Simplification, and Strife? A Biophysical Economic Analysis of Ice-Angling for Panfish in Central Maine<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Deborah Alademehin<\/strong> (student), Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Conservation Biology, University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>21. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p21\"><strong><em>The Role of Local Energy Action Networks (LEANs) in Promoting Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Underserved Communities across the USA<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Janine Siqueira Borges<\/strong> (student), University of Maine. Ecology &amp; Environmental Science<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>22. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p22\"><strong><em>Hydrophobic Modification of Paper Using Emulsified Soybean Wax<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Mahbuba Daizy<\/strong> (student), Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>23. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p23\"><strong><em>Geospatial Integration of PFAS Survey Data<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Melissa Godin<\/strong> (student), University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>24. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p24\"><strong><em>Co-Designing Microgrids for Energy Justice: A Literature Review Analysis of Best Practices, Barriers, and Pathways for Underserved Communities<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Muhammad Hamza<\/strong> (student), University of Maine School of Economics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>25. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p25\"><strong><em>Aftermath of a Major Firefighting Foam Spill in Brunswick, Maine: Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Downstream Aquatic Environment<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Macy Hannan<\/strong> (student), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>26. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p26\"><strong><em>Foamed Lobster Shell Composites for Thermal Insulation and Packaging Applications<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Olivia Lee<\/strong> (student), Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>27. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p27\"><strong><em>Quantifying the Extent of Coastal Stabilization Along the Casco Bay Using Archived NRPA Permits and Satellite Imagery<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Marisa N. Monroe<\/strong> (student), University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>28. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p28\"><strong><em>Development and Characterization of Seaweed-Derived Flexible Thin Films and Coated Paper for Food Packaging Applications<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Sanjana Mutyapu<\/strong><sup> <\/sup>(student), Dept. of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>29. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p29\"><strong><em>COPRI at UMaine: Coastal Research for a Sustainable Future<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Vanessa Quintana<\/strong><sup> <\/sup>(student), University of Maine, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>30. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p30\"><strong><em>Comparing Microbial Communities in Restricted and Unrestricted Marsh Habitats<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Heather Richard<\/strong> (student), University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>31. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p31\"><strong><em>Aligning Community Preferences with Policy Action: Examining Climate Resilience Priorities in Maine\u2019s Community Resilience Partnership<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Faizan Saif<\/strong> (student), University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>32. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p32\"><strong><em>Impacts of High-Frequency, Short-Duration Rainfall Events on Bacterial Pollution in Frenchman Bay, Maine<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Taylor Bailey Spencer<\/strong> (student), University of Maine, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>33. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p33\"><strong><em>Investigating Salt Marsh History, Morphology, and Colonial Impacts Through Sedimentary Reconstructions&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Phoenix Susak<\/strong> (student), University of Massachusetts-Amherst<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_20a778-11 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_20a778-11 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_20a778-11\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Professional Posters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>34. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p34\"><strong><em>PFAS in Maine: A New Website to Share PFAS Research Efforts, News, Publications, and Resources<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Jane Disney<\/strong>, MDI Biological Laboratory&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>35. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p35\"><strong><em>The Loring Air Force Base RI \u2014 Maine\u2019s Largest PFAS Puzzle<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Maria Guerra, Lindsey Papa, <\/strong>WSP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>36. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p36\"><strong><em>Climate Ready Casco Bay<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Kelly Rehberg, Sara Mills-Knapp, Gretchen Anderson, <\/strong>Greater Portland Council of Governments,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>37. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p37\"><strong><em>Catalytic Approaches to Sustainable Petrochemical Alternatives<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Brandon Tate, <\/strong>Bowdoin College&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>38. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p38\"><strong><em>Drinking Water Testing on Maine\u2019s Outer Islands Reveals Need for More Testing<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Morgan Karns<\/strong>, Island Fellow, Mount Desert Island Biological Lab<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>39. <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"#p39\"><strong><em>Building Collaborative Action through the Maine Community-Led Energy and Climate Action Network (MAINECAN)<\/em><\/strong>:<\/a> <strong>Cressica Brazier<\/strong>, <strong>Louise Chaplin<\/strong>, University of Maine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_b52ae9-7b .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_b52ae9-7b .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_b52ae9-7b\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_90fca7-4e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_90fca7-4e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33439_90fca7-4e\"]{padding-bottom:0px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-family:Abel;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_90fca7-4e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_90fca7-4e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33439_90fca7-4e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_90fca7-4e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33439_90fca7-4e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33439_90fca7-4e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading33439_90fca7-4e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33439_90fca7-4e\">Poster Abstracts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>High School Posters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p1\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>1. Improving the Effectivity of Nitrate Removal in Biosand Filters Using N. oculata<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Sofie Rueter<\/strong> (student)<br>Bangor High School<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Rueter-Poster_sm.jpg\" alt=\"Sophie Rueter with her winning high school poster\" class=\"wp-image-34119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Rueter-Poster_sm.jpg 700w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Rueter-Poster_sm-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Rueter-Poster_sm-105x70.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Rueter-Poster_sm-317x211.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Rueter-Poster_sm-423x282.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Rueter-Poster_sm-634x423.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Biosand filters are an effective way for rural or less-developed communities to purify water from local water sources. However, not much research has been done on how the addition of microorganisms, specifically the microalgae <em>Nannochloropsis oculata<\/em>, into the biolayer could improve filtration efficiency. In this project, <em>N. oculata<\/em> was introduced into the biolayer of a biosand filter constructed out of mostly recycled and easily accessible materials. Water collected from the Penjajawoc Stream was treated with an altered filter (with <em>N. oculata<\/em>) and a control filter (without <em>N. oculata<\/em>). Nitrate concentrations pre- and post-treatment were measured; <em>N. oculata<\/em> cell density was measured over time. It was found that the altered filter consistently reduced nitrate levels more effectively than the control, with an overall 60% reduction in nitrate concentration. The difference between the data sets was found to be statistically significant (n = 25, p &lt; 0.01). Over time, the <em>N. oculata<\/em> population in the biolayer remained relatively stable; this indicates that the population likely adapted to the conditions in the biolayer. Overall, these results suggest that <em>N. oculata<\/em> augments nitrate removal in biosand filters, offering a more sustainable and affordable solution for improved water quality. This research is especially relevant as human populations grow and access to safe drinking water becomes increasingly critical in rural or developing areas.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_e2136e-0d .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_e2136e-0d .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_e2136e-0d\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p2\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>2. Continuous High Salinity Killing Marsh Grass<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Phoebe Shank<\/strong> (student), Jim Lenke<br>Machias Memorial High School<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-1024x601.jpg\" alt=\"Phoebe Shank with her high school poster which received an honorable mention\" class=\"wp-image-34326\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-1024x601.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-768x451.jpg 768w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-1536x902.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-2048x1202.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-105x62.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-317x186.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-423x248.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-634x372.jpg 634w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-846x497.jpg 846w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-951x558.jpg 951w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Shank-Poster-1268x744.jpg 1268w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Machias dike, as vital roadway, has long been active that used a floodgate to allow upstream areas to be grown for hay. However, because the floodgate is under a major roadway, upgrading and repairing is not readily feasible. As a consequence, a large marsh area now on conserved land upstream of the dike, is almost completely wiped out because of continuous high salt content without draining completely nor replaced by freshwater. Data presented will reveal water analysis both upstream and downstream of the dike to be identical which shows how the floodgates have failed a vital carbon sequestration ecosystem that is now in need of replanting with a more salt tolerant grass.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_d34dd4-fc .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_d34dd4-fc .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_d34dd4-fc\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p3\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>3. The Effect of Offshore Wind Array Frequency on Quorum Sensing of Pyrocystis fusiformis<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Kendra Weaver<\/strong> (student), <strong>Tess Welch<\/strong> (student)<br>Brunswick School District<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gulf of Maine\u2019s geography lends itself to generating energy via off-shore wind arrays; however, its waters also house many interdependent vital organisms. As the State continues to seek funding and permitting for offshore wind energy projects within the Gulf, sustainability of marine ecosystems must also be considered. The goal of this experiment was to determine whether the frequency levels generated by off-shore wind arrays inhibit the communication ability (quorum sensing) of the bioluminescent dinoflagellate, <em>Pyrocystis fusiformis<\/em>.