New UMaine, Oak Ridge Lab partnership to help state’s forest economy, media report

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

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

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

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

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

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

January 19, 2017 Economic Development, Outreach, UMaine in the News

The Bangor Daily News, WABI (Channel 5), WVII (Channel 7), Mainebiz, Woodworking Network and The Free Press reported on newly announced federal funding that will help members of the Maine Forest Economy Growth Initiative begin implementing strategies to strengthen and diversify Maine’s valued forest economy. At a press conference in Passadumkeag, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Matt Erskine announced federal grants aimed at addressing critical needs, including $1 million to develop a long-term vision and strategic plan. Officials said the money will aid mill site redevelopment, broadband access for mill communities, small-business support and high school training programs, the BDN reported. Also announced was a commitment for the Tennessee-based Oak Ridge National Laboratory — the U.S. Department of Energy’s largest research center — to help researchers at the University of Maine tackle the future of bio-based materials, including nanocellular technology, biofuels and additive manufacturing, Erskine said. State, UMaine and Oak Ridge officials hope to meet to discuss next steps in a few weeks, according to the BDN. Jake Ward, UMaine’s vice president of innovation and economic development, and Stephen Shaler, director of UMaine’s School of Forest Resources, are members of the Maine Forest Economy Growth Initiative. “The university is a resource for the industry,” Shaler told WABI. “It’s a resource for the communities. But it will help us be a stronger partner and provide that support.” Two other members of the initiative also wrote an opinion piece for the BDN titled, “It’s time for Maine’s forest products industry to reinvent itself. Here’s how.”