Vetelino Reaches out with Sensors!
Contact: David Munson (207) 581-3777
Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to work with Electrical and Computer Engineering professor John Vetelino knows that “Vet” is a man on a mission. Exceptionally focused and decidedly direct, Vetelino discovers a need, establishes a goal, takes aim, and fires — and it’s a rare target that escapes his carefully engineered assault. Known around the globe as one of the leading researchers in the cutting-edge field of sensors technology, he is a world-renowned scientist and a UMaine phenomenon — having stalked the halls in Orono for more than 35 years.
Never one to rest on his laurels, Vetelino continues to pursue a vigorous program of teaching and research, and is currently making the most of more than $4 million in grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF). On a quest to further UMaine’s reputation as a leader in engineering and science research, Vetelino’s programs are bringing the country’s best and brightest young engineers and scientists to UMaine, and making the most of their talents both in the lab and in secondary school classrooms across the state.
Vetelino sees a healthy climate for engineering and science research as the best environment for economic success in the state.
“When you look at the economic condition of Maine, you realize that something needs to be done,” said Vetelino. “By making the university a rallying spot for engineers and scientists, and by educating and motivating students in middle school and high school to become engineers or scientists, we can incubate small business, strengthen the state, and reverse the so-called “brain drain” that is going on.”
In addition to various other research projects Vetelino is pursuing at UMaine’s Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology (LASST), he is the guiding force behind several interconnected programs funded by the NSF. Two such programs, GK-12 Sensors! and RET Sensors!, work together to inspire Maine’s middle school and high school students to pursue careers in science and engineering. The GK-12 program connects PhD students in engineering and science with public school teachers in classrooms throughout Maine. GK-12 fellows learn by doing, helping to integrate sensors research into the existing curriculum.
RET, also known as Research Experience for Teachers, brings secondary school teachers on campus during the summer to learn about sensors by carrying out research projects related to their own areas of interest. Together, the programs put cutting-edge sensor research into the hands of high school and middle school students in Maine.
Another of Vetelino’s recently funded sensors projects, the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates Program, brings high-achieving engineering undergrads from across the country to the LASST facility over the summer to share ideas and conduct research. NSF has provided more than $2 million for these and other student research programs, giving student participants the opportunity to turn their classroom knowledge into real research experience.
Efforts are currently underway to make sponsorship of the GK-12 Sensors! a line item in the Maine state budget, helping to ensure ongoing funding for the program. In the meantime, Vetelino will continue to push forward with a growing list of engineering and science programs at UMaine. He wouldn’t have it any other way.