&nbsp; The hypothesis was that quorum sensing ability of <em>Pyrocystis fusiformis<\/em> would be inhibited by exposure to sound at a frequency modeling that of off-shore wind arrays.&nbsp; In order to conduct this experiment, a population of <em>Pyrocystis fusiformis<\/em> was equally separated into two Erlenmeyer flasks, immersed in 12-hour light cycles, and fed once per week. The control group was kept in silence and the experimental group was exposed to a 220 Hz tone generator for 10 minute intervals daily. A Vernier Light and Color Sensor measured daily responses to controlled disturbances for both groups via maximum and average lux measurements. Preliminary results indicate that quorum sensing ability of <em>Pyrocystis fusiformis<\/em> degraded over time for the experimental group as compared to the control group. Maine Audubon and other agencies have done preliminary research on the effects of offshore wind on bird and fish environments, however, there is a paucity of research related to the study of primary producers such as dinoflagellates. This experiment implies that there is value in its continuation on a larger scale.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_91fd5a-28 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_91fd5a-28 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_91fd5a-28\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Undergraduate Posters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p4\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>4. Karenia mikimotoi Occurrence in Harpswell Sound, Casco Bay, from 2022-2024<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Emma Barker<\/strong> (student), Collin Roesler<br>Bowdoin College, <a href=\"mailto:ebarker@bowdoin.edu\">ebarker@bowdoin.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:croesler@bowdoin.edu\">croesler@bowdoin.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harmful algal blooms (HABs) cause seasonal disruptions to shellfish and crustacean harvesting and aquaculture in the Gulf of Maine (GOM) each year, and occurrences may be increasing with warming waters. New HAB species, including the dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi, have begun regularly occurring in the GOM in recent years. K. mikimotoi forms high-biomass blooms that cause localized hypoxia and marine animal mortalities throughout the GOM, including in Casco Bay in 2017 and 2019. However, dynamics of the species are still poorly understood in the region. This study assessed the occurrence and origin of K. mikimotoi in Harpswell Sound from 2022 to 2024 using automated imaging in-flow cytometry at the Bowdoin College Schiller Coastal Studies Center (SCSC). Temporal analysis was performed on a twice-hourly 3-year timeseries of phytoplankton community composition. Additional spatial analysis was performed using data collected during 7 cruises in the summer of 2024. Cruises sampled two stations in Harpswell Sound and two stations in the adjoining embayment known as Lombos Hole. All imaging in-flow cytometry records were AI auto-classified and K. mikimotoi cells were manually counted. The species bloomed regularly in low concentrations from June through August of all years studied, with variation in annual maximum concentration. K. mikimotoi concentrations were substantially higher in low tide samples than high tide samples from SCSC, and summer 2024 sampling indicated that blooms initiated inshore, supporting previous evidence that Lombos Hole is a source for dinoflagellate blooms. Future K. mikimotoi monitoring, study, and management efforts may be facilitated by targeting Lombos Hole.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_322412-65 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_322412-65 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_322412-65\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p4A\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>4A. Ecology and Distribution of Juvenile River Herring in the Kennebec River<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Dana Bookman<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup> (student), Caragh Beasley<sup>1<\/sup> (student), Patricia Bishop<sup>1<\/sup> (student), Garrett Conlogue<sup>1<\/sup> (student), Sam Desaulniers<sup>1<\/sup> (student), Brian Determan<sup>2<\/sup> (student), Tabitha Frenning<sup>1<\/sup> (student), Michaela LaCrosse<sup>1<\/sup> (student), Alexandria Morningstar<sup>1<\/sup> (student), Sara Mower<sup>1<\/sup> (student), Izzy Probert<sup>1<\/sup> (student), Karen Wilson<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. Environmental Science and Policy, University of Southern Maine, <a href=\"mailto:dana.bookman@maine.edu\">dana.bookman@maine.edu<\/a>, karen.wilson@maine.edu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. Biology, University of Southern Maine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Kennebec River system supports some of Maine\u2019s largest populations of alosines (<em>Alosa sapidissima, A. aestivalis, <\/em>and <em>A. pseudoharengus<\/em>). As ecologically significant anadromous species, alosines play a critical role in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. This study, conducted by the Aquatics Systems Lab at the University of Southern Maine (USM) in collaboration with Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and Maine Sea Grant, seeks to deepen our understanding of juvenile alosine ecology in the lower Kennebec River system. Fish samples were collected from four habitats (riverine, tidal river, Merrymeeting Bay, and the Kennebec Estuary) by the Maine DMR Juvenile Alosine Beach Seine Monitoring program from July to September in 2024. Fish were dissected for stomach content analysis, stable isotope analysis of food web position and habitat residency, and otoliths for aging and growth estimates. We also collected aquatic invertebrates from the same river reaches to develop a stable isotope \u201cmap\u201d of the river to compare to fish tissue isotope values. Initial results suggest that the three species of alosines are foraging in all four river habitats, and that their diets shift significantly depending upon the river section and the alosine species. We anticipate that these results will demonstrate the importance of these riverine habitats for juvenile alosines, with implications for how these river habitats are managed for water quality and flow.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_066df1-39 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_066df1-39 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_066df1-39\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p5\"><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>5. Channel sediment characteristics following dam removal and subsequent historic high-flow events, Temple Stream, Farmington, ME<\/em><\/strong><br>Iris Bertolami, <strong>Will Christman<\/strong> (student), <strong>Alex Debo<\/strong> (student), Christopher Houdeshell, Hazel McEnaney, Jenna Payne, Amanda Power, Kevin Sweeney, Sophia Winters<br>Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine Farmington, william.christman@maine.edu, <a href=\"mailto:alexander.debo@maine.edu\">alexander.debo@maine.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Temple Stream, a tributary of the Sandy River in Franklin county, was opened following removal of a historic dam in the summer of 2022. Subsequently, two flood events in 2023 redistributed coarse sediment throughout the previously impounded area and contributed to the development of point bars within the channel. Grab samples collected in the fall of 2024 were collected from upstream to downstream around a large meander in the former impoundment, following high-water events. Samples were dried and sieved to determine grain size distribution. Additionally, several of the largest clasts found in the field were chunks of Presumpscot Formation exposed along the margins of the former impoundment and were described individually. Samples at the upstream end of the meander were poorly sorted with a median size of coarse sand, while downstream samples were slightly smaller in diameter. Samples of the clay \u201ccobbles\u201d were angular close to their source, but those collected downstream were closer to gravel in size and significantly more rounded. This change in size and shape was observed over just a few hundred meters, suggesting that these clasts break down quickly once introduced into the channel bed. While sampled sediments are larger than the mud and silt present in the channel while the dam was in place, comparing them to sediments sampled a year earlier is confounded by the rapid evolution of the channel shape and point bars in this reach of the stream.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_60ca36-e5 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_60ca36-e5 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_60ca36-e5\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p6\"><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>6. Pipes, Pollution, and Prisms: Adapting a Mapping Tool to Assess Wastewater Outflows Along Maine\u2019s Coast<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Madeline Gavin<\/strong> (student)<sup>1,2<\/sup>, <strong>Lara Luczak<\/strong> (student)<sup>1<\/sup>, Bea E. Van Dam<sup>1,4<\/sup>, and Sean M.C. Smith<sup>1,3,4<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. School of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Maine, madeline.gavin@maine.edu; lara.luczak@maine.edu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3. Darling Marine Center, University of Maine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, University of Maine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Maine coast has been shaped by a history of tectonics, glacial activity, and sea level changes leading to spatial variations in watershed runoff, estuary morphometry, and tidal ranges. The coastal complexity makes it difficult to assess pollution vulnerability across varied locations and conditions. Previous research has focused on closures in Maine\u2019s shellfish harvesting areas due to bacteria-pollution events. An interactive mapping tool called \u201cEstuary Builder\u201d was developed to help the Maine Department of Marine Resources classify coastal settings based on proxy metrics related to bacteria sources, delivery, and estuarine residence time pollution culprit categories, and to identify areas that may experience greater vulnerability to bacteria pollution problems. This tool is now being adapted for the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MEDEP) to evaluate the relative contribution of wastewater treatment facility discharges to fresh water flows and tidal exchange in varied settings. This poster summarizes research focused on quantification of point source wastewater discharges and tidal prism volumes exchanged during regular tide cycles that can evacuate and replace water in coastal estuaries. Facility permits and geospatial data are used to assess outfall locations and discharge volumes. Tidal ranges along the coast are interpolated from datum information at NOAA tidal monitoring and prediction stations. These data expand the catalog of proxy metrics related to pollution sources and residence time in the \u201cEstuary Builder\u201d platform. Updated data will be integrated into the coastal pollution vulnerability assessment tool, enhancing the capacity of MEDEP to identify and respond to pollution problems along Maine\u2019s coast.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_b60a38-cc .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_b60a38-cc .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_b60a38-cc\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p7\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>7. Adaption and Application of an Existing USGS Unvegetated-to-Vegetated Ratio Workflow for Salt Marsh Vegetation Monitoring<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Caroline Fales<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup> (student), Jacob Aman<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. University of New England, cfales@une.edu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Fales-Poster_sm.jpg\" alt=\"Caroline Fales with her undergraduate poster which received an honorable mention\" class=\"wp-image-34125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Fales-Poster_sm.jpg 700w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Fales-Poster_sm-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Fales-Poster_sm-105x70.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Fales-Poster_sm-317x211.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Fales-Poster_sm-423x282.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Fales-Poster_sm-634x423.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The threats posed by ancient farming infrastructure to salt marshes across New England has resulted in a rapid degradation of high marsh vegetation. Techniques to monitor vegetation through aerial-based imagery and analysis in GIS are becoming more popular due to their efficiency, accuracy, and ability to cover broader geospatial scales. One such technique involves calculating an unvegetated-to-vegetated ratio (UVVR) of hydrologically connected conceptual marsh units or hand-delineations around mega-pools. The Spurwink Marsh in Scarborough, Maine is set to undergo a restoration project, which aims to restore 0.75 acres where a road bisects the marsh and to enhance the surrounding area. To monitor vegetation before and after the restoration, a UVVR workflow was adapted for this project based on existing USGS data. This workflow was used to calculate the UVVR for NAIP imagery from 2018 and drone imagery from 2024 of the marsh. In almost all cases, the UVVR value of each marsh unit increased from 2018 to 2024, signifying a decrease in vegetated area. The overall decrease in vegetation exemplifies the need for the restoration project on this rapidly degrading marsh. The workflow described in this project has useful applications to discovering trends of vegetation change in other marsh restoration projects. Extensive imagery and conceptual marsh unit data are accessible for Maine\u2019s entire coastline, and through an expansion of this project, including automation of the workflow and field observations for validity, the UVVR calculation described here has potential for use in future tidal marsh vegetation health monitoring throughout Maine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_8ccbbb-78 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_8ccbbb-78 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_8ccbbb-78\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p8\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>8. PFAS in Maine Wildlife: How an Emerging Contaminant Impacts Hunting and Angling Behaviors<\/em><\/strong><br>Melissa Godin, Caroline Noblet, <strong>Carissa Furtado<\/strong> (student)<br>University of Maine, Carissa.furtado@maine.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse class of synthetic fluorinated chemicals known for their potential to cause human health issues and their ability to bioaccumulate in various species, including fish that are caught and game that is harvested in Maine. PFAS contamination in ecosystems presents a potential public health risk for those who consume wild caught fish and game, and undermines the perception of Maine as a pristine and safe place to recreate outdoors. To assess the impact of PFAS on the behavior of anglers and hunters, the University of Maine School of Economics partnered with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) to conduct two surveys of Maine hunting and fishing license holders. Ongoing evaluation of the angler survey deployed in September of 2024 (n=3,719, 9% response rate) shows that 74% of anglers are moderately to extremely concerned about environmental contaminants in the fish that they catch in Maine. But despite this high level of concern, 27% of anglers indicated that they are not confident about where to find information regarding fish consumption advisories, and only 19% had heard of PFAS advisories. Preliminary analysis from the survey of hunters being deployed in January of 2025 will explore potential behavior changes associated with the \u201cdo not eat\u201d advisories issued by MDIFW\/ME CDC that have been modified over time as the testing of wildlife for PFAS has expanded. Our results contribute to the understanding of the complex relationship between human behavior and ecosystem health.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_986384-ba .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_986384-ba .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_986384-ba\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p9\"><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>9. The Relationship Between High Elevation Lake Acidity and Watershed Factors<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Christopher Houdeshell<\/strong> (student), Rachel Hovel<br>University of Maine Farmington, <a href=\"mailto:christopher.houdeshell@maine.edu\">christopher.houdeshell@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:rachel.hovel@maine.edu\">rachel.hovel@maine.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Past atmospheric deposition of sulfuric and nitric acids (\u201cacid rain\u201d) has acidified high elevation lakes across Maine and New England, affecting the ecology of the lakes and their surroundings. Since the passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments in 1990, acid deposition has declined and many of the affected lakes have begun to recover. However, this recovery trajectory does not look the same at all lakes. Across western Maine, nine high-elevation lakes have been part of long-term water chemistry monitoring since 1986 and show variation in their pH trends over time, with five of the lakes increasing in pH, three declining in pH, and one showing no trend. To investigate why acidification recovery trends vary by lake, we explored relationships between water chemistry pH and ANC trends as response variables, and lake and watershed morphology and current watershed soil pH and dominant ions as predictors. We found no significant relationship between lake recovery and morphology, watershed morphology, or watershed soil pH. However, there was a relationship between soil pH and the lake sulfate trends. Further studies focusing on underlying surficial geology and longitudinal data collection on watershed soil chemistry will be useful to further reveal influences on lake recovery from acid deposition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_b424c5-b5 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_b424c5-b5 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_b424c5-b5\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<a id=\"p10\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>10. Laboratory-Scale Pilot Study: Evaluating Components and Conditions for Carbon Sequestration Using Glacial Rock Flour<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Landen Jorgensen<\/strong> (student), Joseph Staples<br>University of Southern Maine, landen.jorgensen@maine.edu, joseph.staples@maine.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The increasing concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere continues to be a primary driver of global climate change. Carbon sequestration via geochemical processes represents a promising method for mitigating CO2 levels. This study explores the use of glacial rock flour in the sequestration of atmospheric CO2. Laboratory trials utilizing glacial rock flour in water showed a reduction greater than 250 ppm atmospheric CO2 compared to 70 ppm in aqueous controls. While the high sediment loads in early trials preclude direct observation of flocculation, measurable CO2 depletion suggests an active sequestration process. Factors influencing carbon binding efficiency and retention, sediment composition, aeration rates, pH, salinity, and temperature are under evaluation.&nbsp;The early stages of this research provide additional insight into the viability of mineral-based carbon capture and inform future research in potential field-based applications. The current study also aims to explore optimal conditions for geochemical CO2 capture, long-term carbon sequestration, and storage methods. These findings contribute to the growing field of engineered carbon sequestration, offering potential augmentation of traditional biological carbon capture methods.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_07578f-77 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_07578f-77 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_07578f-77\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p11\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>11. Impacts of Climate Language on Rural Maine Community Resilience Initiatives<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Sonia Leone<\/strong> (student), Sharon Klein<br>University of Maine, <a href=\"mailto:sonia.leone@maine.edu\">sonia.leone@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:sharon.klein@maine.edu\">sharon.klein@maine.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Language about climate change can create barriers for communities seeking to engage in resilience initiatives. Underserved Maine populations experience the effects of climate change, from severe winter storms and power outages to high energy costs. However, Maine\u2019s culture of political polarization, rugged individualism, and distrust of institutions can contribute to a negative perception of climate action within rural communities. Language like \u2018climate change and \u2018government funding\u2019 can bring local resilience projects to a halt, especially when outsiders do not engage with communities through respectful processes. This poster will present the results of an undergraduate Honors Thesis that analyzes the barriers and opportunities of climate language in underserved Maine communities. It will also examine how iterative co-production of research and equitable relationships can empower successful resilience initiatives. This study uses three methods: (1) A review of academic literature about place-centered climate knowledge and equitable research methodology, which will be compared to (2) interview data from Maine community leaders who engage with resilience projects and issues at the local level, and (3) survey data from a co-developed study about citizen understandings of climate adaptation and resilience projects. The results will be shared with community partners who co-developed the survey, and their feedback will be integrated into thesis revisions. This study ultimately aims to provide researchers and community leaders with an understanding of how current academic discourse aligns or contrasts with rural Maine perceptions of resilience initiatives.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_690793-1d .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_690793-1d .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_690793-1d\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p12\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>12. Selecting Surface Water and Well Water Sample Sites to Detect and Predict PFAS Movement in the Environment<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Brendan Lewis<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup> (student), Jane E. Disney<sup>2<\/sup>, Richard F. Hilliard<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. College of the Atlantic, <a href=\"mailto:2003brendan@gmail.com\">2003brendan@gmail.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. Community Environmental Health Laboratory, MDI Biological Laboratory<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To evaluate PFAS contamination in drinking and surface water originating from upstream point sources, we have developed an approach to select sample sites that capture the downstream movement of PFAS through runoff which can be used to predict the presence of PFAS in nearby sites. Focusing on contamination from public schools in coastal communities, we have been able to link PFAS in downstream wells and surface water to point sources upstream, tracing the pollutants\u2019 path through the watershed. This approach utilizes USGS LiDAR for hydrological analysis in conjunction with USGS wetland layers and satellite imagery in ArcGIS Pro. Understanding how contaminants move through the watershed allows us to infer which other wells are likely to be contaminated from the same source based on the catchment area of sites at which we have confirmed contamination. Our team successfully predicted the movement of PFAS from the contamination associated with Mt. Desert Island High School, and we are working on a similar investigation in the communities surrounding Deer Isle-Stonington High School. At MDI High School, we detected PFAS profiles in well water and culvert outflows highly correlated with the catchment area of the school; this was not the case for wells that were geographically closer but hydrologically unassociated with the point source. We expect comparable results at Deer Isle-Stonington High School, where we are applying similar techniques. To our knowledge, this is the first use of topographic wetness index analysis in PFAS contamination investigations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_b88e4a-e8 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_b88e4a-e8 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_b88e4a-e8\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p13\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>13. Pigment Analysis Reveals that Picoeukaryotes Dominate Picoplankton Community in Harpswell Sound, Maine, in Late Fall<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Emma Mazlish<\/strong> (student), Collin Roesler<br>Bowdoin College Department of Earth and Oceanographic Science, emazlish@bowdoin.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"504\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Mazlish-Posterr_sm.jpg\" alt=\"Emma Mazlish with her winning undergraduate poster\" class=\"wp-image-34121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Mazlish-Posterr_sm.jpg 700w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Mazlish-Posterr_sm-300x216.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Mazlish-Posterr_sm-105x76.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Mazlish-Posterr_sm-317x228.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Mazlish-Posterr_sm-423x305.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Mazlish-Posterr_sm-634x456.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite comprising only 10% of the global ocean, coastal oceans account for 80% of marine organic carbon and 30\u201350% of marine inorganic carbon deposition. Harpswell Sound, a reverse estuary in Casco Bay, Maine, is one of many embayments along the Atlantic coast that supports high amounts of primary productivity, driving carbon cycling and burial. Phytoplankton community composition is a major determinant of ecosystem function and carbon cycling, as cell size and taxonomic diversity have direct impacts on higher trophic levels and the biological pump. Classically, phytoplankton are separated into three size classes: microplankton, nanoplankton, and picoplankton. Picoplankton are less studied in Harpswell Sound because most research focuses on larger algal species that can cause harmful algal blooms. However, the proportion and taxonomic composition of picoplankton biomass to overall phytoplankton biomass affects how carbon cycles in the ecosystem. This study sought to determine whether a picoplankton background exists in Harpswell Sound and can be meaningfully quantified in the late fall, and whether phytoplankton taxonomic groups covary differently across phytoplankton size classes during this period. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify photosynthetic pigment concentrations in size-fractionated water samples. Picoplankton comprised 10\u201325% of total phytoplankton biomass and microplankton accounted for the remaining biomass. Nannoplankton biomass was negligible during the study period. The picoplankton community was dominated by chlorophytes, prasinophytes, chrysophytes and cryptophytes, with low levels of cyanobacteria observed. The microplankton community was dominated by haptophytes, diatoms and cryptophytes. These findings match expected picoplankton biomass proportions for coastal estuaries.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_94da43-b7 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_94da43-b7 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_94da43-b7\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p14\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>14. Climate-Driven Range Expansion of Ixodes scapularis: Insights from Predictive Modeling<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Ian R. Mowatt<\/strong> (student), Joseph K. Staples<br>Environmental Science and Policy, University of Southern Maine, ian.mowatt@maine.edu, <a href=\"mailto:joseph.staples@maine.edu\">joseph.staples@maine.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The geographic expansion of <em>Ixodes scapularis<\/em>, the primary vector of <em>Borrelia burgdorferi<\/em> (Lyme disease), has been strongly influenced by climate change, reforestation, and shifts in host populations. This study integrates correlative and mechanistic modeling approaches to evaluate the species&#8217; future distribution under projected climate scenarios. MaxEnt modeling, utilizing WorldClim CMIP6 data (2041-2060), predicts continued northward expansion into southern Canada, driven by increasing minimum winter temperatures. Meanwhile, DYMEX simulations, incorporating physiological stress thresholds, confirm that for up to a +3\u00b0C temperature increase, habitat suitability increases in northern latitudes while extreme summer heat may impose physiological limits on populations in the southeastern U.S. The results highlight potential declines in cold stress as a historical barrier to tick survival, supporting the likelihood of continued establishment in previously unsuitable areas such as northern New England, the Great Lakes region, and southern Canada. Alternatively, increasing summer heat stress may stabilize or slightly reduce tick populations in regions where temperatures exceed their thermal tolerance. These findings have significant public health implications, as the expanding range of <em>I. scapularis<\/em> may lead to increased Lyme disease risk in newly colonized areas. This study combines predictive modeling approaches to enhance assessments of future <em>I. scapularis <\/em>distributions, emphasizing the need for proactive vector surveillance and targeted disease prevention strategies in a changing climate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_cf5305-8a .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_cf5305-8a .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_cf5305-8a\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p15\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>15. What\u2019s Next? A Policy Analysis of PFAS Regulations in Maine and Throughout the United States<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Eddie Nachamie<\/strong> (student), Rachel Schattman<br>University of Maine, edward.nachamie@maine.edu, rachel.schattman@maine.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a contentious topic due to their widespread accumulation and concerns over their public health implications. The state of Maine is one state in the U.S. that is currently dealing with the consequences of PFAS contamination in a variety of areas ranging from drinking water and waste management to environmental pollution and resulting farm closures. The aim of this review is to examine how federal EPA policy as well as Maine\u2019s policies (which are among the most stringent legislation developed thus far) in response to PFAS contamination have evolved since the early 2000s, a period when more stringent regulation of these substances began. Additionally, the review will provide a non-exhaustive description of other states\u2019 legislative response to further understand the landscape of PFAS regulation within the United States. By establishing what rulemaking exists in the United States\u2019 regulation of PFAS, further regulatory gaps can be identified. Describing Maine\u2019s policy in this field provides a case-based understanding of current policy actions as well as providing more context for what regulation could still be implemented. Establishing Maine\u2019s existing regulatory landscape allows for a comparison to other states as they consider passing similar legislation or for federal actors seeking to develop regulation. As a result of the ubiquitous nature of PFAS within the environment and human populations, this type of reference will be valuable for policymakers looking to implement existing frameworks to address increasing awareness of PFAS contamination and its public health, economic, and environmental implications.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_f3390d-24 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_f3390d-24 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_f3390d-24\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p16\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>16. Sediment Dynamics Downstream of a Recent Dam Removal: Analysis of Deposits from the May and December 2023 Flood Events<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Kevin Sweeney<\/strong> (student), Julia Daly<br>Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine Farmington, <a href=\"mailto:kevin.sweeney@maine.edu\">kevin.sweeney@maine.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This study examines sediment deposits downstream of Temple Stream following the removal of a long-standing dam. Two major flood events in 2023\u2014one in May and another in December\u2014created large, dune-like sediment deposits across the floodplain immediately downstream of the former dam location. Prior to dam removal, this area showed signs of scour and sediment starvation. Following these high-flow events, sediment &gt;0.50 m thick was deposited across much of the area and secondary distributary channels formed across the surface of the new deposit. The objective was to analyze grain size distribution within these deposits and compare this to the surface of the distributary channels. Fieldwork involved mapping the dunes, vertically sampling the deposits from trenches, and surface sampling along the channel axis. Results showed coarser sediments upstream and finer grains downstream in the distributary channel, and the coarser sediments were larger than those found within the deposits. Each flood event showed a fining upward sequence, so the total sediment deposit exhibited coarser sediments in the middle, likely due to higher energy at the onset of the December 2023 event. The findings highlight how flood intensity and landscape features influence sediment composition and deposition, providing insights into post-dam removal sediment dynamics and flood event impacts on stream morphology.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_8ec523-db .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_8ec523-db .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_8ec523-db\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p17\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>17. Supporting Sustainability in Maine\u2019s Brewing Industry<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Dean Syed<\/strong> (student)<br>University of Southern Maine, dean.syed@maine.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brewing is a resource intensive process. There are numerous independent breweries across Maine, with the state having one of the highest concentrations of breweries per capita in the country. Economic conditions and consumer demand have accelerated sustainability improvements in many industries including brewing. This poster highlights work performed by BetterBev team members in providing sustainability technical assistance to Maine breweries. The poster contextualizes and describes the impact of sustainability efforts. Assistance provided to breweries highlighted in the poster falls under three main categories; researching funding opportunities, supporting sustainability recognition processes, and operational improvements. Our work is analyzed in the poster through a community well being and ecosystem health lens, providing a unique insight into sustainability efforts and challenges in the brewing industry.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_40f430-5e .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_40f430-5e .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_40f430-5e\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p18\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>18. Observing Ground-Dwelling Arthropod Biodiversity in Comparison to the Density of Multiple Life Stages of Ixodes scapularis (Blacklegged Tick) at Two Forested Sites in Southern Maine<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Sage Tocci<\/strong> (student), Brady Speed, Joseph Staples<br>University of Southern Maine, <a href=\"mailto:sage.tocci@maine.edu\">sage.tocci@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:brady.speed@maine.edu\">brady.speed@maine.edu<\/a>, joseph.staples@maine.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The increase in range and density of <em>Ixodes scapularis<\/em> (the Black-Legged, or Deer, tick) across New England has been observed since the 1990s, along with an increase in tick-vectored diseases. Traditional management strategies involving the use of acaricides, which can have potential negative impacts on non-target species, have failed to stem the steady northward expansion of this species. Integrated Pest Management strategies seek to lessen the use of pesticides in favor of more sustainable approaches that rely on ecological relationships in addition to traditional methods. Some studies have already explored the potential of predatory arthropods to manage tick levels, and this research aimed to further explore this topic by observing the populations of different arthropod species at high- and low-density tick sites in southern Maine. In this study, pitfall traps were installed at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve (WNERR) in York County, Maine, in the fall of 2023. Collections from Fall 2023 indicated a dominance of ground beetle species (Cyminidis spp.) in areas of lower tick density. This observation, along with concurrent monitoring of terrestrial arthropod biodiversity during the emergence of larval <em>Ixodes scapularis<\/em>, led to an extension of the study during the fall and summer of 2024. Ongoing statistical analyses are evaluating biodiversity and tick density based on the most recent collection period.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_e3e2e2-b3 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_e3e2e2-b3 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_e3e2e2-b3\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Graduate Posters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p19\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>19. Sustainable PFAS Treatment in Maine\u2019s Public Water Systems: Balancing Water Quality, Policy, and Environmental Impact<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Josephine Adu-Gyamfi<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup><strong> <\/strong>(student), <strong>Lukas Norment<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup> (student), Onur Apul<sup>1<\/sup>, Jean MacRae<sup>1<\/sup>, Caroline Noblet<sup>2<\/sup>, Reed Miller<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Maine, <a href=\"mailto:josephine.adugyamfi@maine.edu\">josephine.adugyamfi@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:lukas.norment@maine.edu\">lukas.norment@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:onur.apul@maine.edu\">onur.apul@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:jean.macrae@maine.edu\">jean.macrae@maine.edu<\/a>, reed.miller@maine.edu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. School of Economics, University of Maine, caroline.noblet@maine.edu<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as \u2018Forever Chemicals\u2019 pose significant risks to drinking water quality and public health. In response, Maine set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFAS in 2021, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now advancing stricter federal regulations. Statewide testing suggests that at least 11% of Maine\u2019s public water systems will require treatment to meet these new standards, raising challenges related to compliance, cost, and environmental impact.<br><br>Common PFAS treatment methods, such as granular activated carbon and ion exchange resins, are effective but often resource-intensive, contributing to high energy use, carbon emissions, and waste management concerns. These challenges create tension between regulatory compliance and Maine\u2019s broader sustainability and climate goals.<br><br>This study integrates stakeholder engagement with technical analysis to identify key concerns, informational needs, and feasible treatment strategies for Maine\u2019s water systems. Through life cycle assessments, we evaluate PFAS treatment technologies based on their effectiveness, energy consumption, carbon footprint, and financial viability. Our findings will be shared in accessible formats to support decision-making for water system operators, policymakers, and community stakeholders.<br><br>By aligning water quality management with environmental and economic sustainability, this research aims to inform policy development and promote sustainable solutions for PFAS mitigation in Maine\u2019s public water systems.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_b68403-dd .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_b68403-dd .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_b68403-dd\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p20\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>20. Can Freshwater Fisheries Provide Sustenance in an Age of Scarcity, Simplification, and Strife? A Biophysical Economic Analysis of Ice-Angling for Panfish in Central Maine<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Deborah Alademehin<\/strong> (student), Stephen Coghlan, Jessica Jansujwicz<br>Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Conservation Biology, University of Maine, <a href=\"mailto:deborah.alademehin@maine.edu\">deborah.alademehin@maine.edu<\/a>, stephen.coghlan.maine.edu, jessica.jansujwicz @maine.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Decades of fossil-fueled economic and population expansion have pushed humanity beyond Earth\u2019s carrying capacity, triggering a global \u201cMeta-Crisis\u201d manifested in climate chaos, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, inflation and socio-political unrest. In response, rural communities\u2014such as those in Maine\u2014may increasingly rely on local ecosystems for sustenance through fishing, hunting, foraging, and other back-to-land activities. We study the capacity of ice-angling for Panfish to provide sustenance for Mainers during a likely future of scarcity, simplification, and strife. We will analyze otoliths from Panfish harvested over 10+ years to infer vital characteristics of individuals and population, integrate findings with trophic transfer models to assess their capacity to sustain Maine anglers. In addition, we investigate the behaviors, attitudes, and motivations of anglers themselves through surveys and interviews to understand how perceptions of climate and economic shocks affect angler behavior and harvest pressure might influence fishing practices. Although we have not yet finalized data on the human dimension\u2019s components of the study, our questions focus on how changes in local conditions\u2014economic or environmental\u2014might alter the ways people fish and, in turn, shape overall harvest dynamics. Ultimately, we compare the demand for panfish among Maine anglers with the productive potential of local ponds using biophysical economic model that incorporates human behavior, we aim to illuminate feedback loops between fish populations, lake productivity, and angler behavior, thereby guiding recommendations for regulations\/management prescriptions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_1b728d-91 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_1b728d-91 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_1b728d-91\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p21\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>21. The Role of Local Energy Action Networks (LEANs) in Promoting Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Underserved Communities across the USA<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Janine Siqueira Borges<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup> (student), Sharon Klein<sup>2<\/sup>, Caroline Noblet<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. University of Maine. Ecology &amp; Environmental Science, janine.siqueira@maine.edu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. University of Maine, School of Economics, sharon.klein@maine.edu, <a href=\"mailto:caroline.noblet@maine.edu\">caroline.noblet@maine.edu<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency (REE) is critical for addressing multiple environmental and social issues, yet Indigenous, rural, and low-income communities often face significant barriers to participation. Local Energy Action Networks (LEANs) may play a pivotal role in supporting community-led sustainable energy initiatives, but their role in supporting underserved communities require further investigation. This study examines the internal frameworks of LEANs, analyzing how they structure their programs, navigate challenges, and achieve successes in promoting community-led energy transitions.<br><br>This research first conducted an augmented literature review to identify potential LEANs nationwide, analyzing their missions, actions, and engagement strategies. Second, we documented and compared the outreach methods, partnerships, and community interactions of these LEANs in a database. Finally, we conducted semi-structured interviews with LEAN leaders to provide insights into the challenges, successes, and impact of these networks in promoting REE adoption. Emphasizing networks that actively engage with underserved populations, this study highlights best practices and structural barriers influencing equitable energy transitions.<br><br>Preliminary findings suggest that LEANs leverage grassroots leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and adaptable program models to drive community-driven energy solutions. However, challenges such as funding limitations, regulatory obstacles, and trust-building persist.<br><br>By shedding light on the role of LEANs in fostering equitable access to REE, this study contributes to the broader discourse on environmental justice and community resilience, offering insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars committed to sustainable energy transitions.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_2e5e4a-5d .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_2e5e4a-5d .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_2e5e4a-5d\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p22\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>22. Hydrophobic Modification of Paper Using Emulsified Soybean Wax<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Mahbuba Daizy<\/strong> (student), Douglas W. Bousfield, David J. Neivandt<br>Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine, <a href=\"mailto:mahbuba.daizy@maine.edu\">mahbuba.daizy@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:bousfld@maine.edu\">bousfld@maine.edu<\/a>, david.neivandt@maine.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"791\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Daizy-Poster_crop_sm.jpg\" alt=\"Mahbuba Daisy with her graduate poster which received an honorable mention\" class=\"wp-image-34126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Daizy-Poster_crop_sm.jpg 700w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Daizy-Poster_crop_sm-265x300.jpg 265w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Daizy-Poster_crop_sm-105x119.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Daizy-Poster_crop_sm-317x358.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Daizy-Poster_crop_sm-423x478.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Daizy-Poster_crop_sm-634x716.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A hydrophobic coating layer on paper is needed to prevent liquid water transmission in some packaging applications where there is a demand to replace plastic with sustainable materials that degrade to benign components if littered. Currently, most paper-based packaging that needs a water barrier depends on petroleum-derived polymers. Nevertheless, the facile and effective construction of packaging paper materials with excellent water repellency, and biodegradability currently faces distinct challenges. To address this challenge, the author has developed a one-step coating method to prepare hydrophobic paper by templating stable oil-in-water (O\/W) Pickering emulsion stabilized with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The emulsion incorporates alginate in the aqueous phase and chitosan (CS) within the liquid soybean wax phase. The CNCs\/soybean wax emulsion coating significantly improves the hydrophobic and water vapor barrier properties of the paper. Indeed, the water contact angle (WCA) of the paper increased from 37\u00b0 to 92\u00b0 after coating, demonstrating enhanced hydrophobicity. Additionally, the Cobb test value of the base paper decreased from 125 g\/m\u00b2 to 38 g\/m\u00b2, indicating a substantial reduction in water absorption. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the base paper decreased from 731 g\/m\u00b2\u00b7day to 471 g\/m\u00b2\u00b7day after applying the coating, demonstrating a notable enhancement in moisture resistance. This work may provide an alternative solution for safe, cost-effective and sustainable paper-based packaging materials to replace traditional disposable plastics.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_c53db3-aa .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_c53db3-aa .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_c53db3-aa\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p23\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>23. Geospatial Integration of PFAS Survey Data<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Melissa Godin<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup> (student), Caroline L. Noblet<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. University of Maine, melissa.godin@maine.edu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. University of Maine School of Economics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of engineered chemicals that have been used in many household and industrial products since the 1940s, and are more colloquially referred to as \u201a \u2018forever chemicals\u2019 because they do not naturally biodegrade in the environment and bioaccumulate in animal and human bodies. As PFAS have emerged as an environmental contaminant of concern, Maine has been a leader in addressing PFAS contamination both in terms of testing and legislation. Initial testing and monitoring sites were selected based on proximity to known PFAS exposure sources, such as sludge and septage spread sites. This research integrates data from complementary studies on citizens&#8217; knowledge and preferences regarding PFAS, with targeted sampling near Tier I and II septage sites, based on the hypothesis that those living near known contamination sites may have different awareness and perceptions of PFAS. We overlay these concurrent survey responses with PFAS water testing results to identify any spatial patterns. Preliminary analysis found statistically significant relationships exist between zip code and who respondents trust to provide accurate information about PFAS and other contaminants. Additionally, while responses varied within geographic groups, zip code was significantly associated with concern about PFAS in drinking water, perceptions of where PFAS is a problem in Maine, and the extent to which people felt they should know about PFAS. These findings suggest that proximity to contamination sites influences community perceptions of PFAS, with different communities exhibiting varying levels of awareness, concern, and trust in information sources.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_094cbc-b1 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_094cbc-b1 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_094cbc-b1\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p24\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>24. Co-Designing Microgrids for Energy Justice: A Literature Review Analysis of Best Practices, Barriers, and Pathways for Underserved Communities<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Muhammad Hamza<\/strong> (student), Katherine Simmons (student), Sharon J.W. Klein<br>University of Maine, School of Economics, Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, <a href=\"mailto:muhammad.imran@maine.edu\">muhammad.imran@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:sharon.klein@maine.edu\">sharon.klein@maine.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This literature review synthesizes global research on microgrid co-design with underserved communities\u2014including Indigenous, rural, low-income, and geographically isolated populations\u2014to identify best practices, systemic barriers, and pathways for equitable energy transitions. Analyzing 70 sources, including 35 peer-reviewed articles, numerous case studies, and policy documents, the review reveals that successful microgrid projects prioritize community-led engagement, integrating cultural values, trust-building, and participatory decision-making. Key findings highlight the centrality of energy sovereignty, particularly for Indigenous communities, where ownership models and alignment with socio-environmental priorities enhance resilience and self-determination. Technical solutions, such as hybrid renewable systems, are most effective when coupled with socio-technical frameworks like Brazil\u2019s Convergence Framework or Chile\u2019s participatory model for Mapuche communities, which blend engineering with traditional knowledge. Challenges persist in policy and funding structures: top-down regulations, utility monopolies, and grant mechanisms often exclude communities lacking technical or financial capacity. Conversely, upfront funding, decentralized governance, and partnerships with NGOs\/universities emerge as enablers. The review also underscores microgrids\u2019 role in climate resilience, mitigating disasters like wildfires (California) and hurricanes (Puerto Rico), though long-term sustainability requires addressing operational gaps in social research and maintenance. Three critical recommendations arise: (1) adopt co-design methodologies (e.g., Living Labs, Social Capital Theory) to ensure solutions reflect community needs; (2) reform policies to prioritize equitable funding and tribal sovereignty; and (3) expand interdisciplinary research bridging technical, economic, and social dimensions. By centering underserved communities as partners\u2014not beneficiaries\u2014this review charts a path toward energy justice, where microgrids empower resilience, equity, and decarbonization.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_10ab46-19 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_10ab46-19 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_10ab46-19\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p25\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>25. Aftermath of a Major Firefighting Foam Spill in Brunswick, Maine: Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Downstream Aquatic Environment<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Macy Hannan<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup> (student), Fatih Evrendilek<sup>1<\/sup>, Daniel Leclair<sup>2<\/sup>, Manisha Choudhary<sup>1<\/sup>, Kenneth Mensah<sup>1<\/sup>, Christoph Aeppli<sup>3<\/sup>, Arjun K. Venkatesan<sup>4<\/sup>, Onur G. Apul<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maine, macy.hannan@maine.edu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. College of Professional Studies\u2013Aviation, University of Maine Augusta<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4. Dept. of Civil &amp; Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The 6th largest AFFF spill occurred on August 19, 2024 in Brunswick, Maine at Brunswick Executive Airport leading to 5,500 L aqueous film-fighting foam (AFFF) into the watershed surrounding the airport. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made substances, often found in AFFF, which have threatening effects when released into the environment. Particularly, PFAS exposure may lead to decreased fertility, increased risk of cancer, developmental effects, among other detrimental issues. There has been limited sampling and documentation of the fate and transport of a spill into a defined watershed following past large PFAS spills. Following the spill, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sampled nine locations over 11 days. This study revealed a 93% reduction in PFAS concentrations within the first few days due to remediation efforts and natural dilution, but their downstream transport persisted. According to Kruskal-Wallis and Steel-Dwass tests, spatial and temporal patterns of PFAS revealed significant spatial variability. PFOS, PFHxS, and PFOA consistently remained higher at the spill source but declined with distance. In addition to DEP sampling, 5 private wells, 2 surface water, wastewater influent and effluent, and 4 soil samples at 3 different depths each have been sampled through the University of Maine weekly for the first two months, biweekly for the second two months, then monthly sampling continues through August 2025. PFAS analysis following EPA method 1633 is followed to accurately access the concentrations and variations to see how compositions change over time following the spill.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_1556b7-20 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_1556b7-20 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_1556b7-20\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p26\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>26. Foamed Lobster Shell Composites for Thermal Insulation and Packaging Applications<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Olivia Lee<\/strong> (student), Ryan Bourque, David J. Neivandt<br>Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine, <a href=\"mailto:olivia.lee@maine.edu\">olivia.lee@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:ryan.bourque@maine.edu\">ryan.bourque@maine.edu<\/a>, david.neivandt@maine.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam, is a non-biodegradable, petroleum derived product widely used for thermal insulation and impact absorption in packaging applications. EPS is composed of 95-98 percent air and is only recyclable through specialist facilities although recycling is not considered profitable due to high transportation costs. EPS often ends up in landfills and\/or the terrestrial and marine environments where it fragments into smaller pieces, making it easier for animals to ingest. In 2011, the Neivandt Group at the University of Maine developed a biodegradable golf ball comprised of lobster shell and a natural binder, US Patent 10,065,080. Preliminary tests revealed that the composite could be foamed making it a potential substitute for EPS if the thermal, mechanical and physical properties could be adjusted appropriately. The present work has developed a means of mechanically foaming the composite resulting in materials with densities ranging from 0.010-0.058 g\/mL. The thermal conductivity values for varying compositions of the foamed product range from 0.034-0.039 W\/m*K which are within the targeted range of 0.030-0.040 W\/m*K for EPS, indicating insulation properties comparable to EPS. Impact testing for different compositions of the foamed composite gave values ranging from 0.49-5.70 J\/m which some compositions are greater than measured Styrofoam products which had values of 1.67 J\/m. Preliminary water dissolution tests revealed signs of significant degradation of the sample over a 10-day period. Taken together, the present work indicates that the foamed lobster shell composites represent a biodegradable and environmentally benign potential replacement for EPS.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_49510e-b1 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_49510e-b1 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_49510e-b1\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p27\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>27. Quantifying the Extent of Coastal Stabilization Along the Casco Bay Using Archived NRPA Permits and Satellite Imagery<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Marisa N. Monroe<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup> (student), Nathan P. Robbins<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. University of Maine, <a href=\"mailto:marisa.monroe@maine.edu\">marisa.monroe@maine.edu<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. Maine Department of Environmental Protection, nathan.p.robbins@maine.gov<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) handles permit requests for coastal shoreline stabilization projects, either through a Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA) Permit or a Permit by Rule (PBR) submitted by the landowner. Approved permits are recorded as a point location within a Geographic Information System (GIS) data layer; however, no measurement of linear feet of stabilization is included in that record. We used archived permit information to a.) map linear feet of stabilization on a GIS layer; and b.) record length and height of stabilizations and square feet of coastal wetland alteration for permits in the Casco Bay. In total, archived permits accounted for 40,743 ft (7.7 miles) of coastal stabilization. Because other stabilizations were clear from satellite imagery not included in the aforementioned mapping, we created a second GIS layer of coastal stabilizations apparent only from satellite imagery. Our main conclusion is that known, permitted stabilization projects in the Casco Bay make up less than half of existing coastal stabilizations. This information will support efforts in Maine to better understand the extent of coastal stabilization and to consider the use of nature-based designs, or Living Shorelines, as an opportunity to provide protection while minimizing the cumulative impacts of armoring on protected natural resources.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_802318-b1 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_802318-b1 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_802318-b1\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p28\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>28. Development and Characterization of Seaweed-Derived Flexible Thin Films and Coated Paper for Food Packaging Applications<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Sanjana Mutyapu<\/strong><sup>1 <\/sup>(student), Doug Bousfield<sup>1<\/sup>, Colleen Walker<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. Dept. of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering University of Maine, <a href=\"mailto:sanjana.mutyapu@maine.edu\">sanjana.mutyapu@maine.edu<\/a>, bousfld@maine.edu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. Process Development Center, <a href=\"mailto:colleen.walker@maine.edu\">colleen.walker@maine.edu<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Majority of the solid marine litter is Single-Use Packaging. Paper is an alternative packaging material that is biodegradable and recyclable, but it lacks crucial barrier properties required for food preservation. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extensively used as paper coatings due to their exceptional barrier properties. These are attributed to their strong chemical bonds which would also translate to poor biodegradability. Traditional plastic films, such as polyethylene (PE), used in paper packaging are difficult to recycle. These films often remain in landfills after the paper decomposes. Seaweeds have emerged as a promising substitute.<br><br>In this study, Seaweed (kappaphycus alvarezii) powder has been used as it known for its high polysaccharide content. Mixed with glycerol as a plasticizer, it forms a viscous gel when dissolved in water around 80\u201a\u00d1\u00c9. This is cast on a plastic tray and dried overnight. Tensile tests showed good tensile strength of 0.6 MPa and 50% Elongation at break. Seaweed gel applied to paperboard gave excellent oil and grease resistant properties as the kit test value increased to 12 at 12 g\/m2 of coat weight&nbsp; and the water vapor transmission rate decreased from 425 g\/m2day to 330 g\/m2 day. Since seaweed is inherently hydrophilic in nature, hydrophobic agents were used to improve the moisture barrier properties. SEM images and Gurley Air permeability test showed that a continuous coating surface is formed with low air permeability. This work has the potential to sustainably produce food packaging materials using simple and green processes.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_c04481-f8 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_c04481-f8 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_c04481-f8\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p29\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>29. COPRI at UMaine: Coastal Research for a Sustainable Future<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Vanessa Quintana<\/strong><sup>1,2,3,4 <\/sup>(student), Taylor Bailey Spencer<sup>1<\/sup>, Cristian Rojas<sup>1<\/sup>, Nalika Lakmali<sup>1<\/sup>, Nicholas Cyr<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. University of Maine, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, <a href=\"mailto:vanessa.mahan@maine.edu\">vanessa.mahan@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:taylor.l.bailey@maine.edu\">taylor.l.bailey@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:cristian.rojas@maine.edu\">cristian.rojas@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:nalika.lakmali@maine.edu\">nalika.lakmali@maine.edu<\/a>, nicolas.cyr@maine.edu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. University of Maine, Department of Marine Sciences,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3. Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4. US Army Corps of Engineers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute (COPRI) at the University of Maine is a cohort of graduate students conducting novel research on topics related to sustainable coastal engineering design solutions, estuarine water quality, and ecological habitat modeling nearshore. Our research collectively aims to have implications and applications for coastal communities in Maine and worldwide. General topics include nature-based design solutions for coastal hazards, investigations of water quality to aid in decision support surrounding aquaculture and fisheries management, estuarine water processes modeling, and harmful algae blooms. Current research utilizes a variety of methods from numerical simulations to experimental and field observations, which focus on: 1) understanding circulation patterns for better prediction of floating material transport; 2) understanding the impact of large tidal range over estuarine circulation; 3) understanding the impacts of tidal asymmetry and river discharge for contaminated-material transport; 4) investigating storm surge dynamics and propagation in macro-tidal environments; 5) and examining front-wave interactions at the mouth of an estuary. The findings of these research projects aim to support decision-makers, numerical modelers, water quality managers, and coastal development planners in their actions toward shaping sustainable and thriving coastal environments and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_8dd266-55 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_8dd266-55 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_8dd266-55\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p30\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>30. Comparing Microbial Communities in Restricted and Unrestricted Marsh Habitats<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Heather Richard<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup> (student), Jean MacRae<sup>1<\/sup>, Tomoko Komada<sup>2<\/sup>, Brian McGill<sup>1<\/sup>, Sue Ishaq<sup>1<\/sup>, Peter Avis<sup>1<\/sup>, Andrew Rominger<sup>1,3<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. University of Maine, <a href=\"mailto:heather.l.richard@maine.edu\">heather.l.richard@maine.edu<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. San Francisco State University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3. University of Hawaii<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Salt marshes are vegetated habitats which have the potential to store concentrated amounts of carbon. The management and preservation of these ecosystems should be informed by how carbon cycling within these ecosystems is affected by human activities. We sampled 7 marsh locations in Maine and compared microbial communities above and below tidal restrictions and along creeks with and without restrictions. We assessed the various ways microbial composition differed based on marsh elevation, soil depth and location relative to a restriction in present. We tested the hypothesis that the more restricted a tidal creek is, the more environmental and microbial community varies between upstream and downstream habitats. Preliminary results show that while clear differences between upstream and downstream habitats were less evident than expected, individual marsh locations showed unique communities which provided insight into dominant biogeochemical processes likely occurring. The soils samples from shallow low marsh habitats showed the greatest effect of marsh site. The results of this study will hopefully inform future work seeking useful genetic markers to better understand salt marsh functioning and conservation management.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_0e315e-22 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_0e315e-22 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_0e315e-22\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p31\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>31. Aligning Community Preferences with Policy Action: Examining Climate Resilience Priorities in Maine\u2019s Community Resilience Partnership<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Faizan Saif<\/strong> (student), Sharon J.W. Klein, Caroline Noblet, Kathleen Bell<br>University of Maine, faizan.saif@maine.edu, <a href=\"mailto:sharon.klein@maine.edu\">sharon.klein@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:caroline.noblet@maine.edu\">caroline.noblet@maine.edu<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:kathleen.bell@maine.edu\">kathleen.bell@maine.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Saif-Poster_sm.jpg\" alt=\"Faizan Saif with his winning graduate poster\" class=\"wp-image-34122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Saif-Poster_sm.jpg 700w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Saif-Poster_sm-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Saif-Poster_sm-105x74.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Saif-Poster_sm-317x224.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Saif-Poster_sm-423x299.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2025\/04\/Saif-Poster_sm-634x448.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Maine Community Resilience Partnership supports Maine municipalities and Wabanaki tribes in developing local climate resilience via community-driven initiatives. This poster examines how community preferences for climate resilience correlate with participation in the CRP and the goals communities specify in their government resolutions, required to join the CRP. This study uses survey responses and spatial data analysis to investigate the extent to which individual resident preferences align with the community goals specified in the CRP resolutions. It further examines socioeconomic factors, such as income and age, in shaping the community priorities expressed by individual survey respondents. Preliminary results indicate that CRP-participating communities are more likely to prioritize climate adaptation measures that align with their officially stated resolution goals, particularly in areas related to renewable energy adoption and infrastructure resilience. These findings suggest that formal participation in CRP helps communities translate policy commitments into action by aligning local planning with resident priorities. When community members are aware of their town\u2019s CRP goals, they may be more motivated to support and adopt resilience initiatives, such as renewable energy projects and climate adaptation measures. This study maps these trends and thereby adds to the understanding of how policy mechanisms translate into community action across the wide geography of Maine. The findings furnish policymakers, municipal leaders, and climate advocates with valuable insights into improving climate resilience strategies at the municipal level.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_1b2519-d2 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_1b2519-d2 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_1b2519-d2\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p32\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>32. Impacts of High-Frequency, Short-Duration Rainfall Events on Bacterial Pollution in Frenchman Bay, Maine<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Taylor Bailey Spencer<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup> (student), Lauren Ross<sup>1<\/sup>, Sean Smith<sup>2,3,4<\/sup>, Bea Van Dam<sup>2<\/sup>, Sohaib Alahmed<sup>5<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. University of Maine, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, taylor.l.bailey@maine.edu, lauren.ross1@maine.edu&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. University of Maine, School of Earth and Climate Sciences, bea.vandam@maine.edu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3. Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4. Darling Marine Center, sean.m.smith@maine.edu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5. Halff Associates, <a href=\"mailto:sohaib.alahmed@maine.edu\">sohaib.alahmed@maine.edu<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Land-based runoff induced by precipitation events can be a significant source of bacterial contamination in coastal waters. Rising concerns regarding water quality in estuaries are warranted due to the expectation that climate change will exacerbate short-scale, episodic precipitation events, increasing both rainfall intensity and frequency, thereby enhancing pollutant runoff. Considering these factors, there is increasing need to understand how rainfall over a watershed translates to streamflow which ultimately enters estuaries during short-duration, high-intensity (2\u201d of precipitation in 24h) storm events. Further, understanding the spatial extent of the polluted freshwater after the rainfall event is vital for effective management decisions surrounding aquaculture and shellfish harvesting in affected estuaries. This stakeholder-driven research aims to provide science-based evidence to inform emergency closures due to 2\u201d rainfall events in Frenchman Bay, Maine, in active regions for shellfish harvesting and aquaculture. Using hydrologic modeling, this work quantifies the streamflow response to idealized, simulated 2\u201d rainfall events for eight different streams entering three different estuaries in the Frenchman Bay area. From the hydrographs produced by this modeling, \u201cworst-case scenario\u201d storm bacterial loads are estimated for each of the estuaries. The hydrographs are then used to force the streamflow for idealized simulations with a three-dimensional, hydrodynamic model to assess the spatial extent of the polluted freshwater in the three estuaries in the days following the event. Preliminary results suggest that under a \u201cworst-case scenario,\u201d some estuarine regions remain affected compared to nominal conditions for longer than one week.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_250e42-21 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_250e42-21 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_250e42-21\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p33\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>33. Investigating Salt Marsh History, Morphology, and Colonial Impacts Through Sedimentary Reconstructions&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Phoenix Susak<\/strong> (student), Jon Woodruff, Dana MacDonald, Mark Leckie, Molly Autery<br>University of Massachusetts-Amherst, psusak@umass.edu, <a href=\"mailto:woodruff@umass.edu\">woodruff@umass.edu<\/a>, dmacdonald@admin.umass.edu, <a href=\"mailto:leckie@umass.edu\">leckie@umass.edu<\/a>, mautery@umass.edu&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This research explores the long-term impacts of colonial-era modifications on the Cousins River in Yarmouth, Maine. Due to intricate levying systems implemented by early agricultural practices, the marsh remains flooded for prolonged periods following high tide, leading to an increased loss of key habitat. I hypothesize that low-marsh environments were more extensive prior to colonial activities, while the widespread high-marsh platform (and pooling) seen today is a legacy artifact of early colonial agricultural engineering.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paleo-analysis on sediment cores collected in the Cousins river salt marsh elucidate environmental change through loss on ignition, fossilized pollen and forams, stratigraphic, and isotopic analysis. Key changes in biodiversity delineate periods of Indigenous settlement, colonization, and agricultural evolution. Coprophilous spores are utilized as an indicator of livestock presence on the marsh and the coinciding development of marsh modification through levees and dikes. Marsh evolution from pre-colonization to present day is highlighted by transitions in pollen concentrations of Spartina alterniflora (a low elevation species) to Spartina patens (a higher elevation species). Sedimentation rates calculated through isotopic and stratigraphic analysis reveal 275 years of accumulation trends. Pollen concentrations of Amaranthaceae salicorniaceae provide insight as to when prolonged flooding in the high-marsh began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The legacy of early colonial agricultural modifications on the Cousins River salt marsh result in loss of biomass production, sedimentation and habitat through sustained flooding. Signals of healthy marsh ecosystems have been generated to inform conservation and restoration efforts on the Cousins River.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_c2c5f4-dc .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_c2c5f4-dc .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_c2c5f4-dc\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Professional Posters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p34\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>34. PFAS in Maine: A New Website to Share PFAS Research Efforts, News, Publications, and Resources.&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Jane Disney<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup>, Ashley Taylor<sup>1<\/sup>, L\u00e9o Charbonneau<sup>1,2<\/sup>, Brendan Lewis<sup>1,2<\/sup>, Cait Bailey<sup>1<\/sup>, Caitlin Oliver-Olsen<sup>1<\/sup>, and Richard Hilliard<sup>1<\/sup>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. MDI Biological Laboratory, jdisney@mdibl.org&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. College of the Atlantic&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or \u201cforever chemicals\u201d are soil, surface water, and groundwater contaminants found in many areas of the U.S. and around the world. They are used in various consumer products, such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpeting, and floor waxes. In a nationwide study of private and public drinking water sources, at least one forever chemical was found in 45% of samples. These chemicals are known to adversely affect human health and cause harm to various types of ecosystems. In Maine, PFAS were discovered in agricultural areas where wastewater sludge was used as fertilizer in pastures and fields. Subsequently, PFAS were found in nearby wells, waterways, and wildlife. In 2022, all Maine schools and daycares were required to test drinking water for PFAS. Of 196 drinking water samples tested, 31% exceeded Maine and\/or EPA standards for public water systems. Researchers across Maine have been working to understand the extent of contamination in agricultural areas, rural communities, and schools, and the potential impacts on public health. There has been a lack of coordination of research efforts and limited sharing of information, approaches, and findings. The PFAS issue is a pressing one that requires the timely sharing of research efforts. The new website at pfasmaine.org is intended to share emerging data, highlight local findings, showcase outcomes, and spark new collaborations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_8a5dc3-39 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_8a5dc3-39 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_8a5dc3-39\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p35\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>35. The Loring Air Force Base RI \u2014 Maine\u2019s Largest PFAS Puzzle<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Maria Guerra, Lindsey Papa&nbsp;<\/strong><br>WSP, maria.guerra@wsp.com, <a href=\"mailto:lindsey.papa@wsp.com\">lindsey.papa@wsp.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Occupying over 9,000 acres in the Town of Limestone, Maine, the former Loring Air Force Base is the site of the largest PFAS investigation in the state. In 2013, following the process set by Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERLCA), the US Air Force (USAF) began investigating PFAS contamination on the base, resulting from the historic use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). In 2022, the USAF initiated a CERCLA Remedial Investigation with the support of WSP USA Inc. (WSP) to define the nature and extent of contamination and evaluate whether the presence of PFAS causes an unacceptable risk to human and ecological receptors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An effective investigation encompasses three major components: a site model that guides sample planning, field work that provides representation of the current state of the contamination, and data interpretation that informs future decisions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To understand the extent of PFAS contamination, WSP designed an investigation that entailed three years of field work and included over three thousand samples. Activities were executed across the installation in coordination with key stakeholders. Media types sampled included soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, stormwater, plant and animal tissue, to determine risk to human and ecological receptors. WSP will use this data in its final RI Report (expected late 2026) to answer the questions of what contaminants are present, where contamination is located, where and how the contamination may be moving, and what potential receptors might be impacted.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_1e4fc8-16 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_1e4fc8-16 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_1e4fc8-16\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p36\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>36. Climate Ready Casco Bay<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Kelly Rehberg, Sara Mills-Knapp, Gretchen Anderson<\/strong><br>Greater Portland Council of Governments, krehberg@gpcog.org, smills-knapp@gpcog.org, <a href=\"mailto:ganderson@gpcog.org\">ganderson@gpcog.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Climate Ready Casco Bay was developed as part of a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funded project to develop nature-based coastal resilience solutions across eleven Casco Bay communities. This project sought to leverage current resources, weave together existing data and climate assessment efforts, identify and fill gaps, seek public input, and develop strategies for protecting the region\u2019s coastline. It also serves as a resource for future efforts. The project provides a comprehensive, regional approach to climate resilience in preparation for climate risk and includes the work of multiple organizations and municipalities working on this issue in Casco Bay. This project \u2014 coordinated by Greater Portland Council of Governments and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in collaboration with community volunteers, municipal staff, elected officials and community leaders \u2014 aimed to achieve the following outcomes: 1) Increased municipal knowledge, capacity and plans to protect coastal habitats and infrastructure from climate impacts; 2) Identification of high priority coastal resilience projects; 3) A regional resilience plan identifying community and ecosystem resilience needs, and actions and best practices to mitigate flood risks; 4) Present conceptual renderings of nature-based solutions in action at three different property types across the region; 5) An online portal supplementing the resilience plan and making information accessible to the region.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_ed13d2-8c .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_ed13d2-8c .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_ed13d2-8c\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p37\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>37. Catalytic Approaches to Sustainable Petrochemical Alternatives<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Brandon Tate<\/strong><br>Bowdoin College, <a href=\"mailto:b.tate@bowdoin.edu\">b.tate@bowdoin.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our research focuses on the development of catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide, a reaction that produces renewable fuels and sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals. While traditional hydrogenation catalysts rely on precious metals to activate hydrogen through reduction-oxidation mechanisms, our approach leverages acid-base chemistry to split hydrogen into oppositely charged ions (H+ and H\u2013), enabling its reaction with CO2 to form formic acid\u2014an energy-dense fuel and a key feedstock for plastics, polymers, and pharmaceuticals. Ongoing experiments in our lab aim to elucidate the catalytic mechanism\u2014the step-by-step process by which our acid-base catalysts make and break chemical bonds. Our mechanistic experiments, based on studies of chemical kinetics and isotope-labeling, are consistent with a reaction pathway in which hydrogen is cleaved into H+ and H\u2013 ions, followed by the delivery of the hydride ion to the electrophilic carbon atom of CO2, resulting in an intermediate formate ion. Proton transfer then completes the conversion to formic acid while regenerating the catalyst. Mechanistic insights guide our design of more efficient catalysts. We hypothesize that catalysts with more sterically shielded active sites will be more resistant to degradation, resulting in improved catalytic efficiency. Future work will explore how steric effects influence the performance of our acid-base pairs as catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_0196bc-e2 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_0196bc-e2 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_0196bc-e2\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p38\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>38. Drinking Water Testing on Maine\u2019s Outer Islands Reveals Need for More Testing<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Morgan Karns<\/strong><sup>1,2, <\/sup>Douglas Cornman<sup>3<\/sup>, Ramsey Steiner<sup>4<\/sup>, Cait Bailey<sup>1<\/sup>, Amy Steckel<sup>1<\/sup>, Jane E. Disney<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. MDI Biological Laboratory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2. Island Institute, MKarns@islandinstitute.org<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3. Maine Seacoast Mission<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4. Dartmouth College<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>New England\u2019s bedrock has naturally occurring toxic metals that can leach into groundwater. In Maine, 56% of households are dependent on groundwater for drinking water and on Maine islands, this number increases to nearly 100%. Private water is not regulated; therefore, it is up to individuals to test and manage their drinking water. To address this issue, MDI Biological Laboratory (MDIBL) developed a citizen-science study of metal contaminants in drinking water and their impacts on health called Healthy Water, Healthy Aging (HWHA). The project has recently expanded to unbridged islands through a collaboration with Island Institute and Maine Seacoast Mission. To understand metal exposure over the lifetimes of participants, HWHA uses a combination of drinking water and health surveys and laboratory analysis of drinking water samples processed by Dartmouth Trace Element Analysis Core. We have reached ten new communities including the Cranberry Isles, Frenchboro, Swans Island, Isle au Haut, Matinicus, Monhegan, Peaks Island, and Vinalhaven. A total of 63 tests have been run with nearly 1\/2 (~43%) showing at least one element above the safe consumption level. To date, the top two contaminants found are manganese which is linked to developmental delays in children and iron which can lead to infrastructure damage. Arsenic, lead, and copper contamination have also been found in elevated levels in some island homes. This expansion of HWHA to unbridged islands has enabled us to provide equitable access to metals testing and holistically understand the water security of these communities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_dffc10-70 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33439_dffc10-70 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33439_dffc10-70\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p39\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>39. Building Collaborative Action through the Maine Community-Led Energy and Climate Action Network (MAINECAN)&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Cressica Brazier<\/strong>, <strong>Louise Chaplin<\/strong>, Sharon Klein, Jasmine Lamb, Katherine Simmons<br>University of Maine, <a href=\"mailto:cressica.brazier@maine.edu\">cressica.brazier@maine.edu<\/a>, louise.chaplin@maine.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maine is at a critical juncture for advancing energy and climate action, as federal support declines while climate impacts intensify. Ensuring that communities have access to affordable, clean energy and the resources needed to adapt to climate challenges requires strengthening local capacity and fostering in-state partnerships. The Maine Community-Led Energy and Climate Action Network (MAINECAN) was created to address these needs by bringing together a diverse coalition, including Wabanaki Nations, rural communities, the University of Maine, non-profit organizations, the private sector, philanthropy, and State partners. MAINECAN serves a dual purpose: as a statewide collaborative that facilitates knowledge-sharing and partnership-building among historically disconnected groups, and as a pilot study to identify barriers and opportunities in local energy and climate action. This poster will present key insights from the formation of MAINECAN, including the methods and early findings of a Social Network Analysis designed to map existing interactions and gaps within Maine\u2019s energy and climate landscape. Scoping meetings and interviews with communities and non-profits also guided the network formation process, revealing patterns in Maine communities\u2019 barriers and needs. Additionally, we will highlight the network\u2019s initial impacts, such as strengthened cross-sector partnerships and improved resource accessibility for communities. This work demonstrates the importance of local and regional coordination in sustaining progress despite shifting federal priorities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Conference Menu Poster Session Poster Competition Winners High School Winner1. Improving the Effectivity of Nitrate Removal in Biosand Filters Using N. oculataSofie Rueter (student), Bangor High School Honorable Mention2. Continuous High Salinity Killing Marsh GrassPhoebe Shank (student), Machias Memorial High School Undergraduate Winner13. Pigment Analysis Reveals that Picoeukaryotes Dominate Picoplankton Community in Harpswell Sound, Maine, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2387,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-33439","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"taxonomy_info":[],"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":{"display_name":"nhashey","author_link":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/author\/nhashey\/"},"comment_info":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2387"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33439"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33439\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34328,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33439\/revisions\/34328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